On the eve of the International Day of Sign Languages, celebrated annually on September 23, Dubai Police organized a sign language workshop for private school students. The UAE has several initiatives for people of determination, including free parking, exemption from Salik toll fees, modified taxis, discounts on hospital bills, and monthly phone plans. People of determination across the UAE, both citizens and residents, can obtain the Fazaa card, and those in Dubai can also avail the Sanad card, which provide various benefits and offers.
The initiative by Dubai Police continues the tradition of inclusivity and aims to raise awareness among youth about sign language. The workshop, titled 'Let Our Hands Speak,' was attended by 105 students at Al Mawakeb School — Al Barsha. It was organized by the People of Determination Empowerment Council and the Positive Spirit Council. The workshop was conducted by Mohammad Mussad Al Hajajji, a certified sign language trainer, who emphasized the importance of promoting sign language education to break down communication barriers with the deaf community, highlighting its positive impact on their happiness and social integration.
The event featured various activities, including K9 shows, mounted police shows, participation from Officer Mansour the mascot, tourist security patrols, and performances by the Dubai Police musical band. Major Abdullah Al Shamsi, Chairperson of the People of Determination Empowerment Council, highlighted that the initiative supports the national policy for empowering people of determination.
'This initiative aims to integrate the deaf community into society, aligning with Dubai Police's strategic goals of fostering a happy community and a safe city. It also contributes to Dubai's initiative, 'My Community…A Place for Everyone', making the emirate fully inclusive for people of determination,' he said.
Fatima Bouhajeer, Chairperson of the Positive Spirit Council and a Member of the People of Determination Empowerment Council, noted that the council's participation aims to enhance efforts in educating young people about essential community values such as coexistence, tolerance, dialogue, development, and respect for others. 'The council offers workshops and lectures to enrich students' knowledge in various areas, including communication with people of determination (deaf category) using sign language. Additionally, it organizes activities and events that foster student integration and coexistence,' she continued.
