Media Centre

King Abdullah Economic City, December 1^st, 2016 – King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) will be hosting a recreational and educational festival on the occasion of International Disability Day in cooperation with the Disabled Children’s Association in Makkah under the title “Let’s Live Today”. The event will be held on Friday, December 2^nd, in Juman Park at Bay La Sun district in KAEC, from 3:00pm-9:00pm.

“Our participation in the International Disability Day is part of KAEC’s commitment to actively supporting the development of all sectors of Saudi society, and empowering all individuals to better face life’s challenges, particularly those with special needs,” said Mr. Fahd Hamidaddin, Chief Commercial Officer in King Abdullah Economic City. “We pay full attention to integrating disabled individuals into society, and to raising public awareness of their needs and requirements, as part of KAEC’s social responsibility strategy.”

The festival includes educational programs, recreational activities and competitions to create awareness and learn more about rights and issues of people with special needs. The Disabled Children’s Association of Makkah will be organizing the festival in cooperation with a number of educational, recreational and sports centers, alongside various entities concerned with the care, training and rehabilitation of children with disabilities including the “Marfa” Foundation. In addition, the festival is expected to host around 1,000 children (males and females) between the ages of 2 and 12, along with a number of Saudi sport, artist and social celebrities.

“This festival “Let’s Live Today” is part of the Association’s program aimed at offering educational, medical and rehabilitative services to help children with special needs to overcome obstacles and become productive members of the community.” said Ms. Sulaf Muhammed Hijazi, Director of Disabled Children’s Association in Makkah. “The festival is one of the most important annual events that the Disabled Children’s Association organizes. Through it we are sending a message to the world that those with special needs are capable of giving, excelling and becoming productive individuals when two essential elements are provided: the right environment and the appropriate circumstances, both of which are found in King Abdullah Economic City.”

Children will draw pictures and paintings alongside 17 artists from the Association of Arts and Culture in Makkah. In addition, a mural will be painted by the disabled children under the supervision of the famous artist and writer AbdulAzeem Muhammed Al Damen, with the title “Love and Peace.”