Dubai Expo City and Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination have signed a collaboration agreement.
This agreement supports people of determination by ensuring their inclusion as an integral part of the Expo City community.
Moreover, it promotes participation in the city’s diverse activities while enhancing accessibility to events and surrounding environments.
As part of both organizations’ commitment to inclusion.
The agreement was signed during a ceremony at Al Wasl Plaza on White Cane Day, which celebrates the achievements of individuals with visual impairments.
The white cane symbolizes independence and the ability to lead a fulfilling life.
As part of the event, Dubai Expo City introduced tactile maps with audio descriptions.
Allowing blind and visually impaired individuals to experience Al Wasl Plaza in an immersive way.
Projects Supporting People of Determination
Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and CEO of Expo City Dubai, emphasized the importance of inclusion, stating:
“At Expo City Dubai, we believe that inclusion is fundamental to creating a better future for people and the planet.
As a growing city, we have the opportunity to embed accessibility and inclusion into our journey from the very beginning.”
“Our collaboration with Zayed Higher Organization helps us to leverage their expertise.
It also reinforces our commitment to building a city where people of all abilities can live, work, and fully participate in the community independently.
Through this, we collectively drive positive change—not only in Expo City Dubai but also in the UAE and globally.”
A Model for Inclusive Cities
Abdullah Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, said:
“Expo City Dubai plays a significant role in promoting inclusion.
It is serving as a model for an accessible environment that caters to all, regardless of ability.
Our partnership aims to further strengthen this mission.
By creating more opportunities for people of determination to engage in various activities and events.
This collaboration aligns with our strategic vision to provide the necessary support for people of determination to participate equitably in public life.”
Dubai Expo City has integrated accessibility into its infrastructure to welcome all visitors.
Tactile navigation maps, 3D maps of Al Wasl Plaza, and sign language interpretations for performances are among the features that enhance the city’s inclusivity.
Training and Workforce Integration
Zayed Higher Organization will also provide training to Expo City staff, service providers, and contractors.
In order to improve their ability to cater to people of determination.
The initiative will further integrate people of determination into the workforce and encourage their participation in Expo City programs.
The collaboration also involves knowledge-sharing, with Expo City contributing from its experience in delivering diverse programs and initiatives.
In addition, both parties will work together to create a best practices guide for accessibility that can be adapted across the UAE. A research committee will also be established to explore further accessibility initiatives.
We commend the UAE’s pioneering global role in the field of food security, and its advanced position among the world’s leading countries in building a secure food future based on mobilizing efforts to secure healthy food for all and strategic partnerships with various countries… pic.twitter.com/bXXkCKJKJ5
— UAE Voice (@uae_voiceeng) October 17, 2024
The partnership builds on the existing features offered by Dubai Expo City to people of determination.
Including sunflower lanyards (also known as “hidden disability lanyards”) to signal to staff and volunteers that a guest may need additional support.
The city also welcomes service dogs and offers Braille signage in key areas.
In addition, it provides tactile maps in selected zones and offers wheelchair-accessible transport carts.
Mentioning that Expo 2020 Dubai Museum has installed new technology.
It’s name is Navilens, and it allows blind and visually impaired individuals to access and interact with their surroundings easily.
