You’ll start noticing these green lanyards at UAE malls — here’s what they mean

Majid Al Futtaim is switching on the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower across its malls, cinemas, hotels, communities and retail stores in the UAE. The scheme gives guests with invisible conditions a discreet way to ask for a bit more time or support, and it includes staff training and clear signage. Lanyards are available from customer service desks, and you should see the programme live at busy destinations by the end of the month.

What the Sunflower actually is

The Sunflower is a global symbol. Wearing a green lanyard or badge signals you may need extra assistance, time or understanding in public spaces.

• Discreet, voluntary way to share support needs
• Recognised across sectors worldwide since 2016
• Used in transport, retail, healthcare and more, including 300+ airports in 30 countries 

In plain terms, this is about visibility without making a scene. The lanyard gives guests a clear cue for frontline teams to act on. Its use across travel, retail and services means many residents and tourists in the UAE may already know it, helping consistency at the mall entrance or cinema queue.

Where you’ll see it at Majid Al Futtaim

The scheme spans malls, entertainment venues, hotels, retail and communities nationwide. Think Mall of the Emirates, City Centre destinations, VOX Cinemas and more.

• Frontline teams at Carrefour, Ski Dubai and VOX are trained to respond
• Lanyards are available at customer service desks
• Activation visible across high-footfall sites by month-end   

Training is the make-or-break bit. MAF says teams across retail and leisure have been prepped to recognise and respond to the symbol, with lanyards on hand to make the signal easy. As the rollout continues through October, expect to see signage and staff awareness first at busier locations.

Why it matters for People of Determination in the UAE

This is about making everyday moments less stressful for guests with autism, ADHD, chronic pain, mental health conditions and other non-visible needs.

• Encourages calmer queuing, clearer instructions and flexible time
• Helps staff offer practical help without awkward questions
• Supports families and caregivers navigating busy venues

The UAE already uses the term People of Determination and has been tightening accessibility standards. A widely recognised symbol gives guests a predictable experience across different venues and brands, and it nudges service teams toward empathy rather than guesswork. MAF’s message is that inclusion is not a slogan but a service standard.

The policy and audit backdrop

MAF ties the programme to its sustainability platform and recent accessibility audits with Dubai Municipality’s Wosool initiative. These audits align with the updated Dubai Universal Design Code and the Wosool certification framework.   

• Audits at flagship locations
• Alignment with the latest code and certification
• Aim: consistent access for People of Determination, elderly guests and pregnant women

That backbone matters. A symbol works best when the environment supports it: ramps that meet code, counters at accessible heights, quieter waiting options, and clearer signage. The audit tie-in suggests the lanyard isn’t a fig leaf over poor design, but part of a bigger fix.

Partnerships and long-term inclusion work

The Sunflower rollout lands alongside existing partnerships, employment and community programmes.

• Collaboration with Special Olympics and Desert Group on inclusion and jobs
• Ongoing community initiatives alongside commercial operations
• Public statements of support from Sunflower’s Middle East partner

Topland Company, the Sunflower programme’s Middle East partner, welcomed MAF’s participation, pointing to staff enthusiasm and the breadth of assets from Carrefour to VOX. That public endorsement aligns with the scale of MAF’s footprint across malls, cinemas, and leisure.

Quick practicals: getting and using a lanyard

• Ask at the mall customer service desks for a Sunflower lanyard
• Wear it when you want staff to know you may need extra time or help
• You don’t need to explain your condition to use it 

Lanyards are voluntary and discreet. You control when to show the symbol, and teams are trained to respond appropriately, whether that is clearer directions, quieter waiting, or more time at checkout or entry.

Context: Who is Majid Al Futtaim?

MAF operates 29 shopping malls across the region, plus hotels, communities and a large entertainment portfolio including over 600 VOX screens. It also introduced modern grocery retail to the area and runs nearly 500 stores.

• Flagship: Mall of the Emirates
• Entertainment: Ski Dubai, VOX Cinemas
• Retail: Carrefour and partner brands across fashion, home and beauty

Scale matters because it makes standards stick. If a guest can rely on the same response in a mall, a cinema and a supermarket, the symbol becomes more useful. The network effect across high-footfall assets is exactly where Sunflower can make the biggest difference.

What is the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower?

It is a global symbol that lets people discreetly indicate they may need extra time, assistance or understanding. The cue is usually a green lanyard or badge with a sunflower emblem. 

Where can I get a lanyard at MAF destinations?

From customer service desks at participating malls and venues. 

Which MAF brands are involved?

Frontline teams at Carrefour, Ski Dubai and VOX Cinemas are among those trained to recognise and respond to the symbol, with rollout across wider malls, hotels and communities.   

When will I start seeing it?

The Sunflower will be visible across high-footfall locations in the UAE by the end of October 2025. 

Is this linked to UAE accessibility standards?

Yes. MAF says it has conducted accessibility audits with Dubai Municipality’s Wosool initiative and aligned with the updated Dubai Universal Design Code. 

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