Dubai’s autism awareness campaign gathers pace

DUBAI: As part of the 15th annual autism awareness campaign launched by the Dubai Autism Centre under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, government and private institutions are supporting the Centre’s efforts to display key campaign messages digitally on their billboards and screens.

In April, over 5,300 screens located in the Roads and Transport Authority’s (RTA’S) metro, tram and bus stations apart from gas stations and shopping centres are displaying awareness messages to educate society about the importance of accepting and empowering individuals with autism and integrating them into society.

Saif Humaid Al Falasi, Group CEO, ENOC said, “We thank His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed for the patronage extended to Dubai Autism Centre’s autism awareness campaign. At ENOC, we are honoured to support the initiative with digital signages across our service station network highlighting awareness messages. It enables the wider public to understand more about autism and build a greater understanding of the condition. Our leadership envisions that everyone has equal access to opportunities, and we are commited to supporting initiatives that help build a happier and inclusive society,”

Rowdah Al Mehrizi, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications at RTA, said the Authority is keen to support humanitarian initiatives and inspire a spirit of compassion among all members of society, in cooperation with its strategic partners. The concerted efforts of various organisations to supportthe15thannualautismawarenesscampaign demonstrate the commitment of government and private institutions to this cause, which in turn reflects the UAE’S humanitarian ethos.

Al Mehrizi said RTA is playing a vital role in the success of the initiative by displaying awareness messages on smart screens located in its various facilities and public transport vehicles and internal screens in RTA buildings, in addition to lighting up several landmarks and facilities in blue including the Tolerance Bridge, Dubai Water Canal Waterfall, and pedestrian bridges on Al Wasl Street and Al Safa Park as part of contributing to Dubai Autism Centre’s campaign.

Mohammedalemadi,directorgeneralandboard Member of the Dubai Autism Centre stated, “We value the efforts of our partners and the solidarity shown by the community and their close support and involvement in the campaign through innovative means to enhance community awareness about the needs of individuals with autism and their families in line with the National Policy For Empowering People of Determination to create an inclusive society that ensures empowerment and a decent life for people of determination and their families,”