As part of its participation in the AccessAbilities Expo 2024 GDRFA Dubai hosts Shani Dhanda, the m
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA) is honoured to host Dr. Shani Dhanda, the most influential figure among people of determination in the United Kingdom, a social entrepreneur, and a BBC’s “100 Women” awardee in 2020. Dr. Dhanda will take part in a specialised session titled “Breaking the Disability Barrier: Understanding How Disability is Part of Society and Our Collective Role in Removing Barriers that Impede People of Determination”. The session will be held at the Knowledge Hub in Hall 6, Dubai World Trade Centre, next Wednesday during the exhibition.
This session is part of GDRFA Dubai’s participation in the sixth edition of the “AccessAbilities Expo 2024”, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, from 7 to 9 October at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
In this context, His Excellency Major General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA Dubai, said: “Our participation in the AccessAbilities Expo underscores our ongoing commitment to supporting people of determination and enhancing their empowerment. We are focused on developing innovative technological solutions that meet their needs and contribute to improving their quality of life.”
He added: “Hosting an inspiring figure like Dr. Shani Dhanda reaffirms the importance of inclusivity and breaking down the social and economic barriers facing people of determination. We are striving to be leaders in delivering services that ensure the integration of this vital group into society.”
At the AccessAbilities Expo 2024, GDRFA Dubai will showcase its technological and innovative services for people of determination. The department is also actively contributing to initiatives such as “My Community… A City for Everyone”, which aims to transform Dubai into a disability-friendly city by offering solutions such as the unified internal smart channel that brings together all GDRFA services through smart applications, enabling people of determination to access them with ease and flexibility.
It is worth noting that Dr. Shani Dhanda, a British South Asian woman with a disability, is a global advocate for challenging social inequality. As a trusted consultant, she collaborates with companies to promote genuine inclusion and accessibility. Her notable projects include founding Diversability, the Asian Woman Festival, and the Asian Disability Network. She is also an ambassador for nine UK disability organisations and an influential activist in shaping policies for people of determination.