Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination (ZHO)

Offered by Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination

UAE federal authority providing assessment, therapy, education and rehabilitation for autistic and disabled people across multiple emirates.

Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination (ZHO)

Overview

The Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination (ZHO) is one of the largest government-supported organisations in the UAE dedicated to supporting children and adults with disabilities and developmental conditions, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It operates across the Abu Dhabi Emirate and provides education, rehabilitation, therapy, assessment, vocational training, inclusion support, and community services.

Official website: zho.gov.ae

Established

ZHO was established in Abu Dhabi in 2004 to unify disability and rehabilitation services across the emirate. It operates under the support and supervision of the Abu Dhabi government.

Who they support

• Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

• Intellectual and developmental disabilities

• ADHD and learning difficulties

• Physical disabilities

• Hearing and visual impairments

• Multiple disabilities

• Adults with disabilities requiring vocational and community support

Main services

Autism assessment & diagnosis

ZHO provides:

• Comprehensive developmental assessments

• Autism evaluations

• Psychological assessments

• Speech and occupational evaluations

• Early disability detection services for children

Families can book:

• Full assessment appointments

• Diagnostic evaluations

• Student determination reports

• People of Determination card services

Early intervention programs

Programs for younger children may include:

• Speech therapy

• Occupational therapy

• Behaviour intervention

• Sensory support

• Developmental skill building

• School readiness support

Autism centres & rehabilitation services

ZHO operates specialised centres across Abu Dhabi, including:

• Abu Dhabi Center

• Al Ain Autism Center

• Al Dhafra / Ghayathi services

• Rehabilitation and care centres for People of Determination

Services may include:

• Therapy programmes

• Educational support

• Vocational training

• Community integration

• Life skills training

• Family counselling

Inclusion & education support

• Educational reports

• Support planning

• Transition services

• Coordination with schools

• Community participation programmes

Vocational & adult programs

For teenagers and adults, ZHO also offers:

• Employment preparation

• Vocational training

• Independent living programmes

• Arts and talent development initiatives

• Social integration activities

Sensory rooms & autism-friendly initiatives

ZHO partnered with Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority to launch sensory rooms in public spaces and malls to support children with autism and sensory needs.

These sensory rooms help children:

• Regulate sensory overload

• Feel safer in crowded places

• Improve participation in community settings

People of Determination card services

ZHO also helps families apply for:

• People of Determination cards

• Assessments required for eligibility

• Disability documentation and evaluations

Locations

ZHO services are available across the Abu Dhabi Emirate, including:

• Abu Dhabi City

• Al Ain

• Al Dhafra region

Community reputation

Among UAE autism families and expat communities, ZHO is widely recognised as one of the major government-supported autism and disability service providers in Abu Dhabi. Community discussions frequently mention ZHO when parents search for autism support, inclusion programs, and assessments.

Contact information

• Official website: zho.gov.ae

• Services page: zho.gov.ae/en/Eservices

• Phone: +971 2 305 6666

Services, eligibility, and contact details are set by ZHO and can change. Please confirm the latest details on the official website before applying.

At a glance

• Funding type: government funded

Source and verification

Last source check: May 26, 2026

Check the current program details at the cited source. Eligibility, funding, availability, fees, and application steps can change.

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