Majid Al Futtaim, a leading shopping mall, communities, retail, and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, has launched the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program across its physical locations, strengthening its commitment to inclusive, accessible, and customer-centric experiences to create great moments for everyone, everyday.
The introduction of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program builds on Majid Al Futtaim’s broader Dare Today, Change Tomorrow sustainability strategy, which champions accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion across all its assets. As part of this initiative, visitors to Majid Al Futtaim’s shopping malls, retail stores, entertainment venues, hotels, and communities will now have access to practical support through the internationally recognised Sunflower symbol, ensuring a more inclusive and supportive experience for People of Determination, including those with non-visible conditions or unique support needs .
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program is a globally recognised initiative that supports people with non-visible disabilities indicate that they may require additional support, time, or understanding. By choosing to wear a green lanyard or badge adorned with the Sunflower emblem, individuals can signal their needs in a simple way.
From Carrefour to Ski Dubai to VOX Cinemas, frontline teams have been specially trained to recognise and respond to the Sunflower symbol, making everyday moments easier for guests who often face unseen challenges. Sunflower lanyards will be available at customer service desks, giving visitors an easy way to let staff know when support might make their visit smoother, safer, or more enjoyable.Ahmed Galal Ismail, Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim Holding, said:
“At Majid Al Futtaim, inclusion is not just a principle, it’s a promise. We are proud to launch the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program across our UAE assets, as a meaningful step forward in our journey to create environments where every individual feels recognised, respected, and empowered. Not all needs are visible, but every guest deserves to feel confident and cared for. By equipping our teams with the right tools and training, we’re ensuring our destinations are not only accessible, but truly welcoming places where empathy leads the way and everyone can fully enjoy their experience, every time they visit.”
The introduction of the Sunflower program builds on Majid Al Futtaim’s wider “Dare Today, Change Tomorrow” sustainability strategy, which champions accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion across all assets. In partnership with Dubai Municipality and its Wosool initiative - which certifies buildings as friendly for people of determination - the Group has already conducted comprehensive accessibility audits at flagship destinations. By aligning with the updated Dubai Universal Design Code and the Wosool certification framework, Majid Al Futtaim continues to expand its capacity to support a diverse range of people – including people of determination, the elderly, and pregnant women. The Group also advances programs with partners such as the Special Olympics, and with Desert Group, which provides meaningful employment opportunities for people of determination, further reinforcing its role in building more inclusive communities.
Andy Faulkner, CEO of Topland Company, Middle East Partner of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, said:
"We are thrilled to welcome Majid Al Futtaim and its wide range of assets into the Sunflower program. This partnership is a testament to their dedication to accessibility and inclusion across the region. From Carrefour to Ski Dubai, VOX Cinemas, and beyond, their teams are taking meaningful steps to ensure that every guest, regardless of ability, feels welcomed, supported, and valued. It is inspiring to see staff embrace this initiative with such enthusiasm, creating spaces where everyone can enjoy their experience with confidence and dignity. Being part of this program is not just about support; it’s about celebrating inclusivity and making a real difference in people’s lives." Through this initiative, Majid Al Futtaim continues to lead in creating accessible and inclusive environments, setting a strong example for businesses across the Middle East, while ensuring that all guests feel comfortable, respected, and supported during every visit.
About Majid Al Futtaim
Founded in 1992, Majid Al Futtaim is an Emirati-owned, diversified lifestyle conglomerate with operations across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Inspired by the vision of its late founder, Mr. Majid Al Futtaim, to create great moments for everyone, every day, the company has grown into one of the region’s most respected businesses. The Group employs more than 41,000 people and serves 600 million customers across its physical and digital ecosystem each year. With owned assets valued at US$19 billion, Majid Al Futtaim has the highest credit rating (BBB) among privately held companies in the region.
Majid Al Futtaim owns 29 shopping malls, including the flagship Mall of the Emirates, Mall of Egypt, and Mall of Oman, as well as the iconic City Centre destinations. Its real estate portfolio includes seven luxury hotels and five mixed-use developments, and it is the creator of highly sought-after communities, including Ghaf Woods and Tilal Al Ghaf in Dubai, Al Zahia in Sharjah, and Al Mouj in Muscat. In 1995, Majid Al Futtaim introduced modern grocery retail to the region. Today, it owns and operates a portfolio of brands across a network of nearly 500 stores.
Majid Al Futtaim’s assets and interests act as a gateway into the Middle East for global fashion, home, and beauty brands, including Lululemon, LEGO, Crate and Barrel, and Shiseido, as well as a regional multi-brand, omnichannel concept store, THAT. It is the proud operator of more than 600 VOX Cinemas screens and owns a network of world-class leisure and entertainment experiences, including the renowned Ski Dubai.
All its retail and entertainment experiences are linked through SHARE, the UAE’s fastest-growing loyalty program, which leverages AI and advanced data analytics to bring customers personalised rewards, unique experiences, and great moments, every day.
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About Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a global program supporting individuals with non-visible disabilities, chronic conditions, and neurodivergence. Since its inception in the UK in 2016, the Sunflower program has expanded its reach worldwide, working with organizations across a diverse range of sectors, including retail, financial services, transportation (with over 300 airports in 30 countries), travel and tourism, education, healthcare, emergency services, and entertainment. The Sunflower symbol provides individuals with a discreet, voluntary way to share that they have a non-visible disability, chronic condition, or neurodivergence and may need extra assistance, understanding, time, or space. This simple, non-verbal method empowers individuals to navigate their workplace and public spaces with greater confidence and ease, fostering a more inclusive and understanding environment.
As a privately held multinational company headquartered in the UK, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower operates in numerous countries, including Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg, Latin America, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Mauritius, the UAE, the UK, and the USA. For more information, visit hdsunflower.com