Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed Advances Comprehensive Initiatives for People of Determination
Dubai's leadership reviews progress on integrated systems designed to enhance rights protection, independence and community participation for People of Determination across transport, social services, accessibility and digital innovation.
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, has reviewed the substantial progress achieved across a diverse portfolio of initiatives and projects implemented as part of the Committee’s 2026 action plan. During a comprehensive meeting held in Dubai, His Highness examined the coordinated governmental efforts undertaken at all levels to safeguard the rights of People of Determination, strengthen their independence, and foster inclusive services that elevate quality of life whilst expanding meaningful participation throughout society.
The gathering, convened at the Roads and Transport Authority, brought together Committee members and representatives from an extensive range of government entities to assess advancement across several priority domains. These encompass social benefits and services, inclusive transport infrastructure, accessibility standards within facilities and buildings, and the deployment of advanced technologies to enhance government service delivery, all aligned with the objectives of Dubai Social Agenda 33.
His Highness underscored Dubai’s commitment to developing an integrated system built upon coordinated governmental efforts and the provision of services and opportunities that reinforce the independence and active participation of People of Determination across all dimensions of community life. In his remarks, His Highness emphasised that government initiatives and policies must translate into tangible improvements for People of Determination and their families through the development of responsive, inclusive services ensuring accessible facilities and enabling confident, independent societal participation.
Transport and Accessibility Excellence
The Roads and Transport Authority presented an impressive array of accessibility achievements, including more than 1,290 accessible buses and over 14,000 taxis, of which 27 are specially equipped for wheelchair users. The Authority has established 2,782 dedicated parking spaces and ensured full compliance of all Authority buildings with the Dubai Universal Design Code. Enhanced accessibility features comprise more than 5,000 linear metres of tactile ground surface indicators for people with visual impairments, electrically operated automatic ramps, audio visual announcement systems, and assistance request buttons throughout facilities.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, detailed comprehensive concessions including full exemptions from public parking and public transport fees, Salik tag issuance fees, and vehicle registration and renewal charges, alongside a 50% exemption on driving licence issuance fees. The innovative ‘Aber’ mobile vehicle inspection service, currently operating through 14 units with expansion to 30 units planned by year end 2026, enables People of Determination and senior citizens to access inspections at convenient locations.
Two certified sensory rooms at Al Satwa and Oud Metha Bus Stations, recognised by the Dubai Autism Centre, achieved customer satisfaction rates of 91% and 86% respectively. Usage data demonstrated more than 10,000 combined trips between 2023 and 2025, with 5,802 additional trips during the first half of 2026. Metro usage among People of Determination surged by 77.5% between 2023 and 2026, reaching 12,981 users.
Social Benefits and Community Support
The Community Development Authority reported that financial benefit expenditure exceeded AED101 million through August 2026, supporting more than 3,500 individuals through care services, shadow teachers, education and rehabilitation programmes, and assistive devices and technologies. These services strengthen family support systems whilst fostering greater independence and access to educational opportunities.
Dubai Municipality allocated residential plots to 121 Emirati nationals who are People of Determination during 2026, whilst 152 establishments received the ‘Wusool’ Certificate recognising accessibility standards. Training extended to representatives from 726 entities on inclusive building requirements, and 75 individuals benefited from the ‘Happiness Vehicle’ home services initiative.
Digital Innovation and Communication
The Committee reviewed the proposed ‘Digital Accessibility for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing’ initiative, leveraging artificial intelligence to convert government messages into visual sign language content. The ‘Dubai Communicates in Sign Language’ initiative achieved approximately 23 million community interactions, registered 2,131 downloads of the ‘Sanad’ application, and added 35 sign language interpreters to the national database.
A comprehensive smart platform now monitors progress across 33 initiatives spanning six strategic pillars: inclusive education, accessibility, transportation, community empowerment, inclusive healthcare, and inclusive employment, coordinated across nine government entities.
Source: WAM News Agency