Ministry of Family to Unveil Empowerment Initiatives at AccessAbilities Expo 2026
The Ministry of Family will showcase innovative programmes and interactive experiences designed to support People of Determination and their families at the forthcoming international exhibition in Dubai.
The Ministry of Family is set to participate in the eighth edition of the AccessAbilities Expo, an internationally distinguished platform for advancing the rights and meaningful participation of People of Determination within society. Taking place from 19 to 21 October 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the exhibition unfolds under the distinguished patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Holding and President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority.
The Ministry’s participation represents a significant commitment to strengthening direct engagement with People of Determination and their families, fostering a deeper understanding of their aspirations whilst elevating awareness of the indispensable role that family members play in providing support and empowerment. This endeavour aligns seamlessly with the National Policy for Empowering People of Determination and the visionary objectives enshrined within the ‘We the UAE 2031’ strategic framework.
A particularly compelling dimension of the Ministry’s participation emerges through its alignment with the designated ‘Year of Family’, underscoring the profound significance of familial structures as fundamental partners in the empowerment journey. The Ministry shall showcase an integrated portfolio of pioneering initiatives that harness smart technologies to enhance the early detection of developmental disorders, thereby facilitating timely intervention and more efficacious support for children and their families.
Among the notable offerings will be an autism screening initiative developed through collaborative partnership with Emirates Health Services, complemented by immersive interactive experiences that illuminate the distinctive challenges encountered by individuals with hearing disabilities. These endeavours exemplify the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to cross-sector collaboration in delivering services that genuinely respond to the expectations and requirements of service users.
A cornerstone of the Ministry’s presentation involves showcasing the creative and practical capabilities of People of Determination, whilst highlighting pathways to vocational rehabilitation and labour market readiness. Through carefully curated activities that simulate authentic workplace environments, participants shall discover their professional skills and competencies, thereby cultivating self-confidence, independence and a seamless transition into productive engagement and meaningful contribution to national development.
Hessa Tahlak, Assistant Undersecretary for the Empowerment of People of Determination and Senior Citizens at the Ministry of Family, articulated the significance of the initiative, emphasising that the Ministry remains steadfastly committed to integrating the needs of People of Determination and their families throughout every phase of policy development and initiative design. She underscored the vital importance of international platforms in facilitating dialogue with diverse professional and cultural communities, thereby enabling the exchange of expertise and the advancement of solutions that strengthen national policy frameworks.
The exhibition anticipates the attendance of more than 300 exhibitors representing 50 nations, with visitor numbers projected to exceed 18,000 individuals from more than 70 countries. The Ministry warmly invites People of Determination, their families, caregivers and members of the broader community to visit its pavilion and engage with its comprehensive programmes and interactive experiences.
Source: WAM