Dubai exhibition puts assistive technologies to the test for people of determination

Assistive technologies designed to make daily life easier for people of determination went on display in Dubai on Monday, as government entities and private companies showcased innovations aimed at improving communication, accessibility and independence.

Visitors to the exhibition communicated through sign language, tested new devices and explored solutions in person, with organisations demonstrating how the tools work in practice. For some families, the growing emphasis on accessibility carries deep personal meaning.

“As a mother of a child of determination, it makes me happy to see more people learning sign language and making an effort to communicate with people who have hearing impairments. Even learning a few signs can make a difference. It helps our children feel understood, included and more comfortable in society,” said Umm Zayed.

Hands-on demonstrations highlight practical impact

Ameera Salem said trying the technologies in person helped illustrate their real-world value. “Sometimes, people see a technology on display without realising how much difference it can make in someone’s daily life. Being able to try it and understand how it works makes the experience more meaningful,” she said.

Across the exhibition floor, visitors could see how assistive devices, digital tools and services address different needs. Hands-on demonstrations allowed attendees to explore the solutions while giving exhibitors the chance to engage potential users and collect feedback.

Dubai Police kit bridges communication gaps

Among the initiatives showcased was Dubai Police’s ‘Himam X’ kit, designed to help officers communicate with and assist people of determination, including those with hearing impairments and visual disabilities. Mohammed Al Janahi from Dubai Police explained how the kit overcomes barriers when officers respond to situations involving people with disabilities.

If an officer cannot communicate directly with a person who has a hearing impairment, the officer can contact Dubai Police’s command and control room, which connects them with a sign-language interpreter. The interpreter relays the conversation, enabling the officer to understand the person’s needs and decide how best to assist. By equipping patrol officers with such tools, Dubai Police aims to make its services more accessible to people with different requirements, including those who face communication difficulties during emergencies or when seeking help.

Emirati inventor turns brother’s struggles into an app

For Emirati inventor Shahad Al Zaabi, a member of the Emirates Inventors Association, the motivation came from a personal challenge. Her older brother struggled to access the assistance he needed while attending university, finding it difficult to navigate campus and reach classrooms, particularly when he required help moving around or accessing facilities.

Watching him face these barriers prompted Al Zaabi to think about a single platform that could connect people with disabilities to the support they need. Her proposed application, Ishara, brings different forms of assistance together in one place, letting users request help with a single tap. The concept includes a field-assistance feature that lets users specify the type of support required. A request is then directed to the relevant staff member, who can identify the person needing assistance and respond accordingly.

Al Zaabi said the team had also developed a simplified model inspired by the original concept for school students, with ambitions to expand the idea further. She hopes the project will grow into a more comprehensive solution benefiting people of determination in the UAE and beyond.

The exhibition also brought together organisations working in transport, healthcare, education and public services, underscoring that accessibility requires cross-sector cooperation. For people of determination, a solution’s value often depends on whether it addresses a specific everyday challenge — communicating with an officer, navigating a public facility or requesting assistance without difficulty. By demonstrating these solutions in practice, exhibitors aim to understand how technology can better meet those needs and where further improvements are required.