A robot interacts with a differently-abled person in Dubai.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa), emphasised Dewa’s commitment to providing inclusive facilities, information and services for People of Determination, on an equal basis with others.

"This is in line with the National Policy for Empowering People of Determination, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to create an inclusive society that ensures empowerment and a decent life for People of Determination and their families. Our efforts also support the ‘My Community... a City for Everyone’ initiative, launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, to transform Dubai into an accessible city for People of Determination.

"Dewa has added a digital sign language interpreter powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance the accessibility of information and translate the webpage content into sign language for People of Determination (POD) with hearing disability. This feature is available on Dewa’s website 24/7. Dewa also provides ‘Ash’ir’ service which is a dedicated live video chat service where customers with hearing impairment can interact with Customer Care Centre staff through sign language. This service is available 24/7 on Dewa’s Smart App for iOS and Android platforms. The number of DEWA employees trained in sign language has increased to 770, 22 of whom hold a diploma in sign language.

"We support the vision of the wise leadership to make the UAE the best country in the world in caring for and empowering People of Determination. We work within the framework of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) ratified by the UAE, especially Article 9, which calls for facilitating People of Determination’s accessibility to the physical environment, transportation, information and communications, and other facilities and services provided to the public. Dewa continues to utilise the latest global technologies and best practices to ensure that People of Determination have an easy access to opportunities, experiences, and services available on an equal basis with others, qualifying them to live independently, and enhancing their quality of life. This supports the Dubai Social Agenda 33 and ensures their active participation in the development and prosperity journey,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dewa.