Ministry of Community Empowerment Launches “Colorful Socks Challenge” in Celebration of World Down Syndrome Day

The Ministry of Community Empowerment, in collaboration with the Ministry of Family, has announced the launch of this week’s challenge: the Colorful Socks Campaign, popularly known as “Zallagat-Zallagat,” coinciding with the celebration of World Down Syndrome Day, observed every year on March 21.

The challenge invites everyone in the community to wear colorful, mismatched socks as a fun and creative way to celebrate the abilities of individuals with Down syndrome and show support through simple, yet meaningful acts involving families, friends, and colleagues.

The idea of wearing colorful, mismatched socks on World Down Syndrome Day began as an initiative by John, a creative young man with Down syndrome who has loved wearing quirky socks since childhood. John's dream was to create his own line of colorful socks to raise awareness about the capabilities of people with Down syndrome, spreading the message that they are an integral part of society with unique abilities despite their differences.

This campaign falls under the “Community Challenge” initiative, launched by the Ministry of Community Empowerment to introduce a series of inclusive social challenges targeting all community members. The initiative aims to promote Emirati values and elevate national identity. Through this challenge, individuals and organizations are encouraged to participate by posting photos or videos wearing colorful, mismatched socks and using the campaign hashtag on social media platforms.

The campaign gives participants an opportunity to express solidarity with people with Down syndrome and send a global message emphasizing the importance of awareness and social inclusion. The initiative also helps foster a sense of national pride, reflecting the UAE’s strong commitment to placing human well-being at the core of its development agenda.

Global Awareness

World Down Syndrome Day, observed annually on March 21, is an occasion to spotlight the rights of individuals with the condition and the importance of their integration into society. The date holds symbolic significance: while a typical human cell contains 46 chromosomes, individuals with Down syndrome have an extra chromosome, with three copies of chromosome 21—hence the choice of March 21 (3/21) as the official global observance date.

People with Down syndrome in the United Arab Emirates receive robust support. Federal Law No. 29 of 2006 safeguards the rights of people of determination—including those with Down syndrome—in education, employment, cultural life, and social participation.