CDA launches ‘Dubai Communicates in Sign Language’ pledge, reinforcing Dubai’s leadership in empowering people of determination

Dubai: In a strategic step reinforcing Dubai’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, the Higher Committee for the Protection of the Rights of People of Determination has approved the adoption of the ‘Dubai Communicates in Sign Language’ pledge under the supervision of the Community Development Authority in Dubai (CDA). Launched to coincide with Arab Deaf Week, the pledge brings together several government entities and represents a pioneering initiative that enshrines inclusive communication as a fundamental right, further strengthening Dubai’s position as a global model for inclusive and accessible cities. The pledge is considered the first of its kind in the UAE. The initiative underscores Dubai’s commitment to empowering People of Determination by building an integrated services ecosystem that ensures equitable access to information and services, and enhances their effective participation in society. It aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33 and Dubai’s Strategy for People of Determination. Framework for inclusive communication The pledge serves as a guiding framework for regulatory structures and institutional practices, grounded in the recognition of Emirati Sign Language as an independent language with cultural and linguistic value. It promotes inclusive communication without discrimination, safeguards human dignity, strengthens institutional accountability and continuous improvement, and supports the effective implementation of relevant legislation. Her Excellency Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority in Dubai (CDA), said the pledge represents a strategic milestone in Dubai’s journey towards building a globally leading model for accessibility and inclusion, reflecting the leadership’s vision of a more inclusive and sustainable society. She said: “The ‘Dubai Communicates in Sign Language’ pledge represents an integrated framework that translates our institutional commitment to ensuring the right to communication for deaf and hard‑of‑hearing individuals. It enhances the readiness of entities to deliver inclusive services based on innovation and efficiency, and reflects the integration of roles across government entities in transforming strategic directions into effective practices that achieve tangible impact on quality of life.” Her Excellency added: “Empowering communication through Emirati Sign Language is a key pillar in strengthening independence and social participation. Through this pledge, we continue to develop a flexible service environment that responds to the needs of all segments of society, in line with Dubai’s future aspirations, and reinforces its position as a city that fully supports People of Determination.” Service and community commitments The pledge includes a comprehensive set of executive commitments across key sectors. Government entities will ensure the availability of sign language and accessible communication methods across their services, provide interpretation in priority interactions, develop inclusive digital platforms, train frontline staff, involve People of Determination in service design and development, and establish clear mechanisms to request qualified sign language interpreters. In the healthcare and emergency sector, the pledge guarantees sign language interpretation across all stages of diagnosis, treatment, and emergency response, ensuring full understanding prior to medical consent. It also includes training healthcare professionals, providing accessible visual awareness materials, safeguarding privacy, and conducting periodic reviews of communication quality. In the education and social sector, the pledge ensures the availability of sign language throughout all educational stages, from enrolment to assessment, while supporting inclusive learning environments through appropriate accommodations and staff training. It also promotes the development of specialised academic programmes in interpretation, bilingual education models, student participation in educational framework development, rehabilitation and protection services in sign language, professional qualification pathways, a culture of communication and empowerment, and the establishment of a central registry for certified sign language interpreters. In the security, employment and transport sectors, the pledge focuses on equitable access to information and services by providing interpretation in reports, investigations, and emergency communications; training security personnel; fostering inclusive work environments that support employment, training and career development without discrimination; integrating sign language interpreter roles within institutional structures; and providing visual screens and guidance across transport facilities to ensure safety and continuity of access to information. Impactful and sustainable partnerships Several government entities are participating in the pledge, including the Community Development Authori