UAE's First Coffee Shops Staffed by Certified Uniquely Abled Workers

ABU DHABI, UAE / ACCESS Newswire / July 11, 2025 / Zayed Higher Organization today announces the launch of its Bee Cafe, the first cafe brand of its kind in the United Arab Emirates to be operated by uniquely abled people internationally certified as baristas. Designed as a vocational training program and long-term employment solution that provides financial independence for its workers, it also expects a positive business return, proving that everyone wins when everyone works.

Today's announcement celebrates three openings of Bee Cafe locations throughout Abu Dhabi. Located at ZHO's headquarters, at the Emirates Red Crescent Authority and The Innovation Center events complex, the decor represents a place for strong social connectivity, productivity and belonging. Each location serves specialty coffee and a selection of pastries.

The Bee Cafe is a non-profit venture of Zayed Higher Organization (ZHO), with all revenue reinvested into the programming to support uniquely abled. Governed by the Emirates of Abu Dhabi, ZHO has served as a model throughout the MENA region of advancement. Since 2017 the UAE refers to members of the community as "People of Determination" as a respectful nod to the level of purpose and persistence of someone physical and/or intellectual challenges.

"As a mother, it means the world to see my son grow with confidence and purpose. Thanks to the support of Zayed Higher Organization and his experience at Bee Cafe, he now has a meaningful role, new skills, and a sense of independence. He is also officially a certified barista, a qualification that's recognized internationally. I no longer worry about his future because I trust that he's in the right place, surrounded by people who believe in him." said Hamda Khadim Al Qubaisi, the parent of Hazaa Mohamed Almehairbi.

"At Zayed Higher Organization, we believe that People of Determination possess unique energies that deserve to be discovered and invested in," said His Excellency Abdullah Al Humaidan, Secretary General of ZHO. "The personal and professional successes that we have developed in the Bee Café employment model confirms that focusing on ability-based employment is the key to building a more inclusive and equitable society. In partnership with the Specialty Coffee Association, our nine employees were the first uniquely abled cohort to receive the internationally accredited barista certificate. The skills they learn by getting this certificate opens doors for them to have a sustainable future (even) beyond the Bee Café."

Broadening vocational and workplace pathways programs is a top priority of ZHO. The focus for ability-driven work is in practice in the United States. Dr. Ivan Rosenberg, founder of the Uniquely Abled Project, a vocational program for machining in the US and Oman said, "Everybody that has a job challenge has a compensating unique ability that enables them to be highly successful in a work capacity."

The American non-profit, Helping Adults with Autism Perform and Excel (HAAPE), touts a proprietary algorithm that estimates the increase to the GDP if businesses hire autistic workers. Dr. Larry Rothman, president, provided a cursory estimate of nearly $500M in new income to the economy of UAE if all autistic adults were hired, proving the wrap around value of workforce pathway programs available to all people.

ZHO invites the public to experience the cafe, support its mission, and help it grow. Visit ZHO Instagram and the Bee Café Instagram for more information.

Media inquiries: Heidi Kershaw, Founder of Global Autism Coalition, 571-277-7482, heidi@globalautismcoalition.com

SOURCE: Global Autism Coalition