Our Journey - Manzil Center | Special Families Support

Our Story

Our Journey

The genesis of Manzil was a non-profit support group called ‘Special Families Support’ which started on 9th December, 1999. The group grew to over 200 members and is one of GCC’s oldest non-profit groups focusing on social inclusion of people of determination.

The support group blossomed into “Manzil”, a Center that was officially inaugurated on February 7th 2005 by Sheikha Jameela Mohammed Al Qasimi, Director General, Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services.

Meaning “Destination” in Urdu or “Home” in Arabic, Manzil initially focussed on students with cognitive disabilities. In 2022 Manzil expanded both its vision and its premises. The ideology of the Center is no longer limited to people of determination. The Manzil Centers now operating from both Sharjah and Dubai are aimed at ALL learners.

The Manzil Occupational skills programme is ratified by KHDA in Dubai and Child skills development by SPEA in Sharjah

The scope of services has also broadened to advisory and training around DEI - Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

Manzil has proudly worked with over 275+ companies, 30+ Educational Institutions and many Government agencies to foster this change mandate.

Awards

United Nations Zero Project Award

United Nations Zero Project Top 10 Global Award Winner, 2020. Felicitated at t… Read more

Arabian Business Achievement Award

Manzil won the Outstanding Social Service Provider Award for the Middle East

Outstanding Director Award

Princess Haya Outstanding Director General Award (2012) co… Read more

Outstanding Special Needs Supporter

Outstanding Special Needs Supporter 2010 & 2015 (Zurich … Read more

Manzil Graduates

85% of Manzil graduates are in mainstream jobs in the UAE spanning 10 differen… Read more

Special Education Center

Manzil is the only Pearson Assured Special Education Center in the GCC region… Read more

UK Disability Confident Scheme

Manzil is the first and only organization certified as Disability Confident Co… Read more

Testimonials

Our collaboration began in 2007 and continues to be very valuable to us. During our interaction, my team and I were impressed by your professionalism and commitment and that of your team at Manzil. Despite the limited resources, it was particularly encouraging to see that you and the other staff members were knowledgeable, had an active in–house training program and were very receptive to the research ideas presented by our team.

Dr. Christopher A. Walsh MD, PhD, Bullard Professor Of Neurology and Paediatrics, Harvard Medical School

I have personally interacted with the parents of some of the students and was touched by the joy I saw in the eyes of the parents at seeing their children step up with pride to find their place in mainstream society. Financial transparency has always been a focus in this organisation, and I am happy to state that Manzil has always had a very good history in this regard.

Edward B Quinlan, Former UAE Country Managing Partner, Ernst & Young

I would like to extend my appreciation for your cooperation with our team in the sharing of information and suggestions for the development of the Centre for Excellence in Disabilities. Your openness and willingness to work together proved to be of great value to the team, and provided us with a clear insight into the current situation with regards to special needs in the UAE.

Dr Abdulla Al Karam, Director General, KHDA and former Secretary General, Dubai Education Council

The Director Dr. Ayesha S. Husaini, the senior management and staff of Manzil care about their student’s holistic development and have been eager and extremely supportive in participating in our pilot projects with best buddies since March, 2008 and Partial Integration since October, 2008. These are two programs many of us at The Millennium School, Dubai are extremely proud of.

Michael Guzder, Principal

Our Story