The Community Development Authority In Dubai Concludes Participation In AccessAbilities Expo 2026, Advancing An Integrated System For Protection, Inclusion And Empowerment

The Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai has concluded its participation in AccessAbilities Expo 2026, showcasing its efforts to develop an integrated social services system that responds to the needs of People of Determination and their families, supports their abilities and independence, and enhances their quality of life, in line with the objectives of Dubai Social Agenda 33.

Protection, Advocacy and Empowerment Through an Integrated System

The Authority’s participation included showcasing its strategic project to establish a unified database for People of Determination in Dubai, alongside providing specialised services and consultations for People of Determination and their families. It also highlighted child development monitoring, early screening and intervention, rehabilitation, care, and psychological and social support services.

The participation further featured talent development initiatives, information on the Sanad Card and its tourism benefits, awareness materials on rights and community inclusion, and introductory lessons in Emirati Sign Language, in addition to partnerships that support integrated services and expand professional and community participation opportunities.

Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid: Empowering People of Determination Begins with Rights and Equal Opportunities

Her Excellency Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority in Dubai, affirmed that empowering People of Determination is a fundamental pillar of building an inclusive society that values the abilities of its members and provides them with equal opportunities to contribute to development. She noted that progress in this area is measured by each individual’s ability to exercise their rights, fulfil their aspirations and participate in community life.

Her Excellency said: “Our participation in AccessAbilities Expo reflects our continued commitment to developing a social services system that places people at the heart of its priorities and moves beyond service provision towards creating an environment where People of Determination can demonstrate their abilities and realise their ambitions. We are keen to ensure that People of Determination and their families have a voice in shaping solutions that affect their lives. A more inclusive society is one that values diversity, removes barriers to participation and creates opportunities for everyone to contribute and achieve.”

Her Excellency added: “We work with our partners to strengthen an integrated system that safeguards rights and expands opportunities, in line with Dubai’s aspirations to build a cohesive and prosperous society. These efforts support the objectives of Dubai Social Agenda 33 in enhancing quality of life and strengthening community inclusion.”

Maitha Al Shamsi: Integrated Services and Family Support Strengthen Independence

Maitha Al Shamsi, CEO of the Community Empowerment Sector at the Community Development Authority in Dubai, affirmed that supporting People of Determination begins with understanding their individual needs, taking their families’ circumstances into account and facilitating timely access to appropriate services, from child development monitoring and early screening to rehabilitation and social support.

Al Shamsi said: “We are committed to supporting families in identifying their children’s needs, understanding the available options and accessing the services most suitable for each stage of their development. This helps families navigate challenges with confidence and gives children better opportunities to grow and thrive. We also work to strengthen integration between services and the relevant entities, making it easier for families to access the support they need.”

Al Shamsi added: “Our role is to translate this support into connected services that are accessible to families and responsive to their actual needs, helping People of Determination develop their skills, strengthen their independence and improve their daily lives and participation in the community.”

Unified Database to Enhance Policies and Services

The CDA presented its strategic project to establish a unified database for People of Determination in Dubai. The project aims to integrate and improve the accuracy of data across relevant entities, supporting planning, decision-making and the development of proactive services.

It will also help reduce duplicate registrations, identify needs according to disability type and degree, improve resource allocation and strengthen partnerships with government and private entities and public benefit organisations.

Partnerships to Strengthen Community Inclusion

On the sidelines of AccessAbilities Expo, the Community Development Authority in Dubai signed an agreement with Dubai Duty Free to enhance accessibility to shopping services and provide a more inclusive shopping experience for People of Determination. The agreement includes a 10% discount on eligible purchases for Sanad Card holders, along with priority payment.

The Authority’s participation also involved collaboration with 11 partners, strengthening joint efforts to develop services and expand opportunities for inclusion and community participation.

A Platform Celebrating the Talents of People of Determination

The POD Got Talent platform was one of the key highlights of the Authority’s participation. Over three days, it featured 17 talented People of Determination who presented performances and creative work in piano playing, artistic and technical drawing, and LEGO construction, alongside showcases by four innovators.

The platform highlighted the abilities and creativity of People of Determination, providing opportunities to showcase and develop their talents, strengthen self-confidence and expand opportunities for participation and achievement within the community.

Family Support and Awareness of Rights and Services

The Authority provided family consultations for more than 35 cases, helping families better understand their children’s needs and identify suitable services. Visitors were also introduced to child development monitoring, early screening and intervention, rehabilitation, care, and psychological and social support services.

The CDA also provided information on the Sanad Card and its registration process, alongside awareness materials on rights and community inclusion. Introductory lessons in Emirati Sign Language were offered to promote communication with Deaf and hard-of-hearing people.

Expanding Professional and Volunteering Opportunities

The CDAs participation also focused on expanding professional and volunteering opportunities for People of Determination through the Career Opportunity Meetings initiative, in collaboration with the Dubai Government Human Resources Department under the Makkin initiative. The programme supported 165 Emiratis, including 15 People of Determination, by guiding jobseekers towards suitable opportunities within government entities.

The CDA also organised the “Volunteer with People of Determination” workshop, bringing together centres, entities and volunteering teams to encourage initiatives that support their participation in community life. Visitors were also able to meet the Authority’s specialists to learn more about its services and programmes.

The CDA’s participation forms part of its ongoing efforts to develop an integrated social services system that strengthens the abilities of People of Determination and expands their community participation, supporting the objectives of “Dubai Social Agenda 33” and reinforcing Dubai’s leadership in community inclusion.