Look: Meet the amazing UAE kids redefining modern beauty standards

The faces and images we see on billboards, adverts and in magazines are the ones that shape our worldview. So what does it mean if you never see someone who looks like you represented positively in the public eye anywhere? For children of determination, it’s just another way in which they are marginalised in many parts of the world. But in the UAE things are different, say these parents of kids of determination, whose children have just been hired as models for modelling agency Bareface’s new Talent of Determination division - launched to represent people of determination and alternative appearance. We spoke to parents of children of determination about what this means…

“THE WORD ‘NORMAL’ APPLIES TO EVERYONE”: 3-year-old Emilio Saïd was born with Down Syndrome, “which makes him extra cute and gorgeous!” says his mother Johanna. “It's important for all people of determination, children and adults, to be considered as candidates to front or be part of any public or internal campaign - be it messaging or branding - as not doing so negates a large and important community in our society,” says Johanna.

“Personally, I would like for my children to grow up in a world of inclusion, acceptance and a willingness to understand...so that sometime in the not so distant future, the idea of 'us and them' when it comes to differently abled people, is a concept of the past. The word 'normal' applies to everyone. We are all normal. That reality needs to be understood universally for true inclusion to become our collective reality.” You can see more super cute pictures of Emilio on Instagram @Upsideofliving, where his mother Johanna advocates for those living with Down Syndrome.

“AMANI HAS TAUGHT US LESSONS WE DIDN’T EVEN KNOW EXISTED”: 16-month-old Amani Khalid Ahmed Alnekhailawi was born on 2 December, UAE National Day, “making her extra, extra special!” says her mum, Sara Momtaz. “Amani is an incredible little girl, who is defying the Down Syndrome stereotypes. She has taught us lessons we didn’t even know existed. Love is too small of a word for how we feel about her. We strongly believe everyone deserves to not only be included in society, but feel that they are represented and valued too.”

“WE WANT PEOPLE TO UNDERSTAND HOW WONDERFUL KIDS LIKE OUR SON ARE”: Three-year-old Suleiman Nayal’s mum Ihab is thrilled that people will have the chance to see people with Down Syndrome represented in a positive light. “People who don’t have much interaction with Down Syndrome people or children will have the chance to understand how wonderful it it’s to interact with them and integrate them more into society. Although they might not the same in mental and physical development, they have an overwhelming amount of friendliness and radiant happiness that they tend to spread around joyfully. I believe this initiative helps with this awareness.”

“WE WANT YOU TO SEE TALENTS AND ABILITIES, NOT DISABILITIES AND DIFFERENCES”: 5-year-old Nour Houayek has Down Syndrome, but she also loves dancing, posing for photos, and socializing with everyone around her – making her a perfect fit for the modelling world. “Even though Nour has gone through life-threatening medical complications in her early years, she was genuinely a happy child, with a lovely, contagious smile,” says Nour’s mum, Genevieve.

“I believe that featuring our kids in several areas will gradually create a collective mind shift toward perceiving one’s talents and abilities rather than disabilities and differences . I’m looking forward to Nour being able to showcase her talents in a professional, inclusive, yet considerate and caring environment”.

“WE’RE SO GRATEFUL FOR THE CHANCE TO SHOW OUR GIRL’S BEAUTY AND DIFFERENCE”: Tallulah, almost 4, has been a blessing for mum Lucy Davis and family: “Tallulah is wholeheartedly the best thing that has happened to our crazy family of 5 (she has a sister of 5yrs and a sister of 1.5 yrs). We were not given Tallulah’s diagnosis until she was born, and in hindsight I am so glad I didn’t know ahead of her birth. There is so much that isn’t represented correctly in the medical world when it comes to child with DS. Ultimately you are often given a pessimistic forecast for your child, much of which you may not have to face at any stage in their life- but ultimately all of which you would tackle head on for them.”

“Living in the UAE, we have had the ability to give Tallulah the best early intervention possible, in order for her to succeed in living an independent and fulfilling life a she grows up. Having an agency like Bareface truly believe in people of determination and see the importance in their representation in society is such a huge step in the right direction. We are so grateful for their belief in Tallulah and others like her, in giving them the chance to show the beauty and difference.”

“KIDS OF DETERMINATION HAVE JUST AS MUCH VALUE AS NEUROTYPICAL KIDS”: 5-year-old Sami was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome 4 years ago: “My world stopped,” says his mother Emily. But while there are many challenges, he is always very happy; loves meeting new people, and “he can now walk, climb, run and do things which we were told he might not be able to do when he was diagnosed,” says Emily. Sami’s mum’s advocating for her son and Angelman Syndrome has previously led to the Burj Khalifa, The Frame, and Yas Island’s Ferrari World, Warner Bros and CLYMB all turning blue in support of Angelman Day on 15 February.

“Sam has an infectious smile and he is very photogenic. So there is no reason why he could not model. It is very important for kids of determination to be represented in mainstream advertising because they are valued members of society who have just as much ability to model as neurotypical people. So why not?”