Dubai, November 5, 2015: Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation (MBRF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dubai Club for the Disabled to launch an initiative to translate the Paralympic Summer Games laws into Arabic. The initiative will enhance the participation of athletes with disabilities in world championship events and support coaches in the Arab region. 

The MoU was signed during a ceremony at the MBRF headquarters in Dubai attended by His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, Managing Director of MBRF, and Thani Juma Berregad, Chairman of the Dubai Club  for the Disabled and Majed Al-Osaimi, Executive Director of the club.

The initiative aims to translate the laws of 22 international disabilities sports federations into booklets and make the laws of Paralympic Summer Games available in Arabic language to sports entities and interested parties. The initiative will also strengthen the position of Arabic language in the international Paralympic Committee and its affiliated organisations, and also encourage more participation in Paralympic Summer Games from Arab communities.

Under the agreement, MBRF will translate the laws into booklets and uploaded them on the International Paralympic Committee website. The Foundation will also carry out the technical review, proofreading, design, art direction, and printing of the booklets.

HE Jamal bin Huwaireb said: “The partnership with Dubai Club for the Disabled comes within the framework of MBRF’s keen efforts to implement the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to support people with People with disabilities and provide them with all facilities to contribute to their integration with the rest of the society. The agreement also highlights MBRF’s efforts to launch projects that enhance the position of Arabic language and support Arabic content on the internet and throughout the Arab region, especially among people who are not fluent in English. In addition, it confirms MBRF’s commitment to its community role towards all segments of the society.”

H.E. Bin Huwaireb commended the role of Dubai Club for the Disabled in supporting disabilities sports and athletes and stressed the prospects of cooperation with the club in upcoming projects related to knowledge, development and training. He said the first stage of the translations will include 15 booklets will be ready by early next year.

Thani Juma Berregad said this cooperation confirms again that the UAE is a progressive country that creates opportunities for integration of efforts of all segments of the society. “This partnership will positively reflect on our cooperation with international federations, as this is the first time the international laws of Paralympic Summer Games have been translated to another language. The translation of the laws into Arabic is the first step in our formal accreditation,” Berregad said.

“Through the international institution, this project will serve all Arabs and will contribute to strengthening our relations with the countries around the world, especially the city of Dubai, which has become a model in the field of sports for People with disabilities,” he said.

He said the Dubai Club for the Disabled in collaboration with MBRF is keen to deliver copies of the booklets to the authorities concerned in Arab countries, where internet accessibility is difficult. The booklets will be updated on the website as an when any amendments take place in the international laws, he added.

The translation initiative targets Arab Paralympic Committee, sports organisations and national and Arab entities in the field of sports for people with disabilities. It is also aimed at Arab sporting clubs in disabilities category, and all those working in this area, including coaches, referees, classified players, teachers and administrators.