United Arab Emirates, Dubai, 25 June 2024: EWINGS, the managing operator of Mahzooz, which is on temporary pause, awaiting issuance of the new draw license, continues its journey of impacting people’s lives, this time through the sponsorship of Bilal Hafeez's autobiography, 'An Extraordinary Life: Living with Cerebral Palsy.'

Produced and published by Motivate Media Group and sponsored by EWINGS, this inspiring book, chronicles the life of Bilal Hafeez, a remarkable individual of determination with cerebral palsy (CP), who has overcome significant challenges to achieve his dreams.

Bilal Hafeez: a story of resilience and triumph

Born to Pakistani parents in Kuwait in 1983, Bilal Hafeez faced immense challenges from the very start. Complications during his birth led to cerebral palsy, a permanent movement disorder that affected his muscle coordination.  Unable to use pen and paper, Bilal learned to type on the computer and, in his autobiography which took over 10 years to be completed, he shares his journey from childhood to adulthood, detailing the societal misconceptions he confronted and the personal obstacles he overcame.

Book signing event

At the book signing ceremony held at Al Noor Rehabilitation & Welfare Association for People of Determination, Ian Fairservice, Managing Partner and Group Editor-in-Chief, Motivate Media Group said: “We are incredibly proud to support Bilal in sharing his story with the world. In my role as Vice Chairman of the Al Noor Training Centre, I have known Bilal for many years. An Extraordinary Life: Living with Cerebral Palsy is not just a book; it's a testament to human resilience, determination, and the unwavering spirit of triumph over adversity. Bilal’s journey is an inspiration to us all, reminding us that with perseverance, we can overcome any obstacle. This autobiography will undoubtedly uplift countless readers, and we at Motivate Media Group are honoured to be publishing it.”

Suzan Kazzi, Head of CSR and Communications at EWINGS shared that the book underscores EWINGS’ commitment to social empowerment and supporting individuals who need a second chance in life through institutions that care for them.

She said: “Despite Mahzooz being on pause, our commitment to the society remains steadfast.

By making this book available in partnership with Motivate Media Group, we aim to bring Bilal’s extraordinary story to a wider audience and inspire others to embrace their own unique challenges and pursue their dreams with courage and determination.”

Bilal Hafeez, the author, commented: “I take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt thanks to Motivate Media Group for helping me put this book together and to EWINGS for sponsoring it. Their support has been instrumental in publishing my autobiography and making my long-held dream a reality. I am very proud to see the book finally materializing after ten long years. Being able to share my story with the world means more to me than words can express.”

A milestone in the UAE

In 2019, Bilal made headlines in the UAE when he, along with friends who have Down’s syndrome, were employed as paid members of the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 Local Organizing Committee. This achievement was a result of Bilal’s training at the Al Noor Rehabilitation & Welfare Association for People of Determination and his collaboration with Dr. Amit Kakkar, a Dubai-based media and communications specialist. Bilal was selected as one of the UAE’s first batch of journalists with disabilities, marking a significant milestone in the region.

Book availability

The book is available on booksarabia, amazon uae and across leading bookstores, ensuring that readers can easily access and be inspired by Bilal’s extraordinary journey.