Dubai protects rights of differently-abled, says Mansoor Bin Mohammed

Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Higher Committee for the Protection of the Rights of People of Determination, reviewed the progress of diverse initiatives and projects undertaken by the Committee as part of its 2026 action plan during a meeting of the Committee in Dubai.

Chairing the meeting, Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed reviewed outcomes of government efforts at various levels to protect the rights of People of Determination, enhance their independence, and develop inclusive services to raise their quality of life and expand their participation in society.

The meeting, held at the Roads and Transport Authority, was attended by Committee members and representatives of various government entities.

The meeting assessed progress across several priority areas, including social benefits and services, inclusive transport, accessibility in facilities and buildings, and the use of advanced technologies to enhance government services, in line with the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33.

Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum affirmed that Dubai continues to develop an integrated system to protect the rights of People of Determination built on coordinated government efforts and the provision of services and opportunities that strengthen their independence and active participation across all facets of life.

Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed said, "We are committed to ensuring that government initiatives and policies translate into tangible improvements in the lives of People of Determination and their families. This is achieved by developing inclusive services that respond to their needs, ensuring easy access to facilities and services, and enabling them to participate in society with confidence and independence. Coordinated efforts across government entities, alongside measuring the impact of initiatives, remain fundamental to achieving sustainable outcomes that reinforce Dubai’s position as a city for all.”

RTA's inclusion moves

Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum reviewed the Roads and Transport Authority’s (RTA) efforts to enhance accessibility and independence for People of Determination. These include more than 1,290 accessible buses and over 14,000 taxis, including 27 equipped for wheelchair users; 2,782 dedicated parking spaces; and full compliance of RTA buildings with the Dubai Universal Design Code.

Other inclusive facilities include more than 5,000 linear metres of tactile ground surface indicators for people with visual impairments, electric and automatic ramps, audio-visual announcement systems, and assistance request buttons.

He also received a briefing from Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), on the concessions and services provided to People of Determination. These include full exemptions from public parking and public transport fees, Salik tag issuance fees, and vehicle registration and renewal fees, as well as a 50% exemption on driving licence issuance fees and fares for designated taxis serving People of Determination.

The ‘Aber’ mobile vehicle inspection service enables senior citizens and People of Determination to have their vehicles inspected at home or at a location of their choice. It currently operates through 14 mobile units, with plans to increase the fleet to 30 by the end of 2026.

Sensory rooms

As part of its commitment to inclusive transport, RTA continues to develop public transport facilities that accommodate sensory needs of different community groups.

The efforts included the establishment of two sensory rooms at Al Satwa and Oud Metha Bus Stations, both of which received certification from the Dubai Autism Centre. Customer satisfaction rates reached 91% at Al Satwa Bus Station and 86% at Oud Metha Bus Station during 2025 and 2026.

The Committee reviewed the Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai’s efforts to develop the system of financial benefits and social services provided to People of Determination.

More than 3,500 individuals benefited from the financial benefits, which cover care services and shadow teachers, education and rehabilitation, and assistive devices and technologies.

Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority in Dubai, affirmed that the development of social support for People of Determination is centred on understanding the needs of individuals and their families and providing benefits and services that respond to those needs with greater efficiency and flexibility.

She said, "We are working to develop an integrated system of social benefits and services that places the needs of People of Determination and their families at the forefront of our priorities and helps them achieve greater independence."

WAM