Listen to the Autism Beat Gala Dinner at Atlantis - The Palm

Dubai, UAE, December 10, 2018:  Under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum, Child Early Intervention Medical Center and Child Learning and Enrichment Medical Center, in collaboration with the Emirates Autism Society presented ‘The Listen to the Autism Beat Gala Dinner’ at Atlantis-The Palm on Thursday 6th December 2018, hosted by international MC Enjy Kiwan.  The Event celebrated the achievements of distinguished individuals on the Autism Spectrum, who are doing their utmost to overcome challenges, and organizations who have left an influential mark in raising awareness of Autism and who have positively contributed to empowering individuals with Autism and integrating them into society.  

In his opening speech, HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum expressed his appreciation for the efforts exerted by Dr. Hibah Shata and Child Early Intervention Medical Center in spreading awareness.  He further expressed his pride in the efforts of the UAE government, its wise leadership, and the interest of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE on the vision for the UAE to be an inclusive society to ensure that children with determination obtain all their rights in this beloved country creating a better future for them.  

The Listen to the Autism Beat event included musical performances from talented children with Autism, including a piano performance by Sarah Qutob, a Drum Circle performed by the students of Maharat Learning Academy with Dubai Drums, and an orchestral performance presented by the Rolmatic Orchestra.  The evening ended with a special performance by the Artist Abu, who came all the way from Cairo for the event, and who is advocate for the cause.

Throughout the evening, individuals and organizations who have positively contributed to Autism Awareness were honored and presented awards, including; Government entities such as; Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Municipality, Knowledge and Human Development Authority, Community Development Authority, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Consulate and Dubai Healthcare City Authority . Corporates include; Coca Cola, Emirates NBD, Al Marai, IMG Worlds, Emirates Refreshments, Unikai, Careem.    

Dr. Hibah Shata, Managing Director of Child Early Intervention Medical Center and Child Learning and Enrichment Medical Center said, “This year has been a year of celebration, and what an amazing way to end the year by having a joyous and celebratory event to showcase the talents of children who have autism, and thank the individuals and organizations who support and advocate for them.  This year, we celebrated the tenth anniversary of Child Early Intervention Medical Center, which has integrated hundreds of students with special educational needs into mainstream school and received many awards of excellence. We have also celebrated one year since the establishment of Maharat Learning Center, and are celebrating the opening of our first branch in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh.”

She added, “We held this event to celebrate the success of the institutions that support us continuously, as well as the success of our talented children and our beloved UAE and its achievements during 47 years of excellence. It is our duty to focus on the positive and appreciate the efforts of our children, and support their parents to feel proud of their efforts, and today we highlight their abilities that distinguish them and give them confidence which makes us proud of their achievements.”