People of Determination create lasting memories at Dubai Club
- Last updated: July 29, 2026 | 12:34
Gulf Today, Staff Reporter
Every summer, 14-year-old Abdullah Ahmed eagerly counts down the days until the school holidays — not for a family vacation, but to return to the Dubai Club for People of Determination's Summer Programme.
For the teenager, the annual programme is much more than a holiday activity. It is where he reconnects with friends, discovers new talents, and creates lasting memories. Now attending for the fourth consecutive year, Abdullah still cherishes winning last year's photography competition.
"This year, we have more activities and recreational trips. I enjoyed going to Play DXB and the Sharjah Aquarium and Maritime Museum. It was a great experience. I wait every year to be part of the Summer Activities," he said.
His enthusiasm is shared by 13-year-old Mohamed Walid, who first joined the programme in 2021.
"I have many friends here and every year I learn something new. This year, I especially enjoyed watering the plants, calligraphy and painting," Mohamed said.
Stories like Abdullah's and Mohamed's are exactly what the Summer Programme was created to achieve.
What began as a seasonal initiative has, over the past decade, evolved into one of the UAE's leading platforms for empowering People of Determination — helping hundreds of participants build confidence, develop life skills and prepare for the future through meaningful experiences.
Now celebrating its 10th edition, the programme welcomed more than 250 participants, supported by over 40 government entities, private-sector organisations and community partners. Its biggest edition to date featured more than 120 activities and workshops alongside 42 recreational trips, providing opportunities to develop life skills, confidence and independence in a safe and inclusive environment.
Designed around sports, arts, culture, recreation and life-skills training, the programme also supports the UAE's Year of the Family, encouraging parents to take an active role in their children's learning journey.
Creating opportunities for the future
For Fawzia Al Balooshi, Chair of the Summer Programme Organising Committee, the programme's greatest achievement is not measured by the number of activities it offers, but by the lasting impact it has on participants.
"Over the past decade, we have witnessed our Summer Programme evolve into much more than a seasonal initiative. It has become a platform that empowers People of Determination to discover their abilities, build confidence and develop the life skills they need to become active and independent members of society."
She believes the programme has continued to evolve by responding to the changing aspirations of participants and their families.
“Every year we listen, learn and innovate. We have introduced new activities, expanded our partnerships and created more opportunities for participants to learn through experience. The addition of 42 recreational trips this year reflects our commitment to providing real-world experiences that encourage social interaction, independence and lifelong learning.”
The programme's continued growth has been made possible through the support of more than 40 partners, who contribute workshops, educational sessions, recreational activities and community initiatives.
Shared responsibility
“Empowering People of Determination is a shared responsibility,” Al Balooshi said.
“Together with our partners, we are creating opportunities that help build brighter futures and a more inclusive society."
Parents continue to praise the programme's welcoming environment, diverse activities and positive impact, noting improvements in their children's confidence, independence, and social skills.
As the Summer Programme celebrates its 10th anniversary, it continues to prove that its impact extends far beyond the school holidays — creating opportunities, inspiring confidence and helping shape a brighter future for People of Determination.