Middle East

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: The UAE Cabinet approved a new policy to protect those with disabilities from abuse. The initiative is intended to empower people of determination by giving them a platform to report cases of ill-treatment. With inclusion at its heart, the policy will enable them to “participate effectively within a safe community environment” that guarantees their “right to… Continue Reading »

QATAR: Qatar Foundation for Social Work (QFSW) launched the ‘Doha Declaration’ at the closing ceremony of the Doha International Conference on Disability and Development (DICDD) yesterday. The two-day conference, which has attracted over 1,500 policy-makers and practitioners, took place at the Qatar National Convention Center under the theme: “Leaving No One Behind”. The Doha Declaration on… Continue Reading »

IRAN: On the occasion of the International Day of Disabled Persons observed annually on Dec. 3, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani announced that 10 trillion rials ($76.9 million) have been allocated to take measures in support of disabled people nationwide. Many of the plans will focus on modifying urban infrastructures to facilitate their movement and social… Continue Reading »

QATAR: Qatar’s leading telecommunications operator today announced a partnership with Wheel The World aimed at opening up the many tourist attractions in Qatar to all. Wheel The World promotes tourism for those with disabilities, raising awareness of the challenges they face when choosing travel options and working to make experiences possible. The collaboration has many high-profile… Continue Reading »

IRAN: The CEO of the company says “Barjasteh Negar” (literally raised-graph) is a smart tablet for the blind that comes with a braille keyboard and the output will be Persian audio and braille script. He pointed out that the mobile smart tablet has a Linux operating system and allows blind people to read texts in audio… Continue Reading »

The Doha International Conference on Disability and Development will be held on 7-8 December 2019, under the guidance and patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Founder of Qatar Foundation for Social Work and its affiliated civil society centers. The overall theme of the conference is “Harnessing the Power of Sustainable Development to Advance… Continue Reading »

QATAR: Mada, the assistive technology centre Qatar, has signed with Korea Trade Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) a memorandum of understanding and co-operation during the Qatar-Korean Business Forum, which kicked off yesterday. The signing ceremony was attended by HE the Minister of Commerce and Industry Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari, and the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy… Continue Reading »

CYPRUS: The deputy ministry of tourism has announced a scheme to improve the infrastructure and safety at beaches from 2019 until 2020, with a focus on people with disabilities. According to the ministry’s statement, beneficiaries of the project are municipalities and community councils. The money may be used to buy equipment such as recycling bins, or… Continue Reading »

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE): Around the UAE, efforts to integrate people with disabilities into public life are becoming increasingly visible. Parking lots include designated spots, public washrooms have special cubicles and ramps are increasingly commonplace outside public and residential buildings. There is a shift in mindset among employers too. Zia Mirza, who has a hearing disability, and Mohammad… Continue Reading »

GENEVA: Kuwait affirmed that presenting its first report on implementing the articles of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities at the UN, is part of its continuous support to disabled people. The remarks were made by Kuwait’s permanent delegate to the UN Ambassador Jamal Al-Ghunaim on Monday, at the Committee on the… Continue Reading »