Dubai To Host The 4th Edition Of AccessAbilities Expo In November 2020; 10% Growth Expected

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group, stressed that the UAE has become an international hub for advanced technologies that contribute to enhancing the lives of People of Determination, and it is moving forward to boosting its competitiveness as a friendly country for this dear segment of our community which amounts worldwide to about 1 billion people as per WHO reports. His Highness indicated that AccessAbilities Expo is contributing to making the UAE and Dubai the largest hub of a kind in the region not only in terms of providing other markets in the region with technologies, equipment and smart solutions related to People with Special Needs, but also by attracting international manufacturers to open offices and representation centres in the UAE for the same purpose.

“The UAE has set in place laws and legislations to protect the rights of People of Determination in line with international standards, and those concerned in the government and private sectors should continue their efforts to step forward on this journey aimed at catering to the aspirations of people of determination and enabling them to become self-dependent.” He said.

His Highness added that “Dubai is transforming rapidly into a smart city. Therefore, what was deemed not possible before is now possible thanks to technological advancement and availability of smart solutions bound to enable People with Special Needs drive cars, complete bank transactions from their homes, overcome the barriers impeding their urge to break away from depending on others, enhance their travel and mobility experience, and acquire relevant rehabilitation treatments, among other issues related to their daily life activities.”

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Patron of the Expo, commended the efforts made by government and private sector entities in Dubai and the UAE to continually upgrade the quality of services on offer for People of Determination and to provide them the opportunity to participate in formulating their own future and that of their country.

His Highness’ remarks came on the occasion of the announcement of the launching the 4^th edition of AccessAbilities Expo to be held from 10-12 November 2020 in Halls 6 and 7 of the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

Organised by Nadd AlShiba PR & Event Management, the 4^th edition of the event is expected to attract participation from over 270 companies and rehabilitation centres from around the world, making up for 10% growth compared to the previous edition. This is coupled with increased attention to attracting modern technologies under one roof in the service of about 50 million People of Determination living in the Middle East.

The event is in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, aiming to build hope, life and future, and make people of all walks of life happy.

The 3^rd edition of the event attracted 245 participants, including government authorities and international companies and rehabilitation centres from more than 40 countries around the world, and was attended by over 8,000 specialised visitors who reviewed, during the three days of the event, the new services and achievements made available in the service of People of Determination, and became familiarised with the key role advanced technology plays in terms of transforming the lives of People of Determination, hence making it easier for them to enjoy the joys of life.

Similar to previous editions, the 4^th edition of AccessAbilities Expo will feature numerous important activities that serve to enable People of Determination and help them demonstrate their capabilities and aspirations, such as Dubai Accessible Tourism International Summit (DATIS), which aims to highlight the challenges People with Special Needs face in airports, airlines, hotels, shopping centres, medical tourism and other equally important issues related to the tourism industry. The event will also include Knowledge Hub and valuable lectures throughout the three days of the event to delve into discussion of important topics dealing with enablement, employment and technology, and the role these three pillars play in supporting People of Determination with respect to their different needs. Additionally, the event features the Sports Area that includes sports matches and competitions to highlight the capabilities of athletes from the ranks of People of Determination and pinpoint their accomplishments in local and international sports forums. It also includes recreational, cultural, medical and other various activities.