• August 8, 2025
• Management
• Joey Sura
• 8 Comments

Navigating a career in caregiving requires more than technical skill—it takes heart, vision, and the courage to go where support is needed most. Aman Sura, the CEO and co-founder of ABLE UK Dubai, embodies all of these qualities. Having spent over two decades working in the UK’s care sector, she took a bold leap eleven years ago and brought her expertise to the UAE—an environment that was still finding its footing in developmental and therapeutic care.

Finding a gap and filling it with purpose

Long before she established ABLE UK in Dubai, Aman was already making a difference in East London, running an independent care scheme for adults with physical or other disabilities. Her visits to the UAE, originally for leisure, revealed something far more pressing than scenic beaches and luxury towers. “Over several years of visiting Dubai for holidays, we became aware of the lack of high-quality, evidence-based care services in the UAE,” she shares with TGFM. “That insight inspired us to bring the values and practices we believe in to this region, offering a standard of care we’ve seen make a real difference.”

That realization sparked a mission to build something the country sorely lacked—an inclusive, multidisciplinary hub where families of children with developmental needs could find not only therapy but understanding. ABLE UK officially launched in 2015 in Dubai Healthcare City and has since grown into one of the most trusted therapy and learning support centers in the region.

Building with care despite the challenges

Starting from scratch in a new country brought unexpected hurdles. The care sector in the UK, Aman explains, is supported by decades of strict regulations and frameworks designed to protect vulnerable individuals. “Back in 2014, when we first began exploring this work in the UAE, there was a significant lack of regulation—particularly when compared to the UK,” she shares.

Unlike in the UK, where professionals can practice shortly after obtaining their degrees and memberships, the UAE places heavy emphasis on licensing. “To navigate this, we developed our own internal protocols, which proved to be invaluable over time,” she adds. These protocols not only bridged the gap in the early years but laid the foundation for how the organization operates today—structured, ethical, and deeply committed to professional standards.

As the UAE’s regulatory landscape matured, ABLE UK was ready. Their processes were already robust, their team trained to the highest standards, and their services tailored to meet local needs without compromising on international best practices.

Leading with heart and empowering others

Aman believes that compassion and consistency are just as vital as clinical expertise. “Long-term success in care requires more than expertise—it requires compassion, consistency, and a commitment to empowering both clients and their families,” she says. This philosophy is at the core of every service they offer, whether it’s early intervention therapy, occupational or speech and language support, or caregiver training.

Their approach is deeply family-centered. “We offer free parent training sessions and webinars to equip caregivers and family with practical tools and strategies,” she explains. “These sessions not only strengthen family engagement but also allow us to listen directly to their concerns and adapt our services accordingly.”

Over the years, ABLE UK has developed a strong community focus. They provide workshops and internationally accredited training to teachers, learning support assistants, and allied professionals. These programs aren’t just about therapy—they’re about transferring knowledge and skills into homes, classrooms, and communities.

With a culturally diverse team fluent in multiple languages—including Arabic, Tagalog, Urdu, and Hindi—the center serves as a bridge between families and the often-complex world of developmental care. Aman has seen firsthand how much difference this makes. “By sharing knowledge and upskilling the wider community, we aim to create a more informed, supportive, and collaborative environment for individuals with developmental needs across the UAE,” she says.

A message to parents starting their journey

Perhaps the most powerful insight Aman offers is directed at parents who are just beginning to seek help for their children. “You’re not alone, and your first step—no matter how small—is incredibly important,” she says with conviction. Early intervention, she emphasizes, is not just about addressing symptoms; it’s about building a future. “Even a little intervention is better than none at all.”

She encourages families not to fear diagnoses. “Getting an early diagnosis can be a powerful tool—not a label, but a guide. It helps you better understand your child’s unique needs and ensures that interventions are targeted and effective.” This clarity, she notes, is essential for building confidence in both children and their caregivers.

At ABLE UK, therapy doesn’t end at the door. “Support doesn’t end with therapy sessions—it’s about building a team around your child that includes you,” she says. This belief is also reflected in her personal mantra: “Every step matters—start early, stay committed, and lead with heart.”