By Amit Kakkar, Managing Editor, EmiratesReporter.com
Dubai, UAE– The United Arab Emirates continues to strengthen its commitment to People of Determination by improving accessibility, introducing new technologies and creating opportunities for greater independence. Recent initiatives highlighted at AccessAbilities Expo 2026 in Dubai show how government authorities and private organisations are working to make everyday life, healthcare and travel more comfortable and accessible.
The eighth edition of AccessAbilities Expo is being held at Dubai World Trade Centre from October 19 to 21. The event brings together government departments, businesses and technology providers to showcase solutions that can improve the lives of People of Determination.
The focus is not only on providing assistance but also on understanding individual needs, protecting dignity and ensuring that people can participate more confidently in society.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is introducing several initiatives to improve mobility and accessibility across public transport facilities.
According to a news report published on October 19, Dubai has more than 1,800 parking spaces reserved for People of Determination. Smart monitoring has been introduced at 250 of these spaces to prevent unauthorised motorists from using them.
The RTA is also offering voice enabled journey planning through its S’hail application. This can help users plan trips involving buses, the Dubai Metro and taxis. Mental maps of transport facilities are another initiative designed to help people with visual impairments understand station layouts and find important facilities.
Sensory rooms have also been introduced to provide a calmer environment for people with autism who may experience stress or sensory overload in busy public places.
These measures aim to make travelling easier and give people more confidence to use public transport independently.
Air travel is another area where new solutions are being explored.
It is reported on October 20 that dnata is testing an autonomous wheelchair that can take passengers towards their boarding gates without requiring someone to push the chair throughout the journey. The technology uses cameras and sensors to identify obstacles and adjust its route. The wheelchair remains under testing.
Emirates is also exploring smart glasses that can read boarding passes and describe surroundings, along with audio descriptions to help passengers with visual impairments understand aircraft cabin layouts.
The airline is developing an accessible lounge suite with features such as grab bars, wheelchair storage and a powered reclining chair to support passengers with reduced mobility.
Emirates has completed 80 travel rehearsals across six continents, reaching more than 400 families, according to the report. More than 35,000 staff have also been trained to support customers with autism.
These efforts recognise that travelling can be challenging for some individuals and their families. Allowing passengers to become familiar with airport procedures before departure can help reduce anxiety and improve confidence.
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The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is also using interactive experiences to encourage greater public understanding.
At the exhibition, visitors can experience a simulation demonstrating how a person with autism may perceive their surroundings. They can also learn basic sign language and explore information presented in Arabic and English Braille.
Dr Hind Al Awadhi, head of health promotion and education at DHA, explained the purpose of the initiative, saying, “Our idea for this exhibition is to let visitors experience reality through the eyes of people of determination.” SOURCE: KHALEEJ TIMES
The authority is also presenting healthcare standards, its Sanadhum initiative and a unified medical report to improve accessibility, service quality and coordination.
The developments highlighted this week show that accessibility requires more than infrastructure. It also depends on public awareness, trained staff, suitable technology and services that respond to different needs.
Families, schools, employers, healthcare providers and government departments all have a role in creating an inclusive society.
The UAE’s continued efforts send an important message: People of Determination deserve dignity, equal opportunities and the freedom to make choices about their lives. By improving access to transport, healthcare, employment and public spaces, the country is working towards a society where everyone can participate and contribute.
The real success of these initiatives will be measured by how effectively they improve everyday experiences and help People of Determination live more independently and confidently.
