AccessAbilities Expo opens at Dubai World Trade Centre until 21 October

The eighth AccessAbilities Expo opens today, 19 October, in Za'abeel Halls 4 to 6 at Dubai World Trade Centre and runs until 21 October. It is the largest event for people of determination across the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia, with more than 240 exhibitors, brands and rehabilitation centres from 50 countries.

On show are smart glasses that translate and describe surroundings in real time, electronic prosthetic limbs, speech-to-text tools for deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors, apps that link users to accessible transport, and learning tools for people with autism. There are also AI and virtual reality zones, inclusive art, yoga and a gymnastics and parkour area.

The programme includes the ninth Inclusive Education Summit, an Applied Behaviour Analysis conference on autism with Dubai Autism Center, a photography exhibition and workshops on the last day by Dubai's Legal Affairs Department and the Community Development Authority.

The show is open to the public, 10am to 6pm according to Visit Dubai's calendar. People with disabilities and their families can have free medical screenings, and some exhibitors offer discounts on products. The organisers expect about 18,000 visitors; entry details are on the AccessAbilities Expo website.