In a significant milestone underscoring Dubai’s firm commitment to social inclusion and the empowerment of People of Determination, the Community Development Authority (CDA) has set a new benchmark.
Launched under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Higher Committee for the Protection of the Rights of People of Determination, the ‘Dubai Communicates in Sign Language’ campaign has inspired the world’s largest virtual lesson in Emirati sign language, drawing record participation of more than 6,000 individuals.
Unprecedented Engagement
The initiative witnessed unprecedented engagement from government and private sector employees, setting a new Guinness World Record, exceeding over 6,000 participants, surpassing the previous record established in India in 2017 with 1,442 attendees. Participants from diverse nationalities and backgrounds across the UAE came together in a unifying moment to learn the fundamentals of Emirati sign language.
The achievement was further strengthened through strategic collaboration among leading public and private entities, alongside educational institutions and private sector partners.
Comprehensive Portfolio
The 'Dubai Communicates in Sign Language' initiative aspires to position Dubai among the world’s leading cities in integrating sign language through an advanced ecosystem of smart and digital services.
It includes a comprehensive portfolio of training and awareness programmes targeting diverse segments of society, the development of innovative real-time translation technologies, and the training of government and private sector employees in the fundamentals of Emirati sign language.
These efforts aim to ensure seamless, dignified, and accessible services for People of Determination with hearing disabilities, while embedding sign language as a daily mode of interaction across key public spaces, reinforcing Dubai’s leadership in delivering inclusive, people-centred services.