Dubai to launch world’s largest virtual sign language class

The unique event forms part of the "Dubai Communicates in Sign Language" initiative, launched by H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Higher Committee for the Protection of the Rights of People of Determination, in October 2025.

The event, which aims to set a new Guinness World Record, underscores Dubai’s global leadership in social inclusion and its commitment to empowering People of Determination. It also aims to position Dubai as a leading city in the use of sign language through an integrated ecosystem of smart and digital services.

The ambitious initiative reflects Dubai's deep commitment to turning challenges into opportunities that facilitate the participation of People of Determination in all aspects of life.

The initiative aligns with the leadership’s vision to build an inclusive and sustainable society that ensures a high quality of life for all its members, in line with the goals of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which places the empowerment of People of Determination at the core of its development priorities.

Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director-General of Dubai's CDA, said the event reflects the UAE’s vision of an inclusive society and Dubai’s drive to become a friendly city for People of Determination.

“Organising the world’s largest virtual sign language class marks a significant milestone that reflects the UAE’s deeply rooted vision for building an inclusive society," she said, adding that it supports efforts to empower People of Determination to play a more active role in society and the economy.

She said sign language is central to communication with the deaf community and urged broad participation to help build “bridges of communication and inclusion” and reinforce Dubai’s position as a global model for inclusive and sustainable cities.

The initiative seeks to strengthen social inclusion by improving access to services for people with hearing disabilities across government and private sector entities. It also aims to integrate sign language into everyday interactions within key facilities.

The authority invites all government and private entities, universities and schools, and all society members, including citizens and residents, to participate in this historic event and be part of this global achievement.

Through participation in the unified virtual class, each individual will contribute to breaking the world record, while at the same time enhancing community awareness of Emirati Sign Language and supporting the hearing-impaired community and People of Determination.

Those interested in participating can register through the home page of the ‘Dubai Communicates in Sign Language’ website (https://dcsl.cda.gov.ae), which provides detailed instructions on how to join the unified virtual lesson. Participants from all over the world can also join the event.