During an event organised and supported by Etisalat, Turki Aldakhil signs his book entitled: “Innama Nahnu Jawqat Al Omian”

In the presence of His Highness Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, Etisalat held a signing ceremony for Saudi author and media specialist Turki Aldakhil’s book entitled: “Innama Nahnu Jawqat Al Omian”. The literary evening was held for the public on Wednesday in Dubai Mall. Through this initiative, and through the Corporation’s sponsorship of the book, Etisalat is demonstrating its commitment to being a socially responsible Corporation and care of handicapped individuals, or those with “special needs”, as the author describes them. 

The author entitled the book ““Innama Nahnu Jawqat Al Omian” after being inspired by the late Nizar Qabani’s poem addressed to blind author Tara Hussein, where he said: “Take off your glasses; for you are not blind, it is us who are a group of blind people.” 

The content of the book aims to encourage readers to make strides to achieve their ambitions, no matter what challenges and obstacles they may be faced with. The signing ceremony was attended by a large audience of authors, media, those with special needs and members of the general public. 

Etisalat’s sponsorship of Aldakhil’s book – which is the first sponsorship of its kind for a regional telco – reflects the Corporation’s commitment to its Corporate Social Responsibility and support of various segments of society in the UAE. Etisalat provides support to those with special needs, and the Corporation believes in the importance of empowering this segment with the tools and abilities to realise their talents and achieve their goals and dreams, and participate in the country’s ongoing progress and development. 

“Innama Nahnu Jawqat Al Omian” reflects the author’s personal experiences. He described his visit to a Parisian restaurant, where diners spend the whole experience in complete darkness, simulating what life is like for blind people. Diners at this restaurant are served by blind waiters. 

The dramatic explanation of events in the book removes the element of darkness and suffering that the public perceive blind people experience. The author goes into details of how blind people deal with food and taste, and how blind people make the most of the senses they have been given. In the book, the idiom “One’s eyes are bigger than one’s stomach” is no longer applicable.  

In describing the creative talents of those with special needs and disabilities, Aldakhil writes about the story of a young Emirati man who had a solar-powered wheelchair, and travelled to all seven emirates in order to increase awareness of the importance of renewable and sustainable energy. 

The book also describes a hero, Muhanned Abou Diya, a wise man who created a number of inventions who one day faced an accident which made him lose a limb as well as his sight. This challenge, however, did not prevent Muhanned from continuing in his journey of innovation and creation. In fact, the writer explains: after the accident, Abou Diya had two options: either be the inventor who became blind, or be the blind person who invented. The author stated that blindness is not when the eyes lose sight; rather it’s when someone loses their inner senses. 

Commenting on the release of his book, Aldakhil said: “Blind people, who represent a key component of society, are an active and able segment that can work, achieve things, and participate in the development of their countries and societies. But this can only happen when we recognise their abilities and provide them with opportunities, while avoiding the stereotypes around blind people and their abilities.” 

“My experience with numerous blind people has further assured me that they have tremendous insight and ability to achieve great things, and this passion is not possessed by many with normal vision,” he concluded. 

During the signing of the book, Aldakhil praised Etisalat’s initiative and sponsorship of his book, stating that it reinforces Etisalat’s important role in society. 

Ali Al Ahmed, Chief Corporate Communications Officer for Etisalat, said: “By sponsoring this book, we aim to draw attention to this important segment which is often ignored in society, and highlight the importance of collaborating with communities and involving those with special needs to allow them to participate in developing society. By not giving them an opportunity, we deprive our country from the creativity and talents this important segment offers.” 

Al Ahmed concluded by stating that companies in the private sector should also play a role in supporting this segment, and not depend solely on the government sector.