H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Patron of AccessAbilities Expo, has inaugurated the 8th edition of the exhibition at the Dubai World Trade Centre, with wide participation from government entities and private sector organisations.
He toured the stands of government bodies and international and local exhibitors, where experts briefed him on advances in assistive technologies and rehabilitation programmes. The Expo brings together nearly 250 exhibitors, brands and rehabilitation centres from about 50 countries, with many products being introduced in the Middle East for the first time. Organisers expect 18,000 visitors from 70 countries.
Sheikh Ahmed said the Expo’s success in empowering People of Determination makes Dubai proud. He said the event creates valuable opportunities to exchange knowledge, showcase solutions and build partnerships, and plays a pivotal role in supporting the UAE’s vision of full participation for People of Determination.
The need is substantial. According to the World Health Organisation, about 1.3 billion people worldwide live with disabilities, including more than 50 million in the Middle East. Only one in ten has access to the assistive technology they need, mainly because of high costs or a shortage of qualified professionals. Global studies suggest 3.5 billion people will need assistive technologies by 2030, and the global assistive devices market is projected to reach about $47.1 billion by 2031.
Regional debuts include AI-powered smart glasses offering real-time translation and visual assistance, bionic prosthetics that replicate natural movement, and apps that connect People of Determination with adapted transport. Voice recognition and real-time transcription tools for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, along with digital learning tools for people with autism, are also on show.
Over the three days, the Expo will launch a large awareness campaign covering autism spectrum disorder, inclusive education, rehabilitation, home care, the impact of arts and healthy nutrition. Visitors can access free medical screenings and exhibitor discounts, while memoranda of understanding and distribution agreements are expected to be signed between manufacturers and organisations.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
