Carl Moon Supports Expansion of UmiVerse’s Initiative for People of Determination
UmiVerse and the HEMAM Project expand inclusive creative and digital empowerment programs across the UAE
DUBAI, UAE — UmiVerse, in collaboration with the UAE Journalists Association and with the support of entrepreneur Carl Moon Runefelt, has successfully completed a new series of inclusive creative empowerment workshops for People of Determination.
This initiative is part of the HEMAM project—a long-term program aimed at empowering people with disabilities through creative education, media training, digital skills development, and community engagement activities.
The latest workshops engaged more than 60 students with different disabilities from centers affiliated with the Ministry of Community Empowerment in Dubai. Each participant also received creative materials to continue developing their skills beyond the workshops, extending the educational impact into their daily lives and home environments.
The initiative received strong community engagement, highlighting the growing importance of inclusive programs that create meaningful opportunities for People of Determination.
“HEMAM is not about asking society to make space out of obligation. It is about reminding the world that talent, creativity, intelligence, and dignity already exist within every individual — sometimes all that is missing is the opportunity to be seen, heard, and empowered,” said Professor Nawal Benzaouia, Founder and CEO of UmiVerse.
Future plans include specialized workshops in content creation, artificial intelligence, digital marketing, and media production, as well as the launch of a dedicated podcast platform managed by People of Determination themselves, allowing participants to share their stories, talents, and perspectives directly with the wider community.
The initiative also aims to create long-term employment pathways by equipping participants with practical creative and digital skills that can support financial independence and active participation within the UAE’s growing creative economy.
“Helping children with disabilities is the most important thing we can do in life. These individuals did not choose their disability, and they are the ones who need help the most in society. My little brother has Down syndrome, so I know with firsthand experience how much assistance and love these individuals need, hence my strong passion for the subject,” said Carl Moon Runefelt.
Following the success of the first phase, UmiVerse is preparing to expand the initiative across additional emirates through new workshops and interactive educational programs planned for Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah later this year.
UmiVerse is licensed by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) to provide training, educational support, consultancy services, and organize events across the UAE. The organization has also received approval from the Ministry of Community Development for services related to People of Determination, including specialized training, consultancy, and structured social impact initiatives under the HEMAM Project.
A Deeply Personal Mission
Carl’s commitment is driven by personal experience. His younger brother was born with Down syndrome and faced serious medical challenges, including two heart surgeries as an infant, treatment for two types of leukemia, and more than 11 operations for a large lymphangioma. In total, he underwent over 60 surgeries throughout his life. Today, at 20 years old, he is alive and well.
Carl emphasizes that his brother is his main motivation for supporting the HEMAM Project, to ensure that People of Determination have greater opportunities to express their talents, develop practical skills, and build independent and fulfilling futures in society.
About UmiVerse
UmiVerse is a Dubai-based educational platform focused on inclusive learning, global education, and future-ready skills development. Fully aligned with the UAE Vision 2031, the organization delivers international programs, certified training, and strategic initiatives that promote innovation, inclusion, and lifelong learning across the UAE. Through partnerships including collaborations with INSEI France and the UNESCO Chair in Disability, Education & Digital Technology, UmiVerse supports impactful educational and community programs. Its initiatives include the HEMAM Project, developed in collaboration with the UAE Journalists Association to empower People of Determination through creative and media-focused programs.
To support the HEMAM Project:
About Carl Moon Runefelt
Carl Runefelt, also known as Carl Moon, is an entrepreneur, investor, musician, and philanthropist. He is the Founder and CEO of The Moon Group, a Web3 investment firm, and has backed more than 400 crypto startups. Alongside his business ventures, Carl has built a global presence as a content creator and musician, using his platforms to educate and engage with millions worldwide.