Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Dubai Autism Centre launched its 19th Autism Awareness Campaign on April 2—World Autism Awareness Day.
The initiative aligns with the UAE’s “Year of the Community” and reinforces Dubai’s commitment to inclusivity.
Hisham Abdullah Al Qassim, Chairman of the Centre, highlighted that the campaign echoes the national goal of fostering an inclusive society, empowering individuals with autism to thrive and contribute meaningfully to sustainable development.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, affirmed the organisation’s support in line with the national policy for People of Determination (POD), praising Dubai’s “My Community... A City for Everyone” initiative.
Mohammed Al Emadi, Director-General of the Dubai Autism Centre, stressed the importance of community-wide education on autism, particularly its core challenges in communication, social interaction, and behaviour. The campaign features workshops in schools, free early detection assessments, and awareness segments on Noor Dubai TV.
Iconic landmarks across Dubai—including Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, and Global Village—will be lit in blue, symbolising solidarity with the autism community.
Coinciding with the campaign, the Centre released a new book, Managing Behavioral Challenges in Children with Autism, by Dr. Bassam Darwish, offering practical guidance for families and educators.
The initiative is supported by strategic partners such as DEWA and Wasl, alongside key government bodies and private institutions, reflecting a unified national effort to promote understanding and inclusion for people with autism.
Established in 2001, the Dubai Autism Centre remains the UAE’s pioneering non-profit organisation dedicated to the advancement of services for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
