Healthcare | Sunday 6 December, 2015 12:52 am |

On the occasion of United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities, commemorated on December 3 every year, AccessAbilities Expo 2016 reiterated its commitment to contributing to the UAE’s vision of becoming the world’s most disabled-friendly nation and empowering the disabled.

The expo will support the efforts of government and private organisations toward enhancing the lives of over 50 million persons with disabilities in the Middle East, and including them in the society, in line with the 2015 theme of the International Day- ‘Inclusion Matters’.

AccessAbilities Expo is being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, fromFebruary 9-11, 2016, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“We are confident that the UAE, under the guidance of its visionary leadership, will take the lead in providing the best of facilities for people with disabilities empower them and enhance their lives to emerge as world’s friendliest place for the disabled.  AccessAbilities Expo aims to contribute to this vision by bringing together experts, latest smart technologies, healthcare and services, from over 30 countries on a single platform,” said Ghassan Amhaz, General Coordinator for the expo.
 
The expo gives an opportunity to over 750 million individuals with disabilities and special needs worldwide, 50 million of whom are in the Middle East, their families, caretakers and those associated in providing services for them, to explore the world’s latest and best smart solutions and services.

AccessAbilities Expo is being supported by key government bodies including Community Development Authority (CDA), Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Dubai Municipality, Department of Economic Development (DED), General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai, and Dubai Customs as the strategic partners alongwith private sector organisations in technology, telecommunication, healthcare, aviation, hospitality, tourism, education, infrastructure, facilities management and other areas.

Leading centres in the UAE including Rashid Pediatric, Dubai Autism Centre, Al Noor Training Centre for Children with Special Needs, Autism Trust Foundation, Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, Mawaheb for Beautiful People, Dubai Centre for Special Needs, Ability Centre for Special Needs and Future Centre for Special Needs, have also confirmed their participation in AccessAbilities Expo 2016. The expo also has strong participation from centres for the disabled from GCC countries including Saudi Arabia, Oman and Kuwait.

AccessAbilities is being organised by Reed Exhibitions and Nadd AlShiba PR and Event Management.  The exhibition will be spread over an area of 8,000 square metres and will feature a Knowledge Centre along with dedicated activity areas.