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Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Thani, chairman of the Qatar Chamber, said the private sector serves as a key partner in efforts to integrate and empower persons with disabilities across Qatar. Al-Thani noted that this role gains added importance with the country scheduled to host the Fourth Global Disability Summit in 2028. The chairman commended ongoing national efforts to advance rights, promote inclusion and provide equal opportunities for persons with disabilities in all aspects of society. Qatar News Agency reported that Al-Thani linked the 2028 summit to Qatar’s broader position as a global partner in human development.
Al-Thani emphasized the need for an integrated ecosystem that extends beyond initial hiring to encompass comprehensive training, rehabilitation programs, skills development and workplace modifications. The chamber chairman highlighted human resources preparedness and continuous support as essential for achieving long-term sustainable employment outcomes. According to the Qatar Chamber, such measures help transform challenges into opportunities for investment in human capital at national and international levels.
The Qatar Chamber has adopted several initiatives focused on developing the skills and capabilities of people with disabilities, Al-Thani said. “The Chamber has adopted several initiatives aimed at developing the skills and capabilities of people with disabilities. This reflects a significant shift from traditional support and care toward a more comprehensive approach focused on economic empowerment, capacity building, sustainable employment, and enabling persons with disabilities to actively contribute to the national development process,” he added. These programs align with Qatar’s national development priorities and seek to enable active participation in the economy.
Al-Thani pointed to strengthened cooperation with relevant organizations, including the Volunteer Initiative for the Employment of Persons with Disabilities, to improve links between private companies and job seekers. The chamber chairman called for greater awareness among businesses about suitable job opportunities that leverage the capabilities of persons with disabilities. Such collaboration aims to foster more inclusive and sustainable work environments across the private sector, the Qatar Chamber stated in the announcement carried by Qatar News Agency.
United Nations data indicates that 80 to 90 percent of persons with disabilities of working age remain unemployed in many developing countries. A disability rights assessment found that roughly 78 percent of Qatari citizens with disabilities are not in the job market. These statistics, drawn from government-affiliated reviews and multilateral reports, illustrate the scale of inclusion challenges that initiatives from bodies such as the Qatar Chamber seek to address through targeted private-sector engagement.
Planning and Statistics Authority figures have previously shown thousands of residents living with various forms of disability, many of whom possess skills suitable for diverse economic activities. The chamber’s focus on accessibility and skills building corresponds with global targets discussed in preparations for the 2028 summit, including increased disability inclusion in development programs. Al-Thani described the upcoming event as an opportunity to align international visions and launch high-impact initiatives that safeguard dignity while expanding economic participation.
