The very first workshop of the joint job entitled 'Accessible Environments for Persons with Disability' started as part of efforts to recognize the requirements & concepts of the Universal Design jointly carried out by the General Secretariat of the Executive Council of Dubai Government, Community Development Authority (CDA), Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Municipality (DM) and several property designers. The objective set for the workshop concentrated on the change of Dubai completely into a disabled-friendly city by 2020 in implementation of the initiative of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of the Executive Council, entitled: "My Community ... A City for Everyone." This project is among the key deliverables of the Dubai Disability Strategy 2020, launched by HH Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Higher Committee for the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Attending the workshop, which was held at the facilities of the Sports Club, Dubai Municipality were Ms. Aysha Miran, Assistant Director General for Administration, Strategy & Governance Sector at the General Secretariat of the Executive Council and Yousef Al Rida, CEO of RTA's Corporate Administrative Support Services Sector orgasm Chairman of the team delegated to transform Dubai into an easily accessible city for persons with impairment, in addition Dr. Salim Al Shaafie, Director of Policies & Programs of the Disabled Rights at the Administration, Strategy & Governance Sector, General Secretariat of the Executive Council. Among the guests were likewise hordes of representatives of government & semi-government departments, private sector, disabled persons, property developers and other concerned bodies.

"The very first workshop tackled challenges of designing services of public facilities and infrastructure in such a way that addresses the requirements of this sector & serves the objectives of the project. The workshop saw elaborate conversations covering a range of concepts that set the plans for the implementation of the project, which regulates high concern of our government considering its contribution to easing the mobility of disabled individuals, besides highlighting their abilities & skills in building & construction," stated Al Rida.

"This workshop is part of numerous stages comprising the assessment of infrastructures & facilities, preparing proper policies & requirements for the handicapped, offering an accessible environment, and developing a 5-year plan for tailoring all buildings & centers in addition to transit indicates to the use of the handicapped by 2020 in such a way that ensures ranking of Dubai as a top disabled-friendly city worldwide. RTA is currently evaluating the present circumstance to determine gaps, examine best international practices, and set out Dubai requirements. During the 3rd & fourth quarter of this year, a 5-year transition method will be mapped out, the training program will be commissioned, and 4 pilot projects will be carried out.