UAE sees first Pizza Hut outlets operated by staff with communication impairments
The move is part of the Opportunity4All initiative, led by Americana and Pizza Hut with Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services.
Americana Restaurants and Pizza Hut (YUM! Brands) have opened four new Pizza Hut outlets in Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman and Fujairah staffed by employees with hearing and speech impairments, the first such branches in the UAE.
The move is part of the Opportunity4All initiative, run by Americana and Pizza Hut in coordination with Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, which aims to expand job opportunities for people with disabilities.
The initiative supports national efforts tied to UAE Vision 2031 and the country’s policy on empowering People of Determination.
Staff at the new locations received training in kitchen work, customer service and hospitality, whilst branch managers learned sign language and other communication methods to keep daily operations running smoothly.
Americana has also introduced a “Sign & Smile” card to help customers use basic sign-language phrases when ordering.
The UAE rollout follows earlier Opportunity4All openings in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain.
