Dubai: The first edition of the "International Deaf Forum – Empowerment and Partnership", held in collaboration with the UAE Deaf Association as part of AccessAbilities Expo 2025, concluded with great success. The forum brought together government representatives, local and international experts, and members of the deaf and hard of hearing community to address key issues, share insights, and explore practical solutions that promote inclusion and equal opportunities.

Hosted at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the one-day forum focused on the UAE’s legislative and institutional efforts to protect the rights of People of Determination, particularly the deaf and hard of hearing.

The opening session, titled ‘Empowerment Through Policies’ featured H.E. Fatima Al Abdooli, Special Education Specialist at the Ministry of Education; H.E. Abeer Al Shehhi, Head of People of Determination Centres in government institutions; and Heba Kotb, Senior Specialist for People of Determination Affairs at the Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi. The discussion was moderated by Professor Iman Gad, Dean of the Faculty of Education at the British University in Dubai.

Speakers highlighted the UAE’s strong legal framework supporting People of Determination and emphasized the need to raise awareness of these rights among community members to ensure equitable access to services and opportunities. They also discussed challenges related to sign language interpretation, such as the shortage of qualified interpreters and the need for standardized certification to ensure service quality and accuracy.

The panel also explored inclusive education in schools, universities, and workplaces. Participants noted that while the UAE has made significant progress in this area, ongoing efforts continue to enhance practical implementation across all sectors.

Professor Gad underscored the importance of the International Deaf Forum as a platform to engage directly with the deaf and hard of hearing community, foster social connection, and raise awareness of their rights. She added that the British University in Dubai is deeply committed to inclusive education, noting that the university has graduated its first student on the autism spectrum and continues to welcome students from various People of Determination groups.

The forum also showcased inspiring success stories from individuals who have overcome challenges to achieve professional and personal milestones. Among them were Musbah Saeed Al Niyadi, President of the Emirates Association of the Deaf; Hamad Haza Al Darmaki, employee at Al Ain Club for People of Determination; Badriya Hassan Al Jaber, teacher at the Dubai Center for People of Determination; and Youssef Ali Al Naqbi, Senior Administrative Services Officer at the Ministry of Education. They shared their journeys and spoke about the role of perseverance, family encouragement, and government support in their success.

The third session, moderated by Salma Hamad Al Tamimi, Secretary of the Emirates Association of the Deaf, focused on the importance of early intervention for the deaf and hard of hearing. Speakers Mohammed Shalwani, Recruitment Officer at Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, and Mohammed Saleh Al Harthi, Speech and Language Specialist at the National Academy for Childhood Development, discussed innovative initiatives to enhance employment opportunities and community integration.

The fourth session addressed access to higher education for deaf and hard of hearing students, with Dr. Ahmed Mahmoud Salam, Senior Psychological Counselor at the University of Sharjah’s Resource Centre for Students with Disabilities, showcasing the university’s successful model for inclusive higher education.

The forum also featured an exhibition of innovative products and technologies designed to support the deaf and hard of hearing, providing companies with a platform to present practical solutions that improve accessibility and quality of life.

Musbah Saeed Al Niyadi, Chairman of the UAE Deaf Association, expressed his satisfaction with the success of the inaugural forum, noting that it provided participants with valuable insights into legislation, medical advancements, and the latest technologies that improve communication, treatment, and inclusion.

The forum concluded with key recommendations, including expanding the number of certified sign language interpreters in the UAE and preparing for participation in the World Federation of the Deaf Congress, which will be held for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa in September 2027.

The recommendations also encouraged employment opportunities, inclusive workplace environments, and sports participation for the deaf community, highlighting the UAE’s commitment to supporting excellence across all fields.

"The International Deaf Forum – Empowerment and Partnership" is one of the major highlights of the 7th edition of AccessAbilities Expo 2025, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman & Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group. The event runs from October 6–8 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, featuring 250 international exhibitors, brands, and rehabilitation centres from over 50 countries.