Dubai unveils AI glasses, bionic limbs at AccessAbilities Expo 2026

Sheikh Ahmed inaugurates milestone 8th edition

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 AccessAbilities Expo, inaugurated the 8th edition of AccessAbilities Expo at the Dubai World Trade Centre on October 20, 2026, marking a milestone for the event first launched in 2016.

The three-day exhibition brings together nearly 250 exhibitors, brands and rehabilitation centres from approximately 50 countries, showcasing advanced products and technological solutions designed to empower People of Determination—a term officially adopted by UAE leadership in 2017 to recognize the strength, resilience and contributions of individuals with disabilities.

During his tour of the exhibition, Sheikh Ahmed was briefed by experts and company representatives on remarkable advancements in assistive technologies and rehabilitation programmes helping improve the quality of life for more than 1.3 billion people worldwide, including 50 million living in the Middle East region.

Sheikh Ahmed said the success of AccessAbilities Expo in empowering People of Determination makes the nation proud. He welcomed exhibitors and participants from around the world to an event showcasing the latest advances in accessibility, assistive technologies, rehabilitation and inclusion.

As Dubai continues to strengthen its position as one of the world's leading cities in accessibility and inclusive development, initiatives such as AccessAbilities Expo play a pivotal role in supporting the UAE's vision of empowering People of Determination and ensuring they have access to every opportunity to participate fully and actively in society.

The expo's growth reflects the expanding regional market for assistive technology, which was valued at approximately USD 2.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 4.4 billion by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate of approximately 6.0 percent, driven by government initiatives and increasing awareness of disability rights.

Groundbreaking technologies debut in region

Among the innovations being introduced in the Middle East for the first time are AI-powered smart glasses offering real-time translation and visual assistance for people with visual impairments, and advanced bionic prosthetics that replicate natural movement and provide users with greater independence. Smartphone applications connecting People of Determination with specially adapted transport services are also on display.

The venue itself reflects the UAE's commitment to accessibility. The Dubai World Trade Centre, inaugurated in 1979 and serving as a major events hub for over 45 years, features wheelchair access throughout the complex, reserved parking spaces among its 7,530 total spaces, accessible elevators, ramps, accessible bathrooms, and a dedicated metro station on the Red Line providing direct access.

Comprehensive awareness campaign

The exhibition will launch one of the largest awareness campaigns of its kind, reaching millions of people worldwide. The campaign addresses autism spectrum disorder, inclusive education, rehabilitation programmes and applications, home care, the impact of arts, healthy nutrition and other areas directly affecting the lives of People of Determination and their families.

Free medical screenings and substantial discounts from exhibitors will be available for visitors purchasing products that meet their needs. Memoranda of understanding, cooperation agreements, partnerships and distribution agreements will be signed between international and local manufacturers and organisations during the event.

UAE policy framework for empowerment

The expo aligns with the UAE's comprehensive policy framework for empowerment. Federal Law No. 29 of 2006 guarantees equal rights for People of Determination in areas such as education, healthcare and employment, ensuring their right to live with dignity and full participation in society. The UAE's National Policy for Empowering People of Determination is built around six main pillars: healthcare and rehabilitation, education, vocational rehabilitation and employment, accessibility and outreach, social protection and family empowerment, and participation in public life, culture and sports.

The UAE's National Digital Accessibility Policy further extends this commitment to the digital realm, ensuring digital inclusivity for People of Determination and senior citizens through AI and modern technologies, prioritizing their access to government digital services.

Growing global demand

According to World Health Organisation statistics, People of Determination account for approximately 10 to 16 percent of the population in any society. Global studies indicate that 3.5 billion people will need assistive technologies by 2030, yet only one in ten people worldwide currently have access to the assistive technology they need, primarily due to high costs or a shortage of qualified professionals.

The global assistive devices market is projected to reach approximately USD 47.1 billion by 2031, underscoring the critical importance of platforms like AccessAbilities Expo in connecting manufacturers, healthcare providers, educational institutions, international organisations and the private sector.

The 8th edition is expected to attract 18,000 visitors from 70 countries, continuing the growth trajectory demonstrated by the 2025 edition, which recorded an 8 percent increase in exhibitors compared to the previous year. The exhibition showcases assistive technologies addressing physical, visual, hearing and intellectual disabilities, as well as autism spectrum disorder.

Sheikh Ahmed emphasized that exhibitors and participants have a key role to play in advancing accessibility and innovation, and building more inclusive communities regionally and globally. These initiatives strengthen the UAE's and Dubai's reputation as global hubs for assistive technologies and rehabilitation programmes, supporting their ambition to become world leaders in the care and empowerment of People of Determination.