AccessAbilities Expo highlights the growing global importance of empowering People of Determination, who represent between 10% and 15% of every society worldwide. Their number currently stands at approximately 1.3 billion people and is projected to rise to nearly two billion by 2050, according to statistics and forecasts issued by the World Health Organization (WHO). This steady increase is driven by multiple factors, including ageing populations, the spread of diseases, armed conflicts, illiteracy, and other social and economic challenges.
Based on these figures, more than 200 million People of Determination live across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia—the primary regions served by the exhibition. These communities are seeking access to advanced assistive technologies and innovative rehabilitation initiatives that support independent living and enhance overall quality of life.
AccessAbilities Expo: A Regional Platform with Global Impact
Against this backdrop, the annual AccessAbilities Expo, hosted by Dubai, has emerged as a vital platform dedicated to empowering People of Determination and addressing their evolving needs and aspirations. The exhibition aligns closely with the UAE’s national vision and strategies focused on inclusion, accessibility, and sustainable community development.
The UAE continues to pursue its ambition of becoming the world’s leading country in the care and empowerment of People of Determination, supported by strong governmental commitment and proactive private-sector participation in delivering world-class services to citizens, residents, and visitors alike.
Eighth Edition to Take Place in October 2026
The 8th edition of AccessAbilities Expo will be held from 19 to 21 October 2026 at Za’abeel Halls 4, 5, and 6 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
This upcoming edition is expected to welcome around 300 international exhibitors, brands, and rehabilitation centres from 50 countries, while attracting more than 18,000 visitors from over 70 countries worldwide. A broad range of local and international government entities will also take part, leveraging the exhibition’s technologies to enhance the quality and inclusiveness of their services for People of Determination.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed: A Firm Commitment to Empowerment
Commenting on AccessAbilities Expo, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, and Patron of the exhibition, reaffirmed Dubai’s long-standing commitment to inclusion.
“In line with our firm commitment to fulfilling the vision of our wise leadership—aimed at making Dubai and the UAE the most friendly and empowering country for People of Determination—I am pleased to announce that Dubai will host the 8th edition of AccessAbilities Expo from 19 to 21 October 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre,” he said.
Building on the Success of the Previous Edition
Sheikh Ahmed highlighted the success of the 7th edition, which welcomed more than 250 exhibitors and brands from over 50 countries, and attracted more than 15,000 visitors from 70 countries. Participants included members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the UAE, along with representatives from ministries and government entities from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, the Sultanate of Oman, India, and other nations.
“These stakeholders came together under one roof to exchange knowledge, build partnerships, and explore cutting-edge technologies aimed at serving hundreds of millions of People of Determination in their home countries,” he noted.
Knowledge Exchange and Inclusive Innovation
He further emphasized that the previous edition featured a series of conferences and workshops addressing critical topics such as autism spectrum disorder, challenges faced by the deaf and hard of hearing, inclusive education, accessible travel and tourism, the role of assistive technologies, and global best practices in rehabilitation.
“These initiatives had a tangible impact on advancing empowerment efforts and improving quality of life for People of Determination across the region,” Sheikh Ahmed added.
Dubai as a Global Hub for Assistive Technologies
Concluding his remarks, Sheikh Ahmed stated that by hosting this unique exhibition—the first of its kind in the region—Dubai has firmly established itself as a global hub for assistive technologies and rehabilitation services, expressing his hope that all stakeholders will continue to benefit from the exhibition’s future editions.
A Strategic Platform for Networking and Deal-Making
In this context, Ghassan Suleiman, Chief Executive Officer of the exhibition, explained that AccessAbilities Expo plays a pivotal role in attracting the world’s most advanced assistive technologies and making them accessible to People of Determination and relevant stakeholders.
“The exhibition also provides a genuine opportunity for exhibitors to engage directly with decision-makers in the care and rehabilitation sector across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia,” he said, adding that it facilitates discussions around partnerships and deal-making with government entities and specialised centres that collectively invest billions of dirhams in service and infrastructure development.
Showcasing Innovation for the First Time in the Region
Organised by Nadd Al Shiba PR & Event Management, AccessAbilities Expo will showcase a wide range of assistive technology products, some of which will be unveiled for the first time in the Middle East. Recognised as the region’s largest platform of its kind, AccessAbilities Expo connects manufacturers and distributors of assistive products with government bodies, rehabilitation centres, and health and educational institutions.
Two Billion People to Need Assistive Technologies by 2030
Advanced assistive technologies supporting mobility, visual, hearing, intellectual disabilities, and autism spectrum disorder play a critical role in enabling independence and wellbeing for People of Determination, who represent up to 15% of the population in every country.
According to the World Health Organization, only one in ten people who need assistive technology currently have access to it, due to high costs, limited availability, lack of awareness, shortages of trained professionals, and inadequate policies. Assistive products—including hearing aids, wheelchairs, communication tools, eyeglasses, prosthetic limbs, and daily-living aids—help maintain or enhance functional ability and independence.
International experts in disability affairs estimate that more than two billion people worldwide will require at least one assistive product by 2030, while many older persons will need two or more. A recent WHO report further revealed that nearly 90% of those who need assistive technology globally are unable to access it, highlighting significant gaps in service delivery and trained workforce capacity, particularly in cognition, communication, and self-care.
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