In a step to foster inclusive global travel, Amsaan Accessible Tours (AAT) participated in AccessAbilities Expo 2023, the largest event in the MENASA region that amplifies the voices, needs, and aspirations of People of Determination.
This expo, supported by regional Government Authorities, was held from October 9 to 11 at the Dubai World Trade Centre and highlighted the UAE’s commitment to becoming the world’s most inclusive and accessible destination.
AccessAbilities Expo 2023 championed inclusivity for the 50 million-plus People of Determination in the Middle East, promoting learning, networking, and emerging as a hub for accessibility technologies. Being an active participant alongside the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) in Dubai, AAT utilised this platform to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by deaf travellers – from communication barriers to safety concerns – and how these challenges can be transformed into inclusive travel experiences.
Visitors saw informative videos, featuring content in both International and Arabic Sign Language, offering a vivid, visual exposition of Amsaan’s offerings accessible to all. With a dedicated deaf representative stationed at the booth, the company aimed to directly engage with the deaf community and their families to customise their technological solutions in tourism, form networks for collaboration and forge accessibility advocacy. This endeavour aligns with the vision of the UAE government and H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, to make the UAE one of the most inclusive destinations in the world.
The UAE government’s active involvement in AccessAbilities Expo 2023 emphasized its resolve to make the nation a beacon for accessibility and inclusiveness. Consistently ranked among the top 10 global tourist destinations, the UAE aims to inject Dh450 bn into its GDP through the National Tourism Strategy 2031, showing the need to prioritise inclusion to reach this goal.