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In collaboration with the Zayed National Museum at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, a comprehensive and intensive training programme was recently launched, aiming to empower and train people of determination from the deaf category to provide guided tours that meet the highest international standards..
Bader Al Maskari and Shawq Al Maskari obtained the first official license of its kind to practice the profession of cultural and tourist guides in Abu Dhabi, making them the first tourist guides to provide field tours and workshops in sign language..
This programme, which was organised through joint cooperation between the Zayed Higher Organisation and the Museum, is part of the efforts of the two community entities to integrate people of determination into various sectors, in line with Abu Dhabi’s vision towards a more inclusive and empowered society..
The programme, which was launched in early 2024, included theoretical and practical training covering all aspects of cultural and tourist guidance work, from identifying the most prominent historical and cultural landmarks and sites in the emirate to developing their communication and customer service skills..
In this context, Ms. Samira Salem Al Tamimi, Head of Communications and Public Relations and General Coordinator of the Partnership between Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, and Zayed National Museum, said: “We are proud of this achievement, which is a milestone in the journey of empowering people of determination in various fields. Obtaining a tour guide license for people of determination from the deaf category is an embodiment of the spirit of will and challenge that they are characterized by, and it is evidence of our commitment at Zayed Higher Organization to provide them with all possible support to open new horizons in their practical and professional lives. We emphasize that this initiative comes within the organization’s strategy to provide equal opportunities for people of determination to be an active part of society, and to enhance their position in the labor market according to the highest international standards.
In this context, Amna Al Hammadi, Head of Public Engagement at Zayed National Museum, said: “This programme is part of the efforts of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum to promote inclusiveness and empower all members of society, regardless of their categories and segments, through the development of interactive initiatives and activities. With Bader and Shawk Al Maskari obtaining the first license to practice the profession of cultural and tourist guides, we are officially the first cultural institution to offer tours and workshops in sign language by people of determination from the deaf category. We congratulate them on this achievement and look forward to working with them soon.”.
The training programme focused on several main topics, most notably Abu Dhabi’s culture, rich heritage, ancient history and legacy, in addition to introducing them to key aspects of the life of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God bless his soul, his values and wisdom, and enhancing their knowledge of the customs and traditions of the United Arab Emirates..
The training also included field visits to the most important cultural and touristic landmarks in the emirate, such as Qasr Al Watan and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, in addition to introductory tours of sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The program included practical training in crowd management and dealing with emergency situations, in addition to developing the participants’ skills in giving presentations and communicating with visitors in a professional manner..
After successfully completing all stages of theoretical and practical training, Badr and Shawq Al Maskari succeeded in performing distinguished guided tours in front of a committee of specialized experts from the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the Zayed National Museum, and they passed all evaluations with distinction..
