Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, the Dubai Autism Centre has launched its 19th annual autism awareness campaign, coinciding with World Autism Awareness Day (April 2). The month-long initiative, themed around parental empowerment and community inclusion, aims to amplify support for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) while fostering a more inclusive society.

Key Highlights of the 2025 Campaign

• Landmark Illuminations: Iconic Dubai structures, including the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, and Dubai Frame, will light up in blue to symbolize solidarity with the autism community.
• Free Screenings and Workshops: Expanded access to free diagnostic services, parental workshops, and teacher training programs to bridge gaps in early intervention and education.
• Art for Autism: Curated exhibitions showcasing artwork by children with ASD, with proceeds funding the Centre’s therapeutic and educational programs.
• Corporate Partnerships: Collaborations with entities like Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and Al Ansari Exchange to drive awareness through media campaigns across 1,600+ digital screens nationwide.

Hisham Abdullah Al Qassim, Chairman of Dubai Autism Centre, emphasized the UAE’s commitment to inclusivity, “Our leadership’s vision ensures people of determination are valued contributors to society. This campaign reinforces Dubai’s role as a global model for autism support.”

Mohammed Al Emadi, Director-General, highlighted this year’s focus,“By empowering parents and educators, we aim to build stronger family bonds and autism-friendly environments across schools and workplaces.”

Strategic Alignment with UAE’s Vision

• The campaign aligns with:
• Dubai Social Agenda 33: Prioritizing family cohesion under the theme “Family: The Foundation of Our Nation”.
• Decree No. 26 (2021): Mandating community awareness to transform Dubai into a hub for special education and rehabilitative services.
• My Community… A City for Everyone: Ensuring accessibility and inclusivity in public spaces.

Why This Matters

• Parental Empowerment: Workshops and support groups aim to equip families with tools to navigate ASD challenges.
• Educational Reforms: Training sessions for mainstream teachers to create inclusive classrooms.
• Economic Impact: Over 1.5 million AED raised through past art auctions to fund therapies, scholarships, and vocational training.

The Centre plans to expand its Early Intervention Program and establish partnerships with global ASD organizations to share best practices. With 18 years of legacy, the campaign continues to drive policy changes, such as the 2021 decree, which institutionalized support for people of determination.

Key Highlights:

• 19th annual campaign launched under Sheikh Hamdan’s patronage to promote autism inclusion.
• Free screenings, teacher training, and art exhibitions aim to empower families and educators.
• Landmarks lit in blue to symbolize Dubai’s commitment to becoming an autism-friendly city.