Dubai sets new Guinness World Record as 6,000 join Emirati sign language session
More than 6,000 participants join landmark inclusion-focused virtual initiative
DUBAI – Dubai has added another milestone to its record-breaking legacy after successfully setting a new Guinness World Record for the world’s largest virtual Emirati sign language lesson.
The achievement was delivered through the ‘Dubai Communicates in Sign Language’ campaign, led by the Community Development Authority (CDA), and saw more than 6,000 people participate in a single online learning session. The initiative reinforces Dubai’s long-term commitment to social inclusion and the empowerment of People of Determination.
Held under the patronage of Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Higher Committee for the Protection of the Rights of People of Determination, the virtual session drew unprecedented engagement from across the UAE. The record-setting lesson forms part of broader efforts to integrate Emirati sign language into daily life and public services, supporting Dubai’s ambition to remain one of the world’s most inclusive cities.
Record participation
The virtual lesson attracted more than 6,000 participants, officially surpassing the previous Guinness World Record set in India in 2017, which recorded 1,442 participants. Attendees included employees from government entities, private sector organisations, educational institutions, and members of the wider community, comprising both citizens and residents.
Participants joined remotely from various locations across the UAE, highlighting the scale and accessibility of the initiative. The session focused on teaching the fundamentals of Emirati sign language, offering participants a practical introduction to communication methods used by people with hearing disabilities. The level of engagement reflected growing awareness of inclusion and the shared responsibility of society in supporting People of Determination.
The scale of participation underscored the effectiveness of digital platforms in driving inclusive learning initiatives, while also demonstrating the public’s willingness to engage with programmes that promote accessibility, dignity, and mutual understanding.
Cross-sector support
The record-breaking session was supported by extensive collaboration across public and private sectors. Key partners included The Executive Council of Dubai, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police, the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority, the Roads and Transport Authority, and the Dubai Health Authority. Educational institutions and private sector organisations also contributed to outreach and participation.
This collective effort reflected a unified approach to social development and inclusion, aligning institutional capabilities with community engagement. The collaboration ensured wide reach, smooth execution, and consistent messaging around the importance of Emirati sign language as a bridge between communities.
The initiative aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which places social cohesion, quality of life, and inclusive growth at the centre of the emirate’s development strategy. By encouraging active participation rather than passive awareness, the campaign reinforced the role of shared learning in building inclusive societies.
Inclusive vision
Commenting on the achievement, Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority in Dubai, said the milestone reflected Dubai’s ability to translate ambition into tangible outcomes. She highlighted the collective efforts of thousands of participants who committed their time to learning Emirati sign language and strengthening social connections.
She noted that the achievement supports Dubai’s ongoing journey towards becoming one of the world’s most inclusive cities for People of Determination. According to CDA, the record is not viewed as an endpoint, but as the foundation for continued growth and wider adoption of sign language across society.
The campaign emphasises that sign language is a complete and sophisticated form of communication, capable of expressing meaning with clarity through visual language. By introducing participants to its fundamentals, the initiative aims to foster deeper understanding of deaf culture and its role within the broader social fabric of the UAE.
‘Dubai Communicates in Sign Language’
The ‘Dubai Communicates in Sign Language’ initiative is designed as a long-term programme rather than a one-off event. It forms part of a comprehensive portfolio that includes training and awareness sessions for different segments of society, capacity-building programmes for government and private sector employees, and the development of innovative digital and real-time translation solutions.
The initiative seeks to embed Emirati sign language into everyday interactions across public spaces and service environments, ensuring accessibility and dignity for People of Determination with hearing disabilities. These efforts support Dubai’s wider goal of delivering people-centred services and strengthening social inclusion through smart and sustainable solutions.