Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, visited the Dubai Police stand at the 6th edition of AccessAbilities Expo where the force is showcasing innovative solutions and services for the people of determination. 

AccessAbilities Expo 2024, taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre and running until Wednesday, aims to showcase the latest services, technologies, equipment, and smart solutions available for people of determination, both as employees and customers. 

Major Abdullah Hamad Al Shamsi, Chairperson of the Dubai Police People of Determination Empowerment Council, emphasized the council’s commitment to participating annually in one of the most significant exhibitions aimed at empowering people of determination and promoting their integration into society. 

He stated, "Our council's policies and strategies align with Dubai Police's initiatives for people of determination, in accordance with the National Policy for Empowering People of Determination, the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033, and the 'My Community… A City for Everyone' initiative that aims to make Dubai a fully inclusive city for people of determination. Our goal is to empower individuals to navigate services and transactions seamlessly, engage effectively in their daily activities, and enhance their integration across all sectors of society. 

Maj. Al Shamsi stated that Dubai Police takes pride in people of determination as employees and community members who have achieved remarkable professional, academic, and athletic accomplishments. “These successes demonstrate that there are no limits to what can be achieved despite disabilities and that willpower and determination are the key drivers of excellence and success” he continued.
 
Maj. Al Shamsi added that over the EXPO's three days, Dubai Police will host "Heroes' Talk" at their stand, featuring individuals from the people of determination community who will share their inspiring achievements and groundbreaking success stories locally and globally. 
  
Captain Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Police People of Determination Empowerment Council, explained that the Dubai Police’s stand features a specially designed shooting wheelchair developed for individuals with double amputations, enabling them to compete in shooting events both locally and internationally. 

He continued, "We conducted extensive studies, comparisons, and practical trials to create an exceptional wheelchair that enables athlete Aisha Al Shamsi to move freely and aim accurately with a rifle. The manufacturing process involved several stages, leading to the wheelchair's approval by the International Shooting Sport Federation, confirming that it meets all international standards. We are proud of Aisha's qualification and participation in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games." 

Specs 
First Warrant Officer Mohammed Hussein, a trainer involved in the manufacturing and implementation processes, indicated that the wheelchair is a battery-powered mobile chair specially designed for double amputee shooting athletes. “It enables them to participate in local and international Paralympic shooting competitions,” he added. 

The wheelchair features a control device for movement, a height-adjustable rifle holder, and a detachable structure for easy transportation. It includes a fibreglass bag specifically designed for the chair's components. The wheelchair is stainless steel and has four wheels powered by a battery-operated dynamo motor. It features a rifle base that can be moved in six directions, allowing the shooter to aim at the target easily. 

Additionally, it is equipped with a laser device to ensure target accuracy. The seating area is made from medical-grade foam covered with fabric, ensuring the athlete can remain seated comfortably during training and competitions for extended periods without experiencing fatigue or injury. 

Meanwhile, the weapon used is a 4.50 mm air rifle with a custom stock designed to stabilise the gun on the shooter's base. Given the unique needs of double amputee athletes, a custom trigger mechanism has been designed and fitted to the rifle. This mechanism is connected to a polyester string that allows the shooter to fire the gun by pulling the string, specially designed with three fingers to suit the athlete's condition. 
  
Aisha Al Shamsi 
Emirati athlete Aisha Al Shamsi, a member of the Dubai Club for People of Determination, suffers from limb loss syndrome and atrophy of the feet. She is recognised as the first person in the world and the Arab region to shoot using her toes to aim and fire a rifle. Al Shamsi has earned numerous silver and bronze medals and participated in 16 international championships. In 2022, she won the bronze medal at the World Cup in France and secured the silver medal at the 2022 World Shooting Championship in Germany. She also qualified for the Paris 2024 Paralympics by participating in the 2023 World Cup in South Korea. 
  
360-Sensory Room 
Dubai Police also provided the public with an opportunity to experience the "Sensory Room," designed for individuals with autism, using virtual reality (VR) glasses. This initiative is crucial as it creates a safe and stimulating environment that enhances social interaction and communication skills while offering a secure space. It significantly improves the quality of life for individuals with autism and encourages their positive engagement in the community. 
Dubai Police has established two sensory rooms at Al Muraqqabat and Al Barsha police stations.

These rooms have been fully equipped to cater to the specific requirements and needs of individuals with autism. 

It’s worth mentioning that The Dubai Autism Centre presented the Autism-Friendly Certificate (AFC) to Dubai Police acknowledging the force’s fulfilment of criteria related to personnel, facilities, and services catering to the needs of people with autism.