UAE sets Guinness record with longest lanyard chain

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UAE sets Guinness record with longest lanyard chain by determined people

December 20, 2025

ABU DHABI,— The Zayed Authority for People of Determination has secured a new international record for the United Arab Emirates, after Guinness World Records officially recognized the world’s longest chain of lanyards, measuring 663.53 meters, the Emirates News Agency, WAM, reported.

The chain, composed of 1,300 handcrafted lanyards, was created with the participation of 13 national organizations that helped bring the project to life.

People of determination, a term the UAE uses to respectfully refer to individuals with disabilities or special needs, played a central role in designing and assembling the chain. The designation, introduced by the UAE government in 2017, emphasizes ability, empowerment, and contribution rather than limitations.

The achievement was announced during the Fifth Abu Dhabi Family Forum, in the presence of a Guinness World Records adjudicator and attended by families, community representatives, and participating organizations.

The initiative aims to raise global awareness of hidden disabilities and promote understanding and inclusion in the community.

The project was carried out at the Authority’s Innovation Centre, where people of determination worked alongside forum partners from several national entities, including Sheikha Fatima Programme for Excellence and Artificial Intelligence, the Office of the Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Khalifa bin Zayed Al Awwal School, Khalifa Empowerment Programme Team “Aqdar,” the National Archives and Library, Emirates Red Crescent, Little Smarty Nursery, Emirates Businesswomen Council, Air Arabia, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Family Care Authority, Hemaya Schools for Education – Dubai Police, and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.

These organizations contributed to production, printing, and community engagement throughout the project.

Abdullah Abdulali Al Humaidan, Director General of the Zayed Authority for People of Determination, said the record reflects the UAE leadership’s vision for an inclusive and sustainable society.

He noted that involving people of determination in such initiatives showcases their creativity and offers them opportunities to contribute to national achievements.

“This record is more than a new certificate for the UAE,” Al Humaidan said. “It is a message of empowerment, respect, and humanity. It shows that people of determination can achieve the impossible when supported by a committed environment and strong partners.”

Al Humaidan added that the Authority will continue launching initiatives that highlight the abilities of people of determination, strengthen their contribution to national development, and create new global achievements that reflect the UAE’s spirit of perseverance.

The sunflower lanyard, used in this record, is recognized internationally as a symbol for raising awareness of hidden disabilities.

Organizers said it encourages institutions and the community to provide greater understanding and support for people of determination.

Families and community members attending the forum watched as Guinness World Records officially verified the achievement, marking the collaborative effort of the Authority and its partners in raising public awareness of hidden disabilities.

(With files from WAM)