Yas Mall Becomes Region’s First Mall to Introduce the Sunflower Programme, Supporting Pod Customers With Hidden Needs

Yas Mall becomes the first retail destination in the region to meet the requirements of the global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme and achieve full membership
Delivered through collaboration between Aldar, Zayed Authority for People of Determination and Topland, embedding accessibility across operations and customer experience
100% of Yas Mall staff trained, with tenant rollout underway and wider deployment planned across Aldar’s portfolio
10,000 Sunflower lanyards, produced by People of Determination, will be distributed throughout Aldar’s assets for customer use, supporting long-term accessibility transformation

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 12 April 2026: Aldar has reached a significant milestone in advancing accessibility with Yas Mall becoming the first mall in the region to meet the requirements of the global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme, ensuring that visitors with non-visible disabilities can receive the additional support they may need.

The milestone reflects a strategic collaboration between Aldar, Zayed Authority for People of Determination, and Topland. Led locally by Zayed Authority for People of Determination as the enabling partner in the UAE and supported by Topland UK as the exclusive partner of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower in the Middle East (official accreditation body of the Sunflower lanyards), the partnership brings the globally recognised initiative to Yas Mall.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme is embedded across customer experience operations at Yas Mall with all customer-facing staff trained to identify the sunflower lanyard and use enhanced service protocols to provide the necessary support to customers. The initiative ensures a consistent and inclusive experience for all.

Full membership of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme requires meeting established international criteria, including comprehensive staff training and full operational integration. Yas Mall’s achievement demonstrates how accessibility can be embedded into operations, training, and customer engagement to deliver meaningful and lasting community impact for communities.

As part of this commitment, Aldar has commissioned 10,000 Sunflower lanyards, produced by People of Determination enrolled at Zayed Authority for People of Determination’s printing workshop, which will be introduced across its destinations, supporting the long-term integration of accessibility.

Yas Mall provides a strong platform to introduce and scale inclusive initiatives across Aldar’s destinations. This forms part of Aldar’s broader accessibility roadmap, with Yas Mall contributing to Yas Island’s commitment to becoming an Inclusive City and supporting the wider inclusion agenda led by the Department of Community Development.

Salwa Al Maflahi, Executive Director of Sustainability and Community Outreach of Aldar, said: “Introducing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme at Yas Mall marks an important step in our accessibility journey. It reflects our commitment to creating environments where everyone feels welcomed, understood, and supported. Through strategic partnerships with local and international organisations, we are embedding inclusive practices across our destinations and contributing to the UAE’s broader vision for accessibility and inclusion.”

His Excellency Abdulla Ismail Al Kamali, Executive Director for People of Determination Sector at the Zayed Authority for People of Determination, affirmed that the implementation of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Programme at Yas Mall represents a positive step that strengthens Abu Dhabi’s global leadership as an inclusive and disability-friendly city. He noted that the initiative reflects a developmental approach that places quality of life and human empowerment at the forefront of priorities.

His Excellency explained that the initiative demonstrates the Authority’s commitment to developing a sustainable ecosystem that raises awareness of hidden disabilities and provides inclusive environments that enable People of Determination to engage with confidence and independence. This, in turn, supports their full integration and active participation in society.

In this context, he added that the Zayed Authority for People of Determination is continuing to expand the initiative across the emirate in collaboration with strategic partners, reinforcing a more aware and inclusive community culture, and supporting national ambitions toward a more inclusive and sustainable society.

H.E. Abdulla Al Kamali also commended the partnership with Aldar Properties and Yas Mall, as well as the collaboration with Topland and international partners, emphasising that integrated efforts are key to achieving sustainable impact and strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a global model in empowering People of Determination.

Andy Faulkner, CEO of Topland Group, the exclusive Middle East partner for the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower: “We are proud to support Yas Mall in enhancing inclusivity through the launch of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, in partnership with the Zayed Authority for People of Determination. The Sunflower lanyards are exclusively manufactured in the region by People of Determination, reflecting a commitment to empowering their talents while creating a more inclusive experience for visitors with non-visible disabilities.”

Around one in six people globally live with a disability, the majority of which are non-visible. Initiatives such as the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme play an important role in fostering greater awareness and understanding in public environments. Through this, Aldar continues to advance more inclusive and accessible destinations and communities, aligned with national priorities and delivered in collaboration with key partners.

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