Mohammed Hasan Al-Mutawwa's journey is marked by extraordinary resilience and a deep commitment to supporting others. Following a life-altering accident in 2018 that left him paralysed, he redirected his energy toward empowering people with disabilities and advocating for greater awareness of their challenges. Before the accident, he was an avid adventurer who thrived on activity. "I was always on the move, always seeking new experiences," he recounts. However, after the accident, his focus shifted to advocacy and providing support to those navigating life with disabilities.
Upon returning to Dubai from treatment in the US, Mohammed resumed his role as the director of the Sustainability Department at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Despite his physical limitations, he found renewed purpose in his work and began sharing his experiences online. Recognising a significant lack of Arabic-language resources for people with disabilities, he started creating videos to offer practical advice, raise awareness, and share his personal journey. One of his most impactful videos demonstrated how he installed a specialised car control device, which not only allowed him to drive but also provided valuable insights into mobility solutions for others with disabilities.
The response from the community was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing gratitude for his content and seeking his guidance. Mohammed's online presence fostered a sense of connection, enabling him to raise awareness about the challenges faced by people of determination and offer support to those in similar situations. Beyond his online efforts, Mohammed served on the Advisory Council for People of Determination for four years, where he reviewed policies and advocated for laws that better support individuals with disabilities.
The accident occurred in 2018 while Mohammed was visiting a farm in Dibba with friends. Misjudging the depth of a swimming pool, he dove in headfirst, striking the pool's bottom with his head. "The paralysis happened instantly," he recalls. Initially, he thought he had merely bumped his head, but the severity of the injury became clear when his friends heard the loud impact and realised he couldn't move. "I was more concerned about my inability to move than the injury itself," he said, describing the fear and confusion of that moment.
Following the accident, Mohammed was treated for a fractured neck vertebra in Dubai. After spinal fusion surgery and nearly two months in the hospital, he faced uncertainty about his future and whether he would regain full mobility. Determined to understand his condition, he researched spinal injuries and the potential for recovery. "I learned that spinal injuries often come with complications in the nervous system and other areas," he said. Doctors advised him that adapting to life in a wheelchair would be necessary, prompting him to begin physical therapy to regain muscle strength and relearn basic skills like writing and driving.
A pivotal moment in Mohammed's journey came when Mattar Al-Tayer, Director-General of the RTA, visited him in the hospital. Al-Tayer's encouragement and assurance that Mohammed's position at work would be waiting for him upon his return inspired him to travel to the US for intensive rehabilitation. The months spent in the US were both challenging and transformative. Mohammed underwent four to five months of physical therapy, often feeling disconnected and uncertain about his future. "It felt more like a tourist trip than a treatment program," he reflected, noting the lack of structure during his recovery. At times, he questioned whether he could return to his old life and how his injury might impact his marriage.
Throughout his journey, Mohammed emphasised the importance of family support. "A strong support system from family is crucial for individuals with disabilities as they adapt to new lives," he said. He also highlighted the need for community awareness about disabilities, stressing that simple acts of kindness, such as holding a door open for someone in a wheelchair, stem from understanding and empathy. Despite daily challenges, including assistance with basic activities and managing health risks associated with his injury, Mohammed remains resilient. He continues his studies in urban planning, having begun pursuing a doctorate after completing his master's degree. His journey is a testament to resilience and his aspiration to create positive change for people of determination, ensuring they can thrive in society.
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