BAE Systems honoured with prestigious Middle East International Business Award for its community investment initiatives

Their innovation and groundbreaking collaboration with the Hail Disabled Charity Association transform the lives of wheelchair users in northern Saudi Arabia.

BAE Systems stands proudly in the spotlight at the 2023 Middle East International Business Awards, with its well-deserved acclaim in the Aerospace & Defense category, all thanks to its groundbreaking endeavour - the Mobile Wheelchair Maintenance Unit.

At the heart of BAE Systems' ethos, a dedication to the welfare of its served communities beats steadily. This commitment has paved the way for a collaboration with the Hail Disabled Charity Association, leading to the game-changing venture known as the Mobile Wheelchair Maintenance Unit.

Mobility aids are the lifeblood of individuals grappling with disabilities, exerting a profound influence on their daily lives. The unfortunate loss of a wheelchair, whether due to a malfunction or damage, sends ripples through their independence and overall quality of life. The pressing need for prompt maintenance services did not escape BAE Systems' attention, sparking a mission to bridge the maintenance gap, with Hail and the northern reaches of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) as the primary focal points.

In these regions, the absence of dedicated wheelchair maintenance facilities forced wheelchair users into the inconveniences of dispatching their aids to major hubs in Riyadh or Jeddah, often translating into an arduous stay of no less than three days. This not only inhibited their mobility but also cast a shadow over their social and professional spheres.

To combat this challenge, BAE Systems joined forces with the Hail Association for Persons with Disabilities, a duly sanctioned entity operating under the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, serving more than six thousand beneficiaries with disabilities in Hail and the northern fringes of the Kingdom.

Together, they launched an all-encompassing mobile workshop, teeming with tools and spare parts, ready to repair wheelchairs of all kinds back to good working condition. Electric or manual, the mobile workshop stands ready to serve, keeping its doors open seven days a week, ensuring a constant lifeline to maintenance services.

Accessing these maintenance services has been streamlined via multiple avenues - direct contact with the association, communication through messaging, and the utilisation of the "FIX maintenance" electronic application. Moreover, all maintenance services and spare parts are provided entirely free of charge to beneficiaries.

Since its inauguration in April, this initiative has attended to the needs of more than 15 beneficiaries on a daily basis, effectively eliminating roadblocks faced by individuals with disabilities in keeping their wheelchairs in good condition.

To raise awareness about the availability of this vital service, the association undertook an extensive campaign across Hail and the northern border region. This not only informed individuals with disabilities of the existence of the wheelchair maintenance workshop but also acted as a guide on how to tap into this invaluable resource.

The mobile workshop actively participates in events and forums dedicated to individuals with disabilities, extending periodic maintenance services to attendees. The resounding chorus of approval from these individuals stands as a testament to the profound impact of this initiative, reducing their long-standing obstacles and enhancing their overall quality of life.

The Middle East International Business Awards is presented by Asian Business Review Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2023 awards programme and be acclaimed for your company's outstanding contributions in your organisation's growth, please contact Danica Avila at [email protected].