The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has extended its support to the Dubai International Rehabilitation Forum (Rehab-2006) capitalizing on the three-day exhibition-and-conference to highlight the facilities available in the emirate for the physically challenged, elderly and special needs visitors.

The fifth edition of the annual event was inaugurated today (March 7) by Dr. Mariam Al Roumi, UAE Minister of Social Affairs. It will conclude on March 9 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre (DIEC).   It is being held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Minister of Finance and Deputy Ruler of Dubai .

Rehab Dubai-2006 has got together special needs experts, institutions from the world over to brainstorm on the need forge new partnerships and meet new challenges for special needs people.

On the first day of Rehab 2006, Dr. Al Roumi also presented plaques as a token of appreciation to the the sponsors and supporters. The DTCM were among those who were honored on the occasion.

The DTCM Executive Events, Ms. Shaikha Al Mutawa, said: “Dubai is a visitor-friendly destination and major popular public attractions like hotels, parks and shopping malls, offer facilities that enable physically challenged, elderly and special needs people explore and enjoy the emirate.”

The DTCM will distribute 2,000 copies of the pocket guide, Dubai Simply Accessible, during the three-day. The handy publication offer insights into the special facilities available to this segment of the society and the initiatives being pursued to better the scenario.

A special lecture will be delivered by Ms. Afra Al Fahim , DTCM Manager Business Development, on the special initiatives undertaken by the DTCM to promote special needs tourism in Dubai . 

Dubai hotels and hotel apartments offer facilities and services required by the physically-challenged and elderly. Dubai Cruise Terminal, operated by the DTCM, has facilities that enable the easy movement of physically challenged and elderly.

The department has a Task Force for the Special Needs Tourism with representatives of hotels and tour operators as its members in addition to representatives from other government departments. The department is working towards broadening the facilities available for the visitors with special needs

PHOTO CAPTION: Mr. Nasser Juma Bin Sulaiman, Executive Events receiving a memento of appreciation from Dr. Mariam Al Roumi, Minister of Social Affairs.

(ENDS)