This month, Saudi Arabia showed once again its dedication to creating a more inclusive society, this time with the inauguration of a beach exclusively for people with special needs. According to Saudi Gazette, the beach, which is located on Al-Murjan Island, was launched by the Emir of Jazan Prince Muhammad Bin Nasser and dedicated by the Border Guards. In attendance at the landmark occasion was Border Guard Commander in Jazan Maj. Gen. Mahia bin Attallah Al-Otaibi and Director of the Search, Rescue and Safety Department of the Border Guards Maj. Gen. Naji Al-Juhan, as well as a number of other senior officials.
Inauguration Ceremony
This first-of-its-kind beach is part of CSR initiatives implemented by the Saudi Border Guards to serve those in need, and is seen as part of Saudi Arabia’s greater efforts to support and provide care for people with special needs, in line with Vision 2030. Indeed, under the guidance of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, Saudi Arabia has been working towards realizing the main objectives of Vision 2030, a national strategy to create a vibrant society and a strong economy, with the intent to also provide every Saudi citizen, including those with special needs, with opportunities to excel and succeed, ultimately ensuring their independence and integration as effective members of society.
Al Marjan Island, Saudi Arabia
In June 2018, for instance, Dr. Tamadur Bint Yousef Al-Rammah, Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Development, revealed that Saudi Arabia was devising a national strategy featuring 23 initiatives designed to serve and take care of people with disabilities. She also went on to explain that the focus on people with special needs has been a priority for Saudi Arabia since 2000, when the Disability Law was established to guarantee the rights of persons with disabilities, including protection, care, and rehabilitation.
Dr. Tamadur
Speaking at the 11th Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities at the United Nations (UN) headquarters, Dr. Al-Rammah said, “Saudi Arabia has established a special commission to take care of the affairs of the people with special needs as an umbrella and reference body to put the regulations, legislations and special policies pertaining to them. The Kingdom also started implementing working plans for their empowerment as well as for enhancing awareness about their causes and providing support and consultancy for them.”
