The National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) held its first "Strategic Retreat" at its headquarters in the capital, Abu Dhabi, on June 3-4, 2024. The retreat was led by H.E. Maqsoud Kruse, Chairperson of the NHRI, with the participation of the "Board of Trustees" and the "General Secretariat," aiming to identify the priority areas and programs for the upcoming phase of the institution's operational cycle.

Over the two days, the "Strategic Retreat" included four brainstorming sessions with the participation of specialized technical and administrative staff from various departments and sections within the institution. This allowed for creative interaction among participants through brainstorming sessions, presentations, and systematic discussions and conceptualizations, aiming to adopt the "Strategic Directives" and activate the "Operational Enablers" for the next phase of the institution's work.

The interactive sessions addressed several key areas, including the preparation of human rights programs and awareness campaigns on topics such as workers' rights, women's and children's rights, rights of people with disabilities ("people of determination"), as well as rights related to health and mental health. Additionally, the sessions covered mechanisms for activating complaint systems, monitoring, field visits, and launching human rights and knowledge laboratories within the NHRI.

It is also worth mentioning that the The National Human Rights Institution was established in 2021 as per the Federal Law No. (12) as an independent institution and enjoys financial and administrative independence and aims to protect and promote human rights in the United Arab Emirates by taking into account the UAE Constitution, mandates, and other relevant international treaties. The institution works in compliance with the Paris Principles as it sets the basis for regulating the work of national human rights institutions approved by the United Nations.