More than 6000 visitors and 150 exhibitors from over 30 countries participated at the AccessAbilities Expo 2016 which concluded today (February 11), in Dubai, UAE.

The three-day event was held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and chairman of Dubai Airports.

The expo’s visitors included top-tier officials and decision makers, children with disabilities and their families, representatives of private companies from healthcare, tourism, education, telecommunication, technology and service providers, who explored latest innovative technologies, business opportunities, shared knowledge and experiences and forged partnerships, said the statement.

The event received strong government support from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Dubai Municipality,  Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Department of Economic Development (DED), Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai, Community Development Authority (CDA)  and Dubai Customs showcasing their latest initiatives and services for people with disabilities as well as from top special education centres from across the GCC, it said.

UAE-based dnata showcased its new facility ‘Eagle Lift’ and other special services. Mouza Saeed, special handling manager with dnata, said that they received many enquiries from the visitors keen on availing of their special services, it added.

The expo also successfully hosted the ‘Knowledge Centre’ and received active participation from visitors at the dedicated ‘Activities Area’.

A total of 200 deals were entered into between the exhibitors and participating organisations during the expo, which had more than 30 meetings, further added the statement.

Sameerah Bint Abdullah Al Faisal Al Farhan Al Saud, president of Charitable Society of Autism Families and president of Saudi Schizophrenia Charity Association, said: “The expo is a very important event as it brings together experts, care givers and product suppliers all on a common platform, under one roof.

“I want to thank the organisers for reaching out to our organisation and inviting us to be part of this wonderful event. Saudi Arabia has a population of 27 million and has a high percentage of disabled kids. The government is taking many initiatives for people with disabilities and there will also be a forum to spread awareness of the disease and to discuss causes and treatment methods,” he said.

“The expo has helped us know about the latest services, tools and facilities which can benefit people having disabilities,” he added.

Participants from GCC countries said the expo provided a remarkable opportunity to connect with other organisations and private entities from across the GCC as well as other regions worldwide.

Dr Tareq Al-Shatti, director General Kuwait’s Public Authority for the Disabled, said: “The event has brought all stakeholders together on a single platform and given us an opportunity to exchange knowledge and experiences.”

“Some of the latest smart assistive technology particularly interested us and during the expo we even arranged with some of the exhibitors to have further cooperation.  We believe latest technology can play a major role in improving the lives of the disabled,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service