AccessAbilities Expo to showcase latest assistive technologies making regional debut

Dubai: The 8th edition of AccessAbilities Expo (AAE 2026), scheduled to take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 19 to 21 October under the theme “Integrating Communities... Enabling Lives”, will showcase a wide range of the latest assistive technologies and inclusive innovations, reinforcing its status as the largest event dedicated to People of Determination across the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia. The global assistive technology market is projected to grow from US$30.5 billion in 2026 to approximately US$65.2 billion by 2034, including an estimated US$5 billion market across the region. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, and Patron of AccessAbilities Expo, said the exhibition has become the largest and most significant event across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia dedicated to accessibility, assistive technologies, rehabilitation and community inclusion. He said the Expo brings together government entities, innovators, healthcare providers, educational institutions, international organisations and private sector companies under one roof, creating a platform for knowledge exchange, showcasing innovative solutions and building strategic partnerships that enhance the quality of life and independence of People of Determination. H.H. Sheikh Ahmed added that as Dubai continues to strengthen its position as one of the world’s leading cities in accessibility and inclusive development, initiatives such as AccessAbilities Expo play a key role in supporting the UAE’s vision of empowering People of Determination and ensuring their active participation in society. Ghassan Suleiman, CEO of Nadd Al Shiba PR & Event Management, organiser of AccessAbilities Expo, said assistive technologies help People of Determination overcome challenges with greater confidence and independence. He noted that despite rapid technological advances, challenges remain regarding the availability, accessibility and adoption of assistive technologies in many parts of the world. “Over the years, we have succeeded in bringing assistive technologies closer to the People of Determination community than ever before,” Suleiman said. “Demand for these products continues to grow rapidly, while emerging technologies are opening new opportunities for learning, employment, social interaction and independent living.” The exhibition will feature a range of advanced technologies powered by artificial intelligence, including smart glasses capable of describing surroundings, reading text aloud and providing voice-guided navigation for people with visual impairments, as well as real-time speech recognition systems, autonomous mobility solutions and intelligent prosthetic limbs. According to the World Health Organisation, nearly 90% of People with Disabilities worldwide do not have access to the assistive technologies they require because of high costs or limited availability. The Global Report on Assistive Technology also found that only 3% of individuals who require technologies such as smart wheelchairs, hearing aids, white canes, adaptive bicycles, wearable neuromuscular devices, rehabilitation robots and advanced prosthetic limbs currently have access to them. The exhibition aims to highlight innovations that can help bridge this gap while promoting accessibility, inclusion and independent living for People of Determination across the region.