Dubai: The Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with 'P.O.D.FEST Global' to launch a global-scale festival dedicated to celebrating and empowering People of Determination, reinforcing Dubai's commitment to inclusive and sustainable social development.
According to Emirates News Agency, the partnership aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, initiated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. This agenda prioritizes building a more cohesive, inclusive, and future-ready society. The collaboration supports national efforts to enable People of Determination to fully participate in economic and social life while enhancing their quality of life through practical and scalable platforms.
The initiative also coincides with the Year of Family, emphasizing the importance of fostering a supportive social ecosystem that strengthens families and embeds inclusion and empowerment as foundational pillars of Dubai's development model.
Under the MoU, both parties will collaborate on the development and organization of 'P.O.D.FEST', a leading festival dedicated to showcasing the talents, stories, and achievements of People of Determination. The inaugural edition is scheduled for the first week of January 2027 in Dubai, with the venue to be announced later. The festival aims to translate the concept of inclusion into action by creating tangible pathways for employment, innovation, education, and access to assistive technologies.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Maitha Al Shamsi, CEO of the Community Empowerment Sector at CDA, and Nicholas Santonastasso, Co-Founder of P.O.D.FEST Global, alongside Co-founders Katie Bingle, Yohanes Zewdu, and Ratmir Rafikov.
Al Shamsi emphasized that the partnership reflects a commitment to advancing an inclusive society where People of Determination can reach their full potential. 'P.O.D.FEST' is envisioned as an integrated platform enabling meaningful participation across employment, innovation, and lifelong learning, aiming to generate sustainable social impact and strengthen Dubai's position as one of the world's most inclusive cities.
'P.O.D.FEST' will unite global brands, businesses, and community stakeholders to champion inclusive practices through various interactive zones. These include an Innovation Expo showcasing assistive technologies, an Employment Zone connecting job seekers with inclusive employers, an Education Zone for lifelong learning, an Adaptive Sports Arena, and a Talent Stage for creative expression.
A central component of the festival is its philanthropic initiative, which aims to donate assistive devices to People of Determination and pursue a new Guinness World Record, highlighting the festival's ambition for measurable and lasting impact.
Nicholas Santonastasso remarked that the collaboration with CDA reflects a shared belief in the potential of People of Determination to contribute meaningfully. Katie Bingle noted that the partnership offers a transformative experience that integrates empowerment, entertainment, and opportunity within a strong institutional framework.
Yohanes Zewdu described the partnership as a milestone for inclusive innovation in the region, highlighting its long-term impact beyond the festival. Ratmir Rafikov concluded that 'P.O.D.FEST' was founded on the principle of moving inclusion from dialogue to implementation, ensuring a sustainable ecosystem of opportunity.
Under the MoU, CDA will provide strategic oversight to align the festival with national policies and cultural values and support knowledge transfer and capacity-building initiatives in accessibility and inclusive event management. The collaboration intends to establish a long-term legacy embedding the principles of inclusion within Dubai's social fabric.