2017 Annual ReportSaudi Vision 2030“We will also enable those of our people with disabilities to receive the education and job opportunities that will ensure their independence and integration as effective members of society. They will be provided with all the facilities and tools required to put them on the path to commercial success”.

Message from our ChairmanBy the end of 2017, Qaderoon Business Disability Network completed four years in its journey to include persons with disabilities as effective and productive members in the labor market. The network continued to pursue its vision through its three objectives: Awareness, Advisory and Advocacy. Since Qaderoon’s establishment in 2014, we conducted more than 40 workshops with the attendance of more than 650 company leads, organized and participated in almost 40 events, and produced 12 awareness campaigns and 42 newsletters. All thanks to God and our dedicated team.

During 2017, we focused on:

• Delivering the “Mowaamah” certification project for supportive work environments for persons with disabilities, which is owned by the Ministry of Labor & Social Development, to Takamol Holding Company. These efforts culminated in the official launch of the “Mowaamah” certification system in July, and the certification awarded to numerous participating companies by year end.

• Increasing the number and engagement of cooperating members from both the educational sector and disability organizations, aiming to collaborate on our shared vision and goals of enabling persons with disabilities.

In 2018, we will continue to work on programs to develop inclusive environments for persons with disabilities, as well as changing the mindset of the business community and stereotypes towards the importance and benefits of including persons with disabilities.

With the will of persons with disabilities, the support and participation of network members and partners in the Ministry of Labor & Social Development and the Human Resources Development Fund, “together we are able” God willing.

Amr M. KhashoggiChairman of the Board of Managers

Our VisionEnable employers to include persons with disabilities as equally effective members of the workforce.

Our MissionProvide guidance, advice, training, and best practice to employers to recruit, retain and include employees with disabilities, through inclusive work environment and favorable policies.

Our Objectives Awareness: Raise awareness on mutual business benefits of including persons with

disabilities in the workforce.

Advisory: Advise, train and share best practice on how to become a sustainable disability inclusive employer through an appropriate work environment and organization culture.

Advocacy: Advocate for persons with disabilities’ right to work and their inclusion with all relevant stakeholders, including government and non-government organizations.

Our Services Educational lectures & workshops Work environment & Employment advisory Learning Resources Network Meetings Media Campaigns Publications & Newsletters

Qaderoon Achievements 2017JanuaryIn cooperation with Qaderoon Network, Jeddah Municipality hosts “Jeddah: an Inclusive City for All” MeetingJeddah Municipality hosted a meeting in cooperation with Qaderoon Network aimed at delivering the best services for persons with disability in Jeddah. The event was an outcome of the earlier memorandum of understanding entered by the two parties to this effect.

Under the theme “Jeddah: an Inclusive City for All”, the meeting, held on January 17, 2017 and sponsored by H.E Prof. Hani Aburas - Mayor of Jeddah Municipality, underscored the value of including and enabling persons with disabilities for a progressive community.

The Jeddah Municipality highlighted its continuous efforts to provide all services needed by persons with disabilities to be included in society.

Khalid Sindi - Executive Manager of Qaderoon Network, presented the stereotypical and negative mindset towards the participation of persons with disabilities in the community. He also shed the light on the importance of including persons with disabilities in developing a model civil society.

Eng. Mukhtar AlShibani, President of Al Modon office and founder & former president of GAATES foundation, highlighted the concept of universal accessibility in cities and the best practices in that field.

At the end of the forum, leading advocates and influencers for the rights of persons with disabilities were recognized for their efforts by the Municipality. The Municipality was also recognized for its efforts by Amr Khashoggi, Chairman of Qaderoon Network and VP HR & Group Affairs at Zahid Group.

FebruaryQaderoon Network Held Its First Board Meeting for 2017Qaderoon Network held its first board meeting for 2017 on Saturday, February 11 at the network’s head office in Jeddah. 2016 achievements were shared during the meeting, followed by a discussion of the 2017 work plan and annual budget. Recommendations of the board were concluded with an appreciation of their active contribution to the meeting’s discussions. The board includes representatives from AlMarai, AlOlayan, Zamil Industrial, Savola, Zahid and Tamer groups.

“Qaderoon” Network Participates in Jeddah Chamber CSR Committee Workshop“Qaderoon” Network participated in Jeddah Chamber CSR Committee’s workshop held on Sunday, February 12, 2017 and hosted by Dallah Academy for Volunteer Work. The workshop was attended by committee members who represent leading private sector companies, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Labour & Social Development and the Ministry of Health. Several topics on the agenda were discussed, such as linking the objectives of the Committee to the Kingdom’s 2030 Vision, along with member companies initiatives, and how to align them to achieve sustainable development.

March“Qaderoon” and “HRDF” Discuss Employment of Persons with Disabilities“Qaderoon” Network members and Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) – Jeddah Branch representatives discussed the Employment of Persons with Disabilities at a meeting held recently at “Qaderoon” office, on 22 March 2017. The meeting covered aspects of the job seeker’s journey for persons with disabilities, and HRDF’s support programs in accordance with the principle of inclusion for persons with disabilities.

This meeting comes within “Qaderoon” efforts to consolidate the principle of “matching job opportunities”, and in line with the objectives of the Ministry and HRDF, which ensures equal opportunities in the employment of persons with disabilities and their peers who have no disability.

AprilWorkshop on “Interaction Skills with Persons with Disabilities” at King Abdulaziz UniversityWithin the framework of the memorandum of understanding signed between King Abdulaziz University and “Qaderoon” Network, the Special Needs Department in the University hosted a workshop on “Interaction Skills with Persons with Disabilities” presented by the trainer Khalid Al-Hajri, on Tuesday April 11, 2017. The workshop focused on general guidelines in interacting with persons with disabilities including the work environment, and how to organize events that are inclusive of persons with disabilities.

The workshop came under the cooperation between the two parties to increase awareness and training programs that will contribute to changing the stereotypical attitude towards persons with disabilities, and promote inclusion and positive interaction while communicating with them in society and workplaces.

“Qaderoon” Network visits ”Nedaa Al-Amal” Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities“Nedaa Al-Amal” (Call of Hope) Center hosted “Qaderoon” members on Wednesday, April 26, 2017, to see and understand activities and programs offered by the Center to students with intellectual disabilities who are 12 years of age and older. At the beginning of the visit, a tour was conducted throughout the center’s different departments to explain the students’ activities in each one of them.

Commenting on the visit, Khalid Sindi, Qaderoon Executive Manager, said: “companies have an important role to play in collaboration with rehabilitation centers by providing training opportunities that end with employment, and as an aim to enable persons with disabilities and achieve the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.”

May“Bupa Arabia” holds a training course on “Basic Sign Language Skills”Bupa Arabia held a training session on “Basic Sign Language Skills” in cooperation with Qaderoon Network on Tuesday, 23 of May, 2017. The course which was conducted by “Jassarah Training Center” aimed to familiarize the trainees with the sign language skills to give them the ability to communicate with people with hearing disabilities, and train them on basics of sign language. “Bupa Arabia is constantly striving to empower the segment of persons with disabilities in the community by developing a supportive working environment for them as employees, as well as providing them with the best services as clients. This training course is one of the efforts to develop supportive services that address the need of clients with hearing disabilities to communicate in sign language with hospital receptionists”, said Khoulod Falatah, Senior Training and Development Officer.

JuneQaderoon review Jeddah’s new North Corniche AccessibilityOn Monday, June 12th, 2017, Qaderoon Network’s team was invited by Jeddah Municipality to review accessibility for persons with disabilities in the North Jeddah Corniche project.

Jeddah Municipality was keen to showcase all accessibility features provided in the project, and the application of international standards for easy access (Universal Design), including parking, walkways, ramps and public toilets. Playgrounds were designed for wheelchair users, and safety standards were provided in all project facilities. Qaderoon also shared its recommendations and offered its support to the project team.The project is one of the largest Corniche development projects in the Kingdom, extending more than four kilometers long.

English language training for university students with disabilitiesIn an initiative to enable university students with disabilities to gain better employment opportunities, the British Council granted five free seats for King Abdulaziz University students with disabilities to enroll in an intensive English language training program. The British Council was keen to provide suitable training and needed accommodations for the students depending on their type of disability.

The program’s trainers expressed their positive experience in training students with disabilities, and the importance of obtaining experience in diversifying the learning methodology to ensure access to information and overcoming barriers that may face them in receiving proper education. It is worth mentioning that Qaderoon Network played a role in coordinating this initiative between King Abdulaziz University – Qaderoon’s participating member, and the British Council - one of Qaderoon’s cooperating training bodies.

AugustQaderoon Partners with EbsarOn August 24, 2017, Qaderoon Network signed a memorandum of understanding with Ebsar Foundation for the visually impaired in Jeddah, to unify efforts and initiatives that enable persons with visual disabilities and improve their inclusion in the labor market. The MoU was signed on behalf of Qaderoon by its Chairman Mr. Amr Khashoggi, VP HR & Group Affairs of Zahid Group, and on behalf of Ebsar Dr. Sami Saati, its Secretary General, and in the presence of Dr. Aisha Natto, Ebsar Board Member.

Amr Khashoggi explained that this collaboration aims to benefit from Ebsar’s experience in the inclusion of persons with visual disabilities, through consultation and lectures, in addition to joint events and awareness campaigns. Both parties will also advocate for policies and programs that train and employ persons with visual disabilities.

President of GAATES Visits QaderoonOn August 24, 2017, Qaderoon team welcomed the President of the Global Alliance on Accessible Technologies and Environments (GAATES), Dr. Victor Pineda, as part of his successful visit to Saudi Arabia and efforts of Dr. Mervat Tashkandi -Advisor to Minister of Economy and Planning, Disability and Gender Diversity Expert. During his visit to Qaderoon, Dr. Pineda was introduced to Qaderoon’s objectives and achievements since its inception back in 2014. Several ideas and initiatives were also discussed on the enablement and inclusion of persons with disabilities. Dr. Pineda praised the efforts of Qaderoon. He also noted the positive changes in Saudi Arabia towards persons with disabilities, and since his last visit back in 2009.

SeptemberQaderoon Network visits “Ebsar” Foundation for Persons with Visual DisabilitiesEbsar hosted Qaderoon Network and its members on Wednesday 27 September 2017 to understand the rehabilitation programs and services provided by the foundation for persons with visual disabilities.

The visit started with a tour of the foundation’s different departments headed by “Ebsar” Secretary General Dr. Sami Saati. The various accommodations and assistive technologies for persons with visual disabilities were showcased during the visit. Commenting on the visit, Khalid Sindi, Qaderoon’s Executive Manager, said: “We are pleased to see Ebsar’s efforts to enable persons with visual disabilities as productive members of society, and offering the necessary support for them specially in the work environment.”

Qaderoon members learn about “Inclusive Communication”Qaderoon organized a workshop on Inclusive Communication in the Workplace with Persons with Disabilities at its office in Jeddah on Thursday 28 September 2017. This workshop was designed for those responsible for internal and external communication at Qaderoon members. The workshop covered accessibility in company websites, advertising campaigns, visual design and events. Ms. Aya Jibreal, Inclusive Design and Communication Consultant at Qaderoon, facilitated the workshop. The workshop helped attendees identify, evaluate, and remove barriers that can be faced by their company employees or customers with disabilities, when communicating with them or while using their company websites. The workshop concluded with emphasizing the role of the trainees in the application of these important standards, to ensure inclusive communication with all employees and customers with disabilities.

OctoberMoU between Qaderoon and King Saud University’s Universal Access ProgramOn Tuesday October 3, 2017, Qaderoon Network signed a memorandum of understanding with King Saud University’s Universal Access Program in Riyadh, to generate more opportunities for cooperation between the two parties, and to benefit from the exchange of knowledge and experience in the field of including persons with disabilities in the workforce and society in general. The MoU was signed by Qaderoon’s Executive Manager, Mr. Khalid Sindi, and by Dr. Mohammed Al-Qahtani, Assistant Executive Director of King Saud University’s Universal Access Program.

The signing of the MoU with the University aims to raise awareness about the shared benefits of including persons with disabilities in the labor market through lectures, events, meetings and joint media campaigns. As well as cooperation in the employment of persons with disabilities through research, and adoption of best practices. The MoU also aims to exchange information on internship programs and training opportunities available at members of Qaderoon Network, and job or training seekers with disabilities among King Saud University’s students.

MoU between Qaderoon Network and UBTOn Thursday October 12, 2017, Qaderoon Network signed a memorandum of understanding with The University of Business and Technology (UBT) in Jeddah to enhance cooperation between the two parties in the inclusion of persons with disabilities, specifically students, in the labor market. Prof. Dr. Osama Junnadi, University President, was proud of the efforts partaken by (UBT) saying: “I look forward to this agreement becoming a valuable and positive addition to the collaborated efforts, which will enable us both to accomplish the mutual goals of activating the role of persons with disabilities in the labor market. Both parties’ work in the training of persons with disabilities, and the development of accessible work environments, will enable them to contribute at the most efficient performance levels, and will reveal their skills and willingness in overcoming barriers efficiently.

Qaderoon participate in the Global Business Disability Network Annual MeetingThe ILO’s Global Business Disability Network invited Qaderoon to present at their annual National Networks’ Meeting on 23 October 2017 in Geneva, Switzerland. National networks from various countries shared their experiences and best practices in creating more awareness towards the benefits of employing persons with disabilities, and converting employers to become more disability inclusive. Qaderoon, representing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, shared their efforts and achievements since their establishment in 2014.

NovemberQaderoon Network visit Qetan Center for Tailoring & EmbroideryIn line with its continued efforts to share best practices adopted by companies to develop an inclusive work environment for persons with disabilities, Qaderoon Network organized a visit to Qetan Center for Tailoring and Embroidery, one of Nesma Holding’s initiatives in cooperation with Saudi Aramco and Al-Rahma Healthcare Foundation, on Wednesday, November 1, 2017. in the Eastern Province.

Sheikh Saleh Al-Turki, Chairman of Nesma Holding, confirmed Nesma’s full commitment to persons with disabilities, and offered all means of support to ensure quality of life for them both as employees or customers throughout the Kingdom.

Mr. Amr Khashoggi, VP HR & Group Affairs at Al Zahid Group and Chairman of Qaderoon Board of Managers commented: “We are pleased to learn about the efforts of Qetan Center and Nesma Holding, one of Qaderoon’s members, to create a supportive work environment for persons with disabilities. The Network is committed to providing them with suitable jobs to realize their importance as active members of the workforce.

Qaderoon Network visit Bupa Arabia to learn about their experience in including persons with disabilitiesQaderoon Business Disability Network members visited Bupa Arabia on Sunday November 12, 2017 at its headquarter in Jeddah, to learn about their journey in employing and servicing persons with disabilities.

Bupa Arabia shared their experience in employing persons with disabilities and developing an inclusive work environment through providing accessible premises and work accommodations. Some of their employees with disability shared their stories, and the impact of providing proper accommodations in increasing their productivity.

Principles of including persons with disabilities in customer and front desk services were then presented, while considering the business case of catering to customers with disabilities and enabling their independency and rights to access various services.

Khoulod Falatah – Sr. Officer - Learning & Development, Learning and Development commented that “Bupa Arabia always strives to excel in providing services to its customers with disabilities, in parallel to its leading role in insurance and health services. Bupa Arabia is also fully aware of the importance of cooperation internally in planning, implementation, and linking the human resources function with other departments, making us capable to reach the goal of enabling and fulfilling the rights of persons with disabilities.”

Qaderoon Network share the Saudi experience in employing persons with disabilities with their Jordanian counterpartsA panel discussion entitled “The role of employers in enabling and including persons with disabilities” was held in Amman, Jordan, on Wednesday, 15 November 2017. The forum was organized by the Supreme Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Jordan, in cooperation with the Amman

Chamber of Industry, and with the participation of Qaderoon Network of Saudi Arabia. The discussion’s aim was to encourage the development of a similar network in Jordan, which can enable employers to include persons with disabilities in the labor market.

Dr. Mervat Tashkandi, Advisor to Qaderoon’s Board of Directors, presented labor legislations that support persons with disabilities employment in Saudi Arabia, as well as the initiative of establishing Qaderoon Business Disability Network.Mr. Khalid Sindi, Executive Manager of Qaderoon, shared a presentation on the vision, mission, and objectives of the network, as well as the services provided by the network to business owners.

Mr. Muffareh Asiri, Corporate Social Responsibility Projects Manager at Savola, shared Savola Group’s pioneer experience in the employment of persons with disabilities.

The meeting was sponsored and attended by the President of the Higher Council for Persons with Disabilities in Jordan, Prince Mired bin Ra’ad, as well as the Jordanian Minister of Labor, the Ministry of Industry, Trade & Supply, the Chairman of the Amman Chamber of Industry, several Jordanian companies, persons with disabilities, and concerned organizations.

MoU between Qaderoon and Sawaed Association for Physical DisabilityIn November 2017, Qaderoon Network signed a memorandum of understanding with Sawaed Association for Physical Disability in the Eastern Region to enhance the opportunities for cooperation and benefit from knowledge sharing and experience in their fields of work, and to develop, support, and assist businesses and companies to create inclusive environments for persons with disabilities. The MoU was signed by Qaderoon’s Executive Manager, Mr. Khalid Sindi, and by Mr. Khalid AlHajri, Executive Manager of Sawaed Association.

Mr. Khaled Al-Hajri commented that the MoU came in line with the objectives of the Association and its development programs. The agreement aims to raise awareness among companies on the business case of including persons with disabilities through Awareness sessions, joint media campaigns, participation and support for research on the inclusion of persons with disabilities.

Mr. Khalid Sindi commented: “We are pleased to join efforts with Sawaed Association to create supportive environments for people with physical disabilities and motivate their independency. This comes from the Association’s commitment and responsibility to reflect their value as active individuals both in society and work”.

DecemberQaderoon members learn about “Inclusive Customer Service” for Persons with DisabilitiesOn Thursday, 30 November 2017, Qaderoon Network held on a workshop on inclusive customer service for persons with disabilities at its office in Jeddah. The workshop was designed for customer service and reception center leads who are responsible ensuring inclusive communication and accessibility at their corporate premises and by their customer service delegates. The workshop was delivered by Saudi Rehab Group.

The workshop helped attendees identify, evaluate, and understand how to remove barriers that could be faced by their customers with disabilities when visiting their company premises, requesting a service, or submitting a complaint.

Qaderoon members learn about “Inclusive Customer Service” for Persons with DisabilitiesOn Thursday, 30 November 2017, Qaderoon Network held a workshop on inclusive customer service for persons with disabilities at its office in Jeddah. The workshop was designed for customer service and reception center leads who are responsible for ensuring inclusive communication and accessibility at their corporate premises and by their customer service delegates. The workshop was delivered by Saudi Rehab Group.

The workshop helped attendees identify, evaluate, and understand how to remove barriers that could be faced by their customers with disabilities when visiting their company premises, requesting a service, or submitting a complaint.

Qaderoon Activities 2014-2017

Workshops 2015-2017

Subject No. of sessions No. of trainees

Evaluation(5.0)

Know-How 17 377 4.6

HR Management 12 101 4.6

Communication 7 101 4.6

Recruitment 4 50 4.5

Premises 1 20 4.2

ICT 1 9 4.0

Products & Services 1 8 4.6

ALL 43 666 4.5

Network Meetings & Public Events 2014-2017

Subject No. of sessions No. of trainees

Evaluation(5.0)

Know-How 17 377 4.6

HR Management 12 101 4.6

Communication 7 101 4.6

Recruitment 4 50 4.5

Premises 1 20 4.2

ICT 1 9 4.0

Products & Services 1 8 4.6

ALL 43 666 4.5

Media & Publications 2014-2017

2014 2015 2016 2017 ALL

Social Media campaigns (posts) - 4 (90) 5 (207) 1 (66) 10 (363)

Newsletters 6 12 12 12 42

Press Releases 4 1 13 11 29

Videos 2 - 1 - 3

Publications - - 1 1 2

Others 1 2 2 2 7

Consultancy Hours 2017

Subject Sponsoring Members

Cooperating Members

Mowaamah Project (MLSD)

TOTAL

Mowaamah Certification 54 0 832 886

Project Management 0 0 845 845

Premises 18 47 0 64

Communication 6 0 15 21

Know-How 3 0 2 5

HR Management 3 0 0 3

ICT 1 0 0 1

TOTAL 84 47 1694 1824

Mowaamah Certification ProjectMowaamah Induction Trainers Refresher TrainingIn coordination with Takamol Holding Co., two refresher training sessions were held in Riyadh and Jeddah on March 7 & 8, 2017 for all “Mowaamah” Induction Trainers, and in preparation for the launch of the “Mowaamah” Certifiication Program for Disability Supportive Work Environments. The training aimed to refresh the trainers on the concepts of “Mowaamah”, to better train the interested companies.

Mowaamah Auditors trainingA five-day training session was held for new auditors (23 in total) 9-13 April 2017 with the supervision of Takamol Holding Co. in preparation for the launch of the “Mowaamah” Certifiication Program for Disability Supportive Work Environments. The training was conducted by the UK-based Business Disability Forum in coordination with Qaderoon Network, and organized by the Saudi Organization for Certified Public Accountants. It aimed to provide the auditors with the necessary knowledge to perform the audit process of companies wishing to participate in the “Mowaamah” certifiication program. The session concluded with an exam and practice audit.

Launch of “Mowaamah” Certification SystemThe Ministry of Labor & Social Development (MLSD) launched “Mowaamah” certification system under the managment of Takamol Holding Co. in July 2017, which will serve companies interested in employing persons with disabilities by developing their work environments to become more inclusive and supportive of them, and thus increase their participation in the labor market.

Qaderoon Business Disability Network were assigned by the Ministry of Labor to develop the system back in 2014, as part of “Tawafuq” initiatives to support the employment of persons with disabilities in the private sector. To successfully develop the system, Qaderoon executed several pilots over the

past three years. The results of the pilots identified a gap in understanding the importance of employing persons with disabilities and its positive impact on society. Among the companies that participated in these pilots were Zahid Tractor Company, Savola Group, Almarai Company, Zamil Industrial Company, Bupa Arabia, Tamer Group and Panda Retail Co.Through its index, “Mowaamah” covers various areas of the business such as HR management, Premises, IT and other business areas. The portal www.mowaamah.sa provide companies with online access to explore the system, conduct self-assessment, and obtain the “Mowaamah” certificate. This certificate will grant companies to calculate their employees with disabilities as 4:1 in “Nitaqat” System. “Mowaamah” certificate can significantly contribute in raising awareness among companies about the business case and benefits in hiring persons with disabilities, along with their recruitment process.

Mowaamah Workshops at Chambers of CommerceQaderoon Network participated in two “Mowaamah” workshops at the Chambers of Commerce in the Eastern Province and Jeddah during October 2017. These workshops aimed to introduce members of the chambers of commerce to the “Mowaamah” certification, and its benefits as a roadmap to develop supportive work environments for persons with disabilities. The “Mowaamah” certification, which is owned by the Ministry of Labor & Social Development and operated by Takamol Holding Company, is a voluntary certification program for giant and large companies, that wish to benefit from the 4:1 incentive of employees with disabilities in “Nitaqat” Program.

Through its associate trainers, Qaderoon introduced the “Mowaamah” Index, and its concepts and standards. Trainer Ahmed Al-Yahya presented this overview at the Eastern Chamber, while trainer Lulwa Al-Abdullah presented it in Jeddah Chamber.

Moreover, Qaderoon Members shared their experiences and best practices in developing their work environments to include persons with disabilities using the “Mowaamah” approach. The companies that participated were: Tamer Group represented by Mr. Fouad Al Attas, Zamil Industrial represented by Mr. Abdulrahman Al Humaidan, and Panda Retail represented by Mr. Hattan Bajammal.

Members’ ActivitiesTamer GroupTamer Group Support its Employees with DisabilitiesTamar Group hosted a workshop entitled “How to interact with persons with disabilities in the work environment” on Sunday, March 19, 2017. The workshop focused on the rights of persons with disabilities and the general principles that should be considered when interacting with them, as well as explaining different guidelines of positive interaction per the disability type; visual, hearing or mobility.

As a positive gesture on the occasion of International Women’s Day, Tamer Group honored one of its staff, Hasna Al-Juban, for the second-best success story within the group as she inspired everyone with her story of overcoming barriers as a woman with a disability.

Tamer Group” Continues to Improve Accessibility at its Facilities

In continuation of Tamer Group’s efforts to improve its premises accessibility for people with physical and hearing disabilities, the group completed its accessibility project in November at premises located in Jeddah and Riyadh, along with other premises in Khobar and Buraidah.

Khaled Al-Omari, Group Organizational Development Manager, commented: “Tamer Group has allocated an annual budget to make changes to existing premises, and to support and enable its employees with disabilities, such as facilitating accommodations, adapting accessibility in the group’s branches, as well as accepting updated requirements for continuous improvement to ensure an inclusive work environment”.

Mr. Fouad Al-Attas, Human Resources Partner, said: “The project has been implemented with a time plan and according to the approved sources and standards of accessibility, and a contract has been signed with an advisory company to apply all standards correctly.

Tamer Group celebrates the International Day of Persons with DisabilitiesTamer Group held a celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 28 December 2017, under the theme “Towards a sustainable and more inclusive society for all”.Celebration attendees were briefed about the group’s activities towards developing inclusive work environments for persons with disabilities and the next steps towards it. The ceremony was also a tribute to the group’s employees with disabilities for their fruitful efforts during the year.

This supportive work environment at Tamer is based on the commitment and support of top management along with spreading awareness and knowledge of positive interaction with people with disabilities in the workplace and through the development of effective mechanisms in employment such as training ending by employment.

Savola GroupPanda Signs MOU for Training of Students with Disabilities

Panda Retail Company and the General Department of Education in Riyadh Region signed last week a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide training and advance the development of students with disabilities. The Memorandum of Understanding aims to train 150 individuals with disabilities every year, enhance their knowledge and provide them with a variety of skills.

Mr. Rayan Fayez, the Chief Executive Officer of Savola Group and Acting Chief Executive Officer of Panda Retail Company, stated that, “Over the past years, Panda has identified the training of individuals with disabilities and developing their skills as a key focus area in its social responsibility programs. We have developed partnerships in our country to support initiatives that target the development and inclusion of the disabled people to reach their full potential in the community.”

Panda celebrates the graduation of 112 special education students after completing training in their marketsOn May 13, 2017, the Department of Special Education in Riyadh organized a graduation ceremony for (112) students from the field training program for the rehabilitation educational program for post-secondary intellectual education, and upon completion of their field training in Panda retail markets for

a full semester. Panda has sponsored the training of this group of special education students in their markets as part of an agreement signed by the company with the Education Office in Riyadh to train and qualify special education students in the company’s retail markets and to prepare them for the Kingdom’s labor market.During a full semester, students were engaged in an intensive field training which gave them the skill set needed to deal with clients, and serving them in retail markets, and identifying special management styles of the departments of retail markets. Panda has been committed to accommodate special education students in its markets for several years as part of its cooperation with the Ministry of Education in the Kingdom. Upon completion of these field training programs, the company offers employment opportunities for outstanding students to work in their retail markets.

The launch of Makeen new portal for recruiting persons with disabilitiesThe Savola Group has recently launched its new identity for sustainability (Savola World). In line with this occasion, Makeen’s new portal has been launched www.makeen.savolaworld.com . Makeen portal aims to facilitate the process of recruitment of job seekers with disabilities (males & females) through offering a range of various jobs that match their abilities and qualifications. Makeen Portal brings together job seekers with disabilities and employers from the private sector, where job seekers can register in the portal, fill out their personal details and attach their CVs, while interested employers can upload job vacancies within their companies, share job descriptions, salary range and related job benefits.

Makeen Participates in World Day for People with DisabilitiesMakeen program participated in the celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The event was organized by King Abdulaziz University on the 19th and 20th of December 2017. The theme of 2017 was “Transformation towards sustainable and adaptable society for all”. Makeen presented a workshop titled “Best Practices for Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities adopted at Savola Group”. This included the group’s vision for the inclusion of persons with disabilities, overview of Makeen program and its achievements in developing an integrated and inclusive work environment.

Nesma HoldingNesma Embroidery Website Provides Accessibility FeaturesNesma Embroidery website is now more accessible for users with disabilities. The upgrade to the website provides a navigational system that includes the following buttons to transform the site:

Refresh button to clear any options used (arrow). Ability to make the text content of the entire site bigger or smaller (+ or -). A text only mode (button A). A normal contrast mode (black dot on white). A light on dark color contrast mode (yellow dot on grey). A dark on light color contrast mode (black dot on yellow).

Changes were also made to the core code to include the following items throughout the site:All images have description/name tag in the CMS codingThe site is a screen reader ready. To browse «Nesma Embroidery» site, check the following link: http://www.nesma-emb.com/

Saudi Aramco launches Qaitan Tailoring and Embroidery Center in Eastern Province for Young WomenIn partnership with Saudi Aramco, Nesma Holding has launched the Qaitan Center for Tailoring and Embroidery in the Eastern Province in May 2017. The Qaitan Center aims to empower 100 young Saudi women with hearing disabilities by training them on the basics of sewing to be able to work in production lines, and training them to have the skill set to manufacture relative medical supplies, therefore, specialists in training people with hearing disabilities have been recruited.

Nesma Holding Executive Director Noura Al-Turki noted that ”Nesma Holding and Saudi Aramco are another example of the desired model for the relationship of national companies to their social environment and to the segment of persons with disabilities shown by their support of the establishment of the Embroidery and Tailoring Center to employ women with hearing disabilities in the Eastern Province.” Several beneficiaries spoke about the experiences they gained upon joining the center, which enabled them to learn new crafts, improved their skills, matched them with their peers who have hearing disabilities who have helped them learn sign language and communication, and help them enter the labor market, and earn extra income for their families.

Nesma Holding Employ More Women with Hearing Disabilities in KhulaisDuring October 2017, Nesma employed four (4) women with hearing disabilities at their embroidery and sewing center in Khulais city. “Nesma” was keen to train the female employees on the required skill set, and included them with other female employees at the center with compliance to all accessibility guidelines during the job interviews and contracts’ signing.

Ms. Rana Zamai, General Manager of Nesma Center for Embroidery and Tailoring said: “Nesma Holding is committed to support social and economic development in Saudi Arabia, including raising women’s participation in the labor market and empowering women with disabilities as active members of society, which is in line with the objectives of the Kingdom’s 2030 Vision”. She added: “Nesma Holding is aiming to hire qualified women with disabilities similarly to one of our newly appointed female employees who was awarded the “Hemam” Award by the Ministry of Education.

Sponsoring Members Zamil Industrial Almarai Company Olayan Group Tamer Group Zahid Group Savola Group Attieh Group Bupa Arabia NCB Bank Nesma Holding Saudia Airlines Catering SABB Bank

Participating Members Jeddah Chamber of Commerce Eastern Region’s Chamber of Commerce Jeddah Municipality King Abdul Aziz University

King Saud University Dar Al-Hikma University University of Business and Technology Ebsar Foundation Sawaed Association Jassarah Training Center Wasata Network

Network Partners Ministry of Labor and Social Development (MLSD) Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) ILO Global Business and Disability Network (ILO GBDN)

Board of Managers Mr. Amr M. Khashoggi -Chairman

VP HR & Group Affairs - Zahid Group

Mr. Majid A. BatterjeeHead of Western Region- Olayan Financing Company

Mr. Tarik M. IsmailExecutive Director, CA, Sustainability & Board Secretary- Savola Group

Mr. Abdul Mohsin A. Al GhamdiVP of Corporate Administration and Human Resources- Zamil Industrial

Mr. Fawaz M. AljasserGeneral Manager of HR & Support Services- Almarai Company

Mr. Mohammed F. TamerCEO & Partner - Tamer Group

Advisor to Board of ManagersDr. Mervat A. TashkandiAdvisor-Expert in Disability & WomenMinistry of Economy and Planning

Executive ManagerMr. Khalid M. Sindi