Dubai to organise world’s largest virtual sign language class

In a landmark global initiative, Dubai’s Community Development Authority (CDA) announced it will organise the world's largest unified virtual sign language class on 21 January 2026. The unique event forms part of the ‘Dubai Communicates in Sign Language’ initiative, launched by His Highness 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.

Advancing global leadership
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 is aligned 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.

Her Excellency Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority in Dubai, said: “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. It also embodies Dubai’s commitment to becoming a truly friendly city for People of Determination, within a comprehensive development framework that places human potential at its core. We are focused on empowering People of Determination to play an active and impactful role in our social and economic fabric, contributing meaningfully to the sustainable development journey.”

Her Excellency added: “Sign language is a living language with a rich cultural identity, one that carries the aspirations and hopes of the deaf community. Through this initiative, we are opening new horizons for human dialogue based on understanding, empathy, and mutual respect. This event is an open invitation to every member of our community to be a partner in advancing positive change. Their participation is an investment in building bridges of communication and inclusion, reflecting Dubai’s celebration of diversity and its dedication to creating opportunities for all. Together, we are writing a new success story that inspires the world and reinforces Dubai’s position as a global model for inclusive and sustainable cities.”

A bridge for true human connection
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, reinforcing Dubai’s leadership in delivering high-quality, inclusive services for People of Determination. The upcoming event provides a unique platform to raise awareness of the importance of sign language and its vital role in empowering the deaf community and fostering meaningful, effective communication across society.

Invitation to participate in a historic event
The Community Development Authority in Dubai invites all government and private entities, universities and schools, and all members of society, 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.