DUBAI, 14 March 2006 — A three-year-old Qatari boy with no legs, Ghanem, moved the hearts of many who visited the Dubai Municipality stall at the fifth Dubai International Rehabilitation Forum at the Dubai International Exhibition Center last week.
“Though he is disabled, Ghanem has the power to inspire everybody with his athletic confidence,” said Muna Ali ibn Hareb, head of corporate marketing and exhibitions in the Public Relations Department of Dubai Municipality.
“He was there for the three days of the exhibition with his mother who was happily sharing with visitors her experiences with her son,” said Muna. “Ghanem has literally stolen the hearts of all of us. He can walk on his hands, swim and do many other things despite his disability. With his confidence, he has proved that disability does not have to be a hindrance,” she said.
“His mother Umm Ghanem, who is also involved with many charity organizations, has written a few books to tell her son’s story. With him at our stall we wanted to convey a message of hope to other disabled people,” said Muna.
She said the municipality had been giving importance to people with special needs, considering them an integral part of society. “The number of people with special needs employed with Dubai Municipality has risen to 27, including four women,” said Muna. “Dubai Municipality is providing them with equal opportunities in work along with other sections of society. People with special needs have been enjoying a great deal of encouragement from the leadership of the municipality, which has appointed them to different departments,” she said.
“The municipality has provided special facilities in its building for the handicapped employees. In order to make easy entries and exits for special needs people who come on wheel chairs, car parking is made available near the main entrance. The municipality has also provided them with special facilities such as separate toilets and parking area,” said Muna.
“In order to boost the morale of the disabled our stall exhibited posters of famous handicapped people, who included the great musician Beethoven, who was deaf; Helen Keller, the pioneer in championing the cause of the blind ; and Dr. Taha Hussain, the Arabic literary giant who was also blind.”
She continued, “In order to build up the confidence of the disabled, we had very simple welcoming messages written on posters.”
Muna said the municipality’s participation was memorable on many counts. “First of all, we could convey the message of confidence to the disabled. We are also proud to present Ghanem as a symbol of confidence. In addition to that, we received a few CVs from qualified disabled people, who were interested in getting jobs with the municipality.”
