His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Supreme Committee for the Protection of the Rights of People of Determination in Dubai, inaugurated the seventh edition of the “Expo for People of Determination 2025” at the Dubai World Trade Centre yesterday. The event featured a record participation from government and private entities, with nearly 270 exhibitors, brands, and rehabilitation centers from 50 countries, and attracted over 15,000 visitors from 70 nations.
His Highness emphasized that the Expo for People of Determination is the largest event of its kind in the region, embodying Dubai’s vision of empowering and supporting people of determination. He stated, “Dubai is a city for everyone, and we aspire for it to be an inspiring model for the inclusion and empowerment of people of determination, maximizing their potential in alignment with Dubai’s Social Agenda 33.”
He shared on his account on X, “We officially opened the seventh edition of the International Expo for People of Determination 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, featuring 270 exhibitors and rehabilitation centers from 50 countries. This event represents the largest of its kind in the region, reflecting Dubai’s commitment to empowering individuals of determination.”
His Highness added, “On the sidelines of the event, I chaired a meeting of the Supreme Committee for People of Determination to review our achievements to date and discuss future projects and initiatives. During this meeting, we approved the ‘Dubai Speaks Sign Language’ initiative.”
To establish a comprehensive system of smart and digital services in sign language, the meeting also reviewed the Community Development Authority’s project to develop a unified and comprehensive database for individuals of determination, supporting decision-making and future policy development. Dubai is a city for everyone, and we want it to be an inspiring model for inclusion and empowerment, aligning with our strategic goals in the Social Agenda 33.
Strategic Platform
The expo, which is the largest of its kind in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia, serves as a strategic platform that supports and aligns with the UAE’s efforts to become the global leader in the care and empowerment of people of determination. Additionally, it aligns with the Dubai Strategic Plan 2033, aimed at making it the best city for living, working, and tourism.
The expo also highlights itself as an international event enhancing the UAE’s reputation as a leader in adopting inclusive policies and providing infrastructure that supports individuals of determination, in line with national efforts towards sustainable development and equal opportunities.
Among those present at the opening were Abdullah Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary General of the Executive Council of Dubai, Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Chief of Dubai Police, Mohammed Ahmad Al Marri, General Director of the General Administration of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, and Abdullah Ali Bin Zayed Al Falasi, General Director of the Dubai Government Human Resources Department.
Dr. Awad Sheikh Ali, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority, Aisha Abdullah Miran, Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai, Marwan Bin Ghalaita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, and Omar Bou Shihab, Director General of the Dubai Land Department were also in attendance, along with several experts and senior officials.
Tour
Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, accompanied by Hessa Bint Issa Bouhmid, Director General of the Community Development Authority in Dubai, toured the expo, visiting various international and local companies showcasing cutting-edge technologies and solutions serving people of determination, facilitating their active engagement in their communities, and empowering them to play impactful roles.
During his visit, Sheikh Mansour explored leading international firms dedicated to empowering people of determination, gaining insights into the latest technological innovations and tailored services. He observed the latest products by Changzhou Wonsh Ramp Industry from China, receiving detailed explanations on how their products are designed to meet the needs of people of determination securely and effectively. He also visited the AccessRec booth from the USA, presenting advanced solutions to enhance accessibility for individuals of determination, reviewing practical applications designed to ease their experiences in various locations.
Furthermore, he checked out innovations from TrySight Inc. from Canada, which provides devices and technologies to support individuals with visual impairments, and visited Deal Progress from the UK, focusing on innovative rehabilitation products and services.
During his expo visit, he also reviewed Dubai Municipality’s offerings, which include a range of initiatives and services aimed specifically at enhancing the quality of life for people of determination, in line with their comprehensive strategies to create an inclusive city equipped with state-of-the-art recreational facilities.
The tour included a stop at the Roads and Transport Authority’s platform, where he learned about the exceptional services available for individuals of determination, including a smart platform for obtaining permits for people of determination and senior citizens, requesting Nol cards, and accessing taxi services, alongside projects such as smart pedestrian signals and designated parking spaces.
Moreover, he visited the Dubai Airports platform, which offers various services to support people of determination, including travel planning assistance, free parking, specialized taxis, wheelchair services, and more as part of the “Accessible Travel” strategy initiated by Dubai Airports.
His Highness also reviewed the innovations presented by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, showcasing a range of digital and innovative services facilitating access for people of determination to government procedures with ease, including identity and nationality services, e-visa applications, golden residency, AI platforms, happiness cards, and unified communication channels.
Additionally, Sheikh Mansour visited the Dubai Police’s platform, where he was informed by Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri about services tailored for individuals of determination, including the “Ghayath” patrol and the “Khalid” magazine published by the Security Media Department.
He noted the “Immediate Assistance” service available on the Dubai Police website, allowing individuals of determination to register their complete details for priority response in emergencies.
During the exhibition visit, he explored initiatives and services offered by the Community Development Authority in Dubai aimed at empowering the community, including a tourism support card, a hotline for individuals of determination, a knowledge platform, and early intervention services, alongside expert-led workshops and discussions throughout the exhibition days.
He also visited the Dubai Health Authority platform, where he was introduced to various technological and awareness projects focused on people of determination, featuring a project called “The Dome” that demonstrates how to interact with individuals on the autism spectrum, as well as interactive screens teaching visitors essential sign language and Braille words.
The tour also included stops at the luxury market booths in Dubai, Emirates Airlines, the Ministry of Family Affairs, the Mohammed bin Rashid Housing Foundation, the Dubai Economy and Tourism Department, and the Zayed Foundation for People of Determination.
The exhibition showcases advanced technologies addressing various physical, visual, auditory, and cognitive disabilities, as well as autism spectrum disorders. According to the World Health Organization, only one in ten persons receives the assistive technology they require, often due to costs or a lack of qualified personnel.
It is projected that more than two billion individuals will need at least one assistive device by 2030, with the global assistive devices market estimated to reach around $47.1 billion by 2031.