Shumool Training: Driving Inclusion in Hospitality
The Butterfly, in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT), proudly continues the Shumool Training sessions on Enhancing Customer Experience and Accessibility, now in their second year.
Hosted at the Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi on 1, 16, and 30 September, the sessions brought together over 70 hospitality professionals — from front desk to guest relations — to strengthen skills in accessibility, disability awareness, and inclusive communication.
Facilitated by Mishiel Ayub (Project Manager) and Chris C. Dimal (Communications Associate), the training combined real-world scenarios, interactive activities, and a showcase of assistive technologies, ensuring participants left with practical, impactful insights.
With a 97.6% satisfaction rate, the program continues to prove its value in shaping inclusive guest experiences. Shumool Training sessions will carry on across Abu Dhabi from October through November.
Attendees holding signs related to the Shumool Training Session with Marilena, Mishiel and Chris of The Butterfly at the 1 September Shumool Training Session in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
An event for growth and learning: APAC Conference Singapore
The Butterfly was delighted to participate in the ILO Global Business and Disability Network 2nd Asia and the Pacific Regional Conference “Catalyst for Change: Disability-Inclusive Business in APAC”, which took place on 17th September 2025 at the Enabling Village in Singapore. It was a great opportunity to exchange insights, learning some best practices adopted around the world and sharing our path breaking work through The Butterfly’s Inclusive Employment Ecosystem (IEE).
The conference was indeed a major learning experience, as we got to know how when all stakeholders, from public to private work together, this results in substantial impact, with the likes of the Enabling Village (where the conference was held) to SG Enable’s partnership with the Ministry of Law being great examples.
The conference was also a great opportunity to make vital connections and even continue to meet valuable collaborators across the world, particularly the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and Zero Project. We are thankful for the opportunity, and we look forward to welcoming the international inclusion community to the Arab States Conference in 2026.
Marilena posing with various attendees at the UN ILO GBDN APAC Conference in Singapore.
Kicking Off Year 4 with the September IEE Workshop
We were delighted to officially launch Year 4 of the Inclusive Employment Ecosystem (IEE) with the September Workshop, held on the 25th at AtkinsRealis. This workshop marked several milestones and set a strong foundation for the year ahead.
The session opened with a warm welcome and an introduction from AtkinsRealis, who shared insights into their ongoing commitment to inclusion. We were also pleased to officially welcome our newest IEE member, Abu Dhabi Airports, with Duncan Lowe, Diversity Manager, presenting the organization’s vision and objectives within the ecosystem. He was accompanied by Ali Al Hosani, Head of Human Resources.
We then reflected on highlights from the past year, including e&’s achievements in advancing inclusion, demonstrating how the IEE has played a pivotal role in driving real impact. Building on these successes, we outlined the new initiatives that will support members in Year 4—such as the pilot launch of the IEE Inclusion Index and the introduction of dedicated Relationship Managers to provide tailored support and guidance.
The September workshop was an important step forward, bringing together achievements, new initiatives, and fresh collaborations. We are excited for what lies ahead and remain committed to growing together with one guiding principle at the heart of everything we do: inclusion.
The Butterfly Team and attendees holding signs and posing for a photo after the IEE Workshop in AtkinsRealis’ office in Dubai, UAE
A Guide on Obtaining POD Cards in Abu Dhabi
Obtaining a POD card is a vital tool to access reasonable adjustments and various key benefits for People of Determination across various authorities, sectors and organizations nationwide. This is one of the key aspects in ensuring an equitable world for everyone, PODs included.
There are various processes depending on the authority. Here, we are covering the procedure for obtaining a POD card for use within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, conferred by Zayed Higher Organisation (ZHO).
The latest steps for obtaining the card is as follows:
- If not already done, obtain a medical report from a government entity/other approved entity (e.g. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi). This has to be less than a year old.
- Sign in using UAE Pass. Sign up for UAE pass if you do not have an account already.
- Fill in the information, including type of disability.
- Upload the medical report and a passport size photograph.
- Submit the form.
- Wait to receive the POD E-Card.
W3C website