UAE Ministry of Family Highlights AI Screening, Vocational Training at AccessAbilities Expo 2026

Dubai, UAE — 19 October 2026: The UAE Ministry of Family is presenting a range of technology-driven initiatives and inclusive programmes at AccessAbilities Expo 2026, with a focus on improving accessibility, supporting independent living and expanding opportunities for People of Determination.

The eighth edition of the exhibition opened on 19 October at Dubai World Trade Centre and runs until 21 October. Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the event brings attention to solutions that can help make communities more inclusive and accessible.

The Ministry’s pavilion features initiatives covering early autism screening, vocational rehabilitation, creative skills development and employment preparation. Through demonstrations and hands-on activities, visitors can explore how technology, specialised training and collaboration between institutions can improve opportunities for People of Determination.

Under the theme “Integrating Communities, Enabling Lives,” the Ministry is highlighting an approach that connects early identification and intervention with rehabilitation, skills development and pathways into employment.

Ministry Promotes Innovation and Inclusive Services

The Ministry’s participation is intended to encourage collaboration with government departments, academic institutions, specialised organisations and private-sector partners. The exhibition also provides a platform to exchange expertise, examine emerging accessibility solutions and identify opportunities for joint initiatives.

By engaging directly with People of Determination and their families, the Ministry aims to gather feedback that can inform the development of more accessible and responsive services.

These efforts support a broader vision of inclusion in which healthcare, education, social support and employment services work together to improve quality of life and enable greater participation in society.

Minister Emphasises Technology and Equal Opportunities

H.E. Sana bint Mohammed Suhail, Minister of Family, described AccessAbilities Expo as an important opportunity to demonstrate progress in empowering People of Determination and examine innovations that can improve service delivery, independence and community participation.

She highlighted the potential of assistive technologies and rehabilitation programmes to deliver solutions that respond more effectively to individual needs.

“The Ministry of Family is committed to expanding its network of strategic partnerships at the local and international levels and benefiting from leading expertise and successful experiences to develop programmes and initiatives that strengthen the capabilities of People of Determination and expand their access to education, employment and community participation,” H.E. Sana bint Mohammed Suhail said.

She added that these initiatives support the objectives of the We the UAE 2031 vision and the government's priorities for building a cohesive and prosperous society.

The Minister also emphasised the importance of ensuring that People of Determination have equal opportunities to contribute to national development, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to empowerment and inclusion.

AI-Powered Application Supports Early Autism Screening

One of the featured initiatives is an artificial intelligence-powered pilot application being developed and tested by the Ministry in collaboration with Emirates Health Services (EHS).

The application is designed to support the preliminary screening of children aged 18 to 24 months for potential indicators of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). According to the Ministry, the screening process is estimated to take approximately two to three minutes.

Specialists from Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital are demonstrating the application at the exhibition and explaining how its preliminary results may help identify children who could benefit from further specialist assessment and early intervention.

The application remains under evaluation and development. Preliminary screening is intended to support the identification process rather than replace a comprehensive clinical assessment.

Interactive Activities Raise Awareness of Accessible Communication

The Ministry is also using interactive experiences to help visitors better understand communication barriers experienced by people with hearing impairments.

Its “Silent Challenge” activity introduces participants to the sign language alphabet and demonstrates how sign language can support everyday communication. The experience encourages visitors to consider the importance of accessible communication in public and social settings.

Practical workshops led by students from rehabilitation centres offer another opportunity for engagement. Participants create acrylic products and decorate artwork featuring designs by People of Determination, turning the finished pieces into magnetic keepsakes.

The workshops allow students to demonstrate their creative and practical abilities while interacting with visitors and applying skills developed through rehabilitation programmes.

Virtual Experience Demonstrates Vocational Rehabilitation

The Ministry’s “Virtual Elevator” experience gives visitors an interactive look at the different stages of vocational rehabilitation, from identifying individual strengths and assessing capabilities to training, practical work and production.

The initiative illustrates how structured rehabilitation programmes can help prepare People of Determination for suitable professional opportunities while supporting their independence.

In collaboration with ImInclusive, the Ministry is also presenting a simulated recruitment process. Participants complete a practical or virtual task, take part in a brief job interview and prepare a candidate profile summary.

The process incorporates appropriate adjustments for People of Determination and gives employers an opportunity to understand candidates’ practical skills and consider how their abilities align with job requirements.

Visitors Invited to Explore Services and Share Feedback

The Ministry’s pavilion also serves as an information point where visitors can learn about available programmes and services, speak with specialists and suggest improvements.

Direct engagement with People of Determination and their families is a key part of this effort, helping the Ministry understand their experiences and identify areas where services can be strengthened.

Through its participation at AccessAbilities Expo 2026, the Ministry of Family is showcasing how early screening, rehabilitation, accessible communication and employment-focused initiatives can contribute to a more inclusive society.

The exhibition continues at Dubai World Trade Centre until 21 October 2026.