ZHO was established in response to the directions of the late His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

It is a non-profit government organization with responsibility for government care and rehabilitation centers, Minors Affairs and Orphans across the emirate of Abu Dhabi. ADMAF and ZHO signed a Memorandum of Understanding in April 2009 with the mutual desire to promote a collaborative commitment to the development of recreational and cultural opportunities in the performing arts for individuals with disabilities and special needs in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi