AccessAbilities Expo strengthens efforts of public and private sectors to boost inclusion with its focus on innovation

Dubai: Participants in the eighth edition of the AccessAbilities Expo (AAE-2026), which opened today at the Dubai World Trade Centre, underscored the importance of integrating efforts across the government, private, academic, and social sectors to establish a comprehensive and sustainable ecosystem that empowers People of Determination, enhances their inclusion in all aspects of life, and ensures equal opportunities. Greater emphasis on accessible services would bolster independence for People of Determination and guarantee their active participation in the comprehensive development journey across urban environments, educational settings, and the wider cultural milieu, participants concurred. The AAE-2026 has attracted extensive participation from government entities and private sector organisations showcasing the latest technological advancements and rehabilitation solutions aimed at fostering more inclusive communities. This year's exhibition brings together nearly 250 exhibitors, brands and rehabilitation centres from approximately 50 countries displaying advanced products and assistive technologies, many of which are being introduced in the Middle East for the first time. The three-day exhibition will see the launch of one of the largest awareness campaigns of its kind, reaching millions of people worldwide. The campaign will address autism spectrum disorder (ASD), inclusive education, rehabilitation programmes and applications, home care, the impact of arts, healthy nutrition and other areas that directly affect the lives of People of Determination and their families. This year's exhibition brings together nearly 250 exhibitors, brands and rehabilitation centres from approximately 50 countries displaying advanced products and assistive technologies, many of which are being introduced in the Middle East for the first time. Picture credit: Dubai Media Office Free medical screenings The exhibition also offers free medical screenings and substantial discounts from exhibitors for visitors wishing to purchase products that meet their needs. Products and services showcased at the event are ultimately aimed at empowering and improving quality of life of more than 1.3 billion People of Determination worldwide, including 50 million living in the Middle East region. The event will witness memoranda of understanding, cooperation agreements, partnerships and distribution agreements being signed between international and local manufacturers and organisations. These initiatives will further strengthen the UAE's and Dubai's reputation as global hubs for assistive technologies and rehabilitation programmes, supporting their ambition to become world leaders in the care and empowerment of People of Determination. Strategic priority His Excellency Essam Issa Al Humaidan, Attorney-General of Dubai, said: "Our participation in AccessAbilities Expo reflects our firm belief in the vision of our leadership, which has made the empowerment and comprehensive inclusion of People of Determination a strategic priority and a noble social objective. This prominent international event is not merely a platform for showcasing innovative technologies and solutions, but also a gathering that brings together institutional and community efforts to translate the concept of empowerment into a practical reality experienced by every member of society." He added: "Dubai Public Prosecution's participation in such inspiring events reflects our fundamental commitment to human dignity and to ensuring that People of Determination can access justice with ease. This is an essential responsibility that we are firmly committed to fulfilling. Through our presence at the exhibition, we also seek to highlight Dubai Public Prosecution's initiatives to empower People of Determination in ways that respond to their needs and future aspirations. "The benefits of this participation extend directly to People of Determination and society as a whole. It opens broad opportunities for cooperation between judicial institutions and specialised organisations, enabling us to explore international best practices and experiences, understand the challenges faced by People of Determination, and consequently develop frameworks and services that safeguard their rights, promote equal opportunities and strengthen their active participation in development." Testament to the UAE’s ethos The three-day exhibition will see the launch of one of the largest awareness campaigns of its kind, reaching millions of people worldwide. Picture credit: Dubai Media Office His Excellency Dr. Alawi Alsheikh Ali, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), said: “AccessAbilities Expo has become one of the most important platforms for empowering People of Determination at both the regional and international levels.” His Excellency emphasised: “The continued success of the exhibition over its successive editions clearly reflects the UAE’s progressive and humanitarian values. It also