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Dubai organized the world's largest unified virtual sign language lesson on Wednesday. The session aimed to teach the basics of Emirati Sign Language to a massive global audience and has left a lasting impact on its diverse participants. 

From students to the elderly and public servants in the Dubai government, the initiative has sparked a renewed passion for inclusion and communication, reinforcing the emirate’s status as a global leader in empowering people of determination.

The event, part of the Dubai Communicates in Sign Language initiative launched by Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, brought together thousands of individuals from across the globe to learn the basics of Emirati Sign Language. The lesson was more than just a record attempt; it was a profound statement of unity and a practical step towards a more integrated society.

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An official from the Community Development Authority (CDA), which organized the event, articulated the initiative’s core mission. “We want to raise community awareness… and build communication bridges,” she stated. “This is a message from Dubai to the world that says Dubai is one family, and we are proud of all our members and celebrate our differences.”

A voice

The message resonated strongly with attendees, particularly the younger generation. Lily, a grade 11 student at Al Mawakeb Al Barsha school, felt a deep sense of purpose in participating.

“I feel as if it’s very important for us as students to learn sign language, for us to raise awareness for all the deaf people,” she said. “I think it’s very important for them to also have a voice, since they can’t hear us and they can’t speak, so we need to also give them some kind of voice.”

Sarah Qassem, another student from the same school, shared the excitement, noting that the session ignited a desire to learn more. “I really loved this session… I want to learn more about it and see how deaf people communicate with each other,” she explained.

Lily and Sarah Qassem

For many, the event was an introduction to a new world of communication. Abdulrahman Hassan, from Dubai municipality, praised the UAE’s inclusive environment. “Sign language confirms that communication is a right for every person,” he asserted. “The UAE is always pioneering in integrating people of determination in all fields.”

Abdulrahman Hassan, from Dubai municipality

Practical applications

The practical applications of sign language were a key takeaway for participants from the public sector. Hessa Al Bloushi, a Senior Sergeant from Dubai Police, who has completed a two-year diploma in sign language, emphasized its value in her work. “It’s an important thing in the field of security. I work at the airport, so it’s good to take this experience in sign language,” she said.

Hessa and her colleague, Senior Sergeant Khadija Ghulam, also expressed their hope to one day become instructors in sign language.

Hessa and her colleague, Senior Sergeant Khadija Ghulam

The initiative aligns with the broader goals of the Dubai Social Agenda 33 and the emirate’s strategy for social empowerment. By turning a world record attempt into a city-wide educational movement, Dubai has once again demonstrated its innovative approach to community building. 

The virtual lesson has not only taught basic signs but has also opened hearts and minds, building invisible bridges of understanding that will strengthen the fabric of this diverse and forward-thinking city.

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