UN International Day for Persons with Disabilities celebrated on December 3

Dubai, December 8, 2016:  On the occasion of the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities, commemorated on December 3 every year, AccessAbilities Expo reiterated its commitment to contributing to the UAE’s vision of becoming the world’s most disabled-friendly nation and empowering the disabled. 

The UAE is a member of the Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities, one of the most quickly and widely ratified international treaties by the United Nations.  Observance of the 2016 IDPD coincides with the 10-year anniversary of the adoption of the CRPD. 

AccessAbilities Expo 2017, to be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, from November 7-9, 2017, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, will support the efforts of government and private organisations toward enhancing the lives of over 50 million persons with disabilities in the Middle East and facilitating inclusion. 

The Expo, the largest dedicated event for disabilities in the Middle East, is being organised by Reed Exhibitions and Nadd AlShiba PR and Event Management.
In 2017, the expo expects over 15 per cent growth and will have a wider range of interactive activities focused on inclusion and empowerment.

Daniyal Qureshi, Group Exhibition Director, Reed Exhibitions, said: “AccessAbilities Expo aims to empower people with disabilities by giving them a chance to meet experts from all over the world and explore the world’s latest technologies and services available to assist them.  Our selection of participants, discussions and all the activities are in line with the main focus of the expo, which is to encourage inclusion and empowering communities. We are proud that the event contributes to the UAE’s journey towards becoming the world’s friendliest place for the disabled and extremely grateful to all the organisations and government agencies working with us.”

AccessAbilities Expo gives an opportunity to over 750 million individuals with disabilities worldwide, 50 million of whom are in the Middle East, their families, caretakers, and those associated in providing services for them, to view the latest solutions, innovations, smart services and ideas.

The expo will bring the world’s latest robotic and assistive technologies from across the globe, which can assist individuals with disabilities live more independently. The Expo will also bring international experts to host interactive sessions about real life experiences, inclusion in schools and the workplace, disability rights, improving infrastructure, medical advances and much more.

The inaugural expo, which was held from February 9 to 11 this year, was remarkably successful with more than 6,000 people, including individuals with disabilities, their families, educationists, experts from different sectors such as healthcare, technology and infrastructure attending the exhibition and over 150 exhibitors from 41 countries showcasing the latest products and services at the event.