Dubai – 11 November 2017:  Director of Dubai Customs, Ahmed Mahboob Musabih visited the stand of Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation at Accessabilities Expo 2017; the region’s largest trade, professional and consumer event aimed at enhancing the lives of people with disabilities. 

The second edition of the Dubai AccessAbilities Expo was held under the Patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline Group, from 7-9 November 2017 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

This year’s edition is highlighting the importance of integrating people of determination in support of the UAE’s efforts to help this category of people and as part of its vision and strategic plans. 

The exhibition welcomed over 100 exhibitors from 20 countries and 3,000 visitors from 30 countries with the participation of 150 government and private sectors entities.  

Commenting on Dubai Customs participation in the exhibition, Musabih pointed out that the Department has an integrated comprehensive plan to support people of determination in fulfilment of its broad strategy.  

“We exempt all medical equipment and products used by this category from customs duties. We also have a braille written guide in all customs centres that has sufficient information on Dubai Customs and its role and responsibilities. We worked hard to make our environment as friendly as possible towards these people. This meant the inclusion of a number of inventions including the smart cart to help the elderly and people of determination said through customs halls and clear their goods easily. 

The Department will launch “We Are All Determined” initiative which will target people of determinations. It will run over the course of a week to help these people promote and showcase their products. 

The UAE has gone a long way to be one of the world's most disability-friendly countries in fulfilment of the UAE Vision 2021 and Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 and Dubai Plan 2021.