Catalyst For Change

Guest of Honour Frank Gardner OBE explains how the treatment of disabled passengers needs to be completely overhauled

- Dominic Ellis

Frank Gardner OBE has barely entered the Palazzo Versace Dubai lobby when half a dozen people – who apparently met him in Amsterdam – greet him and the conversation flows. He shakes my hand with an iron grip and we retreat to the Mosaico lobby terrace where unaided, he pulls himself out of his wheelchair and quickly replies “Earl Grey” to the waitress.

HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum decreed that the name ‘disabled’ should be replaced by ‘people of determination’ a year ago as part of the UAE’s strategy to empower people with disabilities – and the phrase couldn’t be more apt when you look at Gardner’s life and outlook.

It’s 14 years since he was shot and left for dead by Al-Qaeda terrorists in Saudi Arabia and yet whether it’s taking a seat for an interview, boarding a plane for work or taking to a stage to present industry awards, the BBC Security Correspondent remains diligent and active.

Recently he made global headlines after being kept waiting for over an hour-and-a-half on an Ethiopian Airlines plane arriving at London Heathrow.