Majid Al Futtaim has unveiled its new initiative, the “Sunflower Program for Invisible Disabilities,” across several of its venues in the UAE. This initiative underscores the company’s commitment to providing inclusive experiences that prioritize customers and ensure easy access and mobility, aiming to create joyful moments for everyone, every day.
The launch of the “Sunflower Program for Invisible Disabilities” is an extension of Majid Al Futtaim’s broader sustainability strategy titled “Daring Today to Change Tomorrow,” which promotes principles of accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion across all group destinations. Through this program, visitors with invisible disabilities or those requiring specialized support will receive discreet assistance marked by the internationally recognized “Sunflower” symbol, allowing for a more inclusive and supportive experience within shopping centers, retail outlets, entertainment venues, hotels, and communities managed by Majid Al Futtaim.
This initiative is globally recognized and aims to assist individuals with invisible disabilities in communicating their need for additional support or understanding in a gentle manner. By wearing a green identification badge featuring the “Sunflower” symbol, individuals can easily express their specific needs.
In preparation for the program’s implementation, front-line teams at Carrefour, Ski Dubai, and VOX Cinemas received specialized training to recognize and appropriately respond to the “Sunflower” symbol, facilitating smoother experiences for visitors facing unnoticed challenges. Identification badges will be available at customer service desks, providing guests with a straightforward means to alert staff to their specific support needs, enhancing the safety and enjoyment of their visits.
Ahmad Jalloud Ismail, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Holding, stated, “Inclusion at Majid Al Futtaim is not just a principle but a promise we strive to fulfill, ensuring that everyone enjoys the experiences we offer through practical efforts towards inclusivity. We are proud to introduce the ‘Sunflower Program for Invisible Disabilities’ in several of our prominent destinations in the UAE, marking an important step in our journey to create environments where all our visitors feel valued and respected. Not all needs are visible, but every guest deserves to feel secure and cared for. By equipping our teams with the necessary tools and training, we ensure not only easy access and mobility but also a welcoming atmosphere for everyone who visits.”
Andy Faulkner, CEO of Topland, the program’s partner in the Middle East, remarked, “We are excited to welcome Majid Al Futtaim and its renowned destinations into the ‘Sunflower Program.’ This partnership demonstrates their commitment to facilitating inclusive access and enhancing the accessibility of their venues such as Carrefour, Ski Dubai, VOX Cinemas, and others. The teams at Majid Al Futtaim have taken significant steps to ensure every visitor, regardless of their abilities, feels welcomed, supported, and appreciated. It is inspiring to see the staff wholeheartedly embracing this initiative and contributing to creating an environment where everyone can enjoy their experience with confidence and joy. Joining this program is not just about providing support; it’s also a celebration of inclusion and making a real difference in people’s lives.”
Majid Al Futtaim continues to enhance accessibility and mobility across its destinations through strategic partnerships and inclusive designs. In collaboration with Dubai Municipality and its ‘Wusal’ initiative, the group has completed comprehensive accessibility audits at its major sites in line with the updated Dubai Building Code and the approved framework for the ‘Wusal’ initiative. These combined efforts enhance the group’s capability to support a diverse range of visitors, including people with disabilities, the elderly, and pregnant women.
In addition to infrastructure improvements, Majid Al Futtaim is committed to promoting inclusive programs in partnership with organizations such as the Special Olympics and Desert Group, which provide beneficial employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. These initiatives reflect the company’s dedication to building more inclusive communities and creating environments where everyone feels welcomed and supported.
<pThrough this initiative, Majid Al Futtaim continues its four-decade legacy of leading the way in creating accessible and inclusive environments, reflecting its steadfast vision of bringing joy to everyone, every day.
The “Sunflower Program” will be available and prominently featured across all of Majid Al Futtaim’s popular destinations in the UAE by the end of the month.