ZAPoD has marked a significant milestone for the Arab region by hosting the World Conference of the World Association of Sign Language Interpreters (WASLI)
The Zayed Authority for People of Determination (ZAPoD) has marked a significant milestone for the Arab region by hosting the World Conference of the World Association of Sign Language Interpreters (WASLI)—the first time the prestigious global event is held in this part of the world. This landmark conference aims to highlight the UAE’s advancements in inclusivity, reflecting its firm commitment to implementing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
The conference convenes a diverse group of sign language interpreters, educators, and stakeholders from government and civil society sectors. It provides a vital platform for discussing the latest developments in interpreter education, training, research, and the delivery of professional services. Importantly, it fosters invaluable networking opportunities for local interpreters, connecting them with counterparts from across the Arab region and the wider globe.
In a groundbreaking move linked to the conference, ZAPoD, in collaboration with WASLI and its regional office, has signed an agreement to launch a specialised diploma programme in sign language interpretation—the first of its kind in the Arab world. Officially accredited by the UAE’s National Qualifications Centre as a Level 4 Diploma in Sign Language Interpretation, this programme represents a pioneering step toward enhancing communication and inclusion for the deaf and hard of hearing communities across the region.
The diploma is designed to equip national professionals with advanced skills in both simultaneous and written sign language interpretation, encompassing Arabic and international sign languages. By raising professional standards, it aims to improve access to essential services in education, healthcare, justice, media, and public sectors. The curriculum aligns with the highest international standards, emphasising cognitive and practical proficiency, field training, as well as strict ethical and professional norms to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
His Excellency Abdulla Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of ZAPoD, expressed pride in Abu Dhabi’s role as host, stating the global platform facilitates the exchange of expertise and positions the UAE as a leader in inclusion and sustainability. He highlighted the diploma’s launch as a crucial milestone in building an integrated educational and professional ecosystem that promotes the meaningful participation and empowerment of People of Determination. According to Al Humaidan, these initiatives demonstrate the international community’s confidence in the UAE’s innovative approach to educational and professional solutions, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s standing as a global hub for dialogue and collaboration in inclusion.
Beyond the conference and diploma launch, the wider landscape of support for People of Determination in the UAE is advancing robustly. The Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination (ZHO) has recently partnered with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi to foster the integration of People of Determination into the culture and tourism sectors, ensuring equitable access and participation. Meanwhile, an expanded collaboration between the Ministry of Family and ZHO focuses on harnessing technological solutions to enhance the quality of care and rehabilitation services, alongside raising public awareness and monitoring employment stability for People of Determination.
Another significant community service spearheaded by ZHO is the 'Wasfat' initiative, which improves access to medicines for blind and deaf individuals by providing prescriptions in Braille and sign language. This innovative service underlines the organisation’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the autonomy and wellbeing of People of Determination.
Looking ahead, Abu Dhabi is also set to host the first World Deaf Congress in the Middle East in September 2027. Organised by ZHO in partnership with the UAE Deaf Association, the congress aims to unite over 2,000 participants globally to celebrate and promote national sign languages and empower Deaf communities. The event will build on the momentum generated by WASLI’s conference and the diploma launch, further solidifying the UAE’s profile as a leading advocate for inclusion and equal opportunity.
Together, these initiatives reflect a comprehensive and forward-thinking strategy by the UAE to embed inclusion at all societal levels through education, professional development, public services, and cultural engagement. They signal an ambitious vision for a more connected, equitable future where People of Determination can fully participate in and contribute to national development.