Al Jalila Foundation – the healthcare philanthropic organization leading Dubai Health’s giving mission is transforming support for people of determination through its Ta’alouf program. Established over 11 years ago, the Ta’alouf program is the foundation’s flagship education program that works with parents, educators, other caregivers, and the wider community to empower people of determination (POD) and support their inclusion in education and society through training workshops and activities. The program is generally delivered in Arabic and English and offered free of charge.

Launched in 2013, the Ta’alouf Parents Training Program has equipped parents and caretakers with the knowledge and skills to effectively respond to the POD’s needs. To date, the program has had 22 cohorts, with 1098 parents and caregivers graduating from the program, representing 36 nationalities residing in all seven Emirates. These parents care for children facing diverse challenges, including Down syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), mental delay, and others.

Ta’alouf’s second program is the Teachers Training Program, in which primary teachers and principals from public and private schools in the UAE are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to better understand each student’s individual learning needs and further broaden their understanding of inclusive education best practices. Launched in 2014, the program runs for one academic year, is fully sponsored by Al Jalila Foundation, and is delivered by Zayed University, one of the leading universities in the region. The course is also endorsed by the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

The curriculum has developed further over time, creating a significant impact on the lives of educators, parents, and above all – children of determination. To date, 680 teachers representing 46 nationalities from 70 public schools and 60 private schools have successfully graduated from the Teachers Training program.

Commenting on the program’s success, Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation said “The Ta’alouf program is rooted in the principles of inclusion, acceptance and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of people of determination. By empowering educators, parents and caregivers, we aim to inspire positive action, cultivate a culture of hope and improve their quality of life. We are also glad to see the program’s results providing a stable foundation for an inclusive society in the UAE.”

Fr. Suresh Kumar, Principal of St. Mary’s Catholic High School, Fujairah, has noticed a marked improvement in the school after sending teachers to the one-year program. He commented, “Through the Al Jalila Foundation’s Ta’alouf Teachers Training program, the teachers at St. Mary’s Catholic High School, Fujairah, have been able to adapt their approach to special education within their classrooms. The teachers have been able to assist in early identification and subsequently suggest and implement strategies to support these children to reach their highest potential. As a result, the school continually progresses towards the goal of being an inclusive learning environment. We are excited to continue our partnership with Al Jalila Foundation and increase our capacity for inclusion.”

‘Ta’alouf’ meaning ‘harmony’ in Arabic, encapsulates the spirit of togetherness with strategic partners, parents, educators, and the wider community to empower people of determination. The program’s success throughout the years has inspired the Al Jalila Foundation to examine further ways of enhancing and developing the potential of people of determination. Consequently, the Ta’alouf Talent Scout program was established in 2022 to empower people of determination with intellectual disabilities (such as Down syndrome, Autism and others) by nurturing their talents and strengths, and inspiring them to pursue meaningful life opportunities in education and society.

To date, 124 People of Determination have participated in different Ta’alouf events and initiatives. Additionally, to date, 512 initiatives have been implemented in private and government schools across the UAE to promote and support the inclusion of students of determination.

Dubai Health, the first integrated academic health system in Dubai, has announced the inauguration of the Center for Prenatal Pediatrics, supported by Al Tayer Group. Located at Latifa Hospital, the new Center will manage high-risk pregnancies and deliver specialized care and monitoring for expecting mothers.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by H.E. Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Chairperson of Al Jalila Foundation Board of Directors and Dubai Health Board Member, H.E. Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health, Dr. Muna Tahlak, Chief Medical Officer at Dubai Health and CEO of Latifa Hospital, and Mr. Ahmed Al Tayer, Director of Al Tayer Group, alongside several senior officials of both entities.

Al Tayer Group has generously contributed 4 million dirhams through Al Jalila Foundation, which leads the giving mission of Dubai Health to establish the Center in honor of Shaikha Abdulla bin Kalban. This contribution aims to bolster Dubai Health’s commitment to delivering patient-centered care through its integrated academic health system.

The new Center is equipped with advanced, high-precision technology to ensure comprehensive care for the most complex and sensitive cases. From pregnancy to childbirth, a multidisciplinary team of pediatric and obstetrics specialists provides continuous care and monitoring for both mother and child, aiming to minimize future health issues.

H.E. Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Chairperson of Al Jalila Foundation Board of Directors and Dubai Health Board Member, commended the inauguration of the Center, stating, “We are pleased to collaborate with Al Tayer Group, whose generous donations have been fundamental in opening the Center for Prenatal Pediatrics. Through this partnership, we aim to enhance the well-being of families and contribute to the overall health of the community, in alignment with Dubai Health’s commitment to elevate the standard of care advancing health for humanity.”

Ahmed Al Tayer, Director of Al Tayer Group, said: “As a family, we are privileged to have the opportunity to give back to the UAE, a nation that continues to invest significantly in its people. Prioritizing the wellbeing of future generations, world-class healthcare is a focal point for both Dubai and the UAE. We take pride in furthering the legacy outlined by the country’s visionary leadership.”

“In line with Al Tayer’s Philanthropic philosophy to focus and support initiatives related to medical advancement and children, we are happy to support this project by Latifa Hospital and Al Jalila Foundation. The inauguration of the Center for Prenatal Pediatrics at Latifa Hospital signifies an innovative new milestone in healthcare, redefining the benchmarks of pediatric and prenatal expertise in the region. We feel confident that under the Dubai Health leadership team, the Center will not only give the patients unparalleled care but will also set the platform of future collaborative research and development in the field of prenatal pediatrics”.

Dr. Muna Tahlak, Chief Medical Officer at Dubai Health and CEO of Latifa Hospital, said, “Equipped with the latest technology and expertise, the Center for Prenatal Pediatrics serves as a proactive response to the escalating demand for advanced prenatal care. The Center is a valuable addition to our academic health system, providing specialized care for expectant mothers and their children facing critical conditions. Moreover, the Center holds tremendous potential to emerge as a hub for discovery, fostering research and innovation specifically focused on advancing prenatal care and managing these challenging cases.”

The Center for Prenatal Pediatrics will begin receiving cases on 12 February 2024.