Dubai: H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Higher Committee for the Protection of the Rights of People of Determination, today inaugurated the 7th edition of the AccessAbilities Expo featuring 270 exhibitors from 50 countries, with the event expected to attract over 15,000 visitors from around the world.
According to Emirates News Agency, the AccessAbilities Expo 2025 is the largest of its kind in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia, serving as a key platform advancing the UAE’s efforts to empower People of Determination. It aligns with the Dubai Strategic Plan 2033 to make the city the best place to live, work, and visit. The expo also highlights the UAE’s leadership in promoting inclusion and accessible infrastructure, reflecting its commitment to sustainability and equal opportunities.
The opening ceremony saw the attendance of several high-profile officials, including Abdulla Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary General of The Executive Council of Dubai; Lieutenant-General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police; and other senior officials and experts. H.H. Sheikh Mansoor toured the exhibition with Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director-General of the Community Development Authority in Dubai, exploring both international and local pavilions.
During his tour, H.H. Sheikh Mansoor visited stands of leading international companies specializing in empowering People of Determination. He reviewed the latest technological innovations, including products from China’s Changzhou Wonsh Ramp Industry and solutions from the American company AccessRec. These innovations aim to improve accessibility in various environments.
Further exploration included Canada’s TrySight Inc, which provides assistive devices and technologies for the visually impaired, and the UK’s Deal Progress, focusing on innovative rehabilitation products and services. H.H. Sheikh Mansoor also visited various local pavilions, learning about the showcased products and services.
The exhibition features cutting-edge technologies catering to a wide spectrum of disabilities. The World Health Organisation highlights that only one in ten people who need assistive technology currently have access to it. By 2030, over two billion people are expected to require at least one assistive device, with the global market projected to reach approximately $47.1 billion by 2031.
Key innovations at the expo include AI-powered smart glasses, advanced bionic limbs, smartphone apps for specialized transport services, real-time voice and text recognition tools, and digital solutions for innovative learning and communication for individuals on the autism spectrum.