The Authority for the Care of Persons with Disabilities (APD) has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA). The memorandum aims to strengthen joint cooperation in empowering persons with disabilities, improve the services and facilities provided to them, and enhance their experience at customs ports, in support of the objectives of the Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

H.E. Eng. Feras bin Khalid Althukair, Vice President for Communication and Empowerment, signed the memorandum on behalf of APD. H.E. Mr. Abdulaziz bin Hamed Aba Al-Khail, Deputy Governor for Strategy and Trade Facilitation, signed on behalf of ZATCA.

As set out in the Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the memorandum covers cooperation in several areas. Chief among them is making customs ports better prepared to serve persons with disabilities by building staff capabilities and putting in place supporting facilities that improve the beneficiary experience. The two authorities will also cooperate on awareness and empowerment programs, run workshops and awareness campaigns, and promote understanding of the rights, abilities and contributions of persons with disabilities. These efforts aim to raise public awareness of disability issues and support the inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities in all areas of life.

The memorandum builds on APD's ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships with government entities and develop services for persons with disabilities. These efforts support their empowerment, encourage their active participation in society, and contribute to the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 for an inclusive and empowered society with equal opportunities for all.