Podcast studio seeks to encourage meaningful conversations about autism in the Arab world
Three more autism-friendly destinations launched in Dubai
Awareness campaign educates public and private organisations on creating autism-friendly spaces
Workshops held for 1,182 public and private schools in the UAE
Symposiums and panel discussions spotlight key issues on autism
Center offers free early screening and comprehensive assessments
Campaign receives widespread digital media engagement; campaign ad displayed on more than 3,150 screens
New book on managing behavioral challenges in children with autism released
Government of Dubai Media Office – 04 May 2025: The Dubai Autism Center has concluded its 19th annual Autism Awareness Campaign, launched in early April under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. Marking the conclusion of the campaign, the Dubai Autism Center announced the opening of the region’s first Arabic-language podcast studio that aims to broaden understanding and encourage meaningful conversations about autism in the Arab world.
Commenting on the initiative, Mohammed Al Emadi, Director General and Board Member of the Dubai Autism Center, stated: “This achievement crowns a series of initiatives and events organised by the Center throughout April in alignment with the goals of the ‘Year of the Community.’ The launch of this podcast studio marks a significant milestone in our efforts to raise public awareness around autism. Through this platform, we aim to amplify the voices of individuals with autism, their families, and caregivers—especially across the Arab world—highlighting their stories and experiences to help build a more inclusive and understanding society.”
On this occasion, Al Emadi expressed his sincere gratitude to OP3 Design for their contributions to designing, building, and sponsoring the studio. He also announced that the first episode of the podcast would be hosted by Joyce Chamoun, Business Development Manager at the Dubai Autism Center.
Charles Chang, Managing Director of OP3 Design, commented: “We are proud to partner with the Dubai Autism Center on this pioneering project. At OP3, we believe design can be a tool for positive change, and this studio is a living example—providing a space for expression, engagement, and community dialogue.”
Regarding the campaign’s key outcomes, Al Emadi explained that this year’s campaign featured weekly in-person and virtual awareness workshops that reached 673 public and 509 private schools across the UAE. Additionally, educational lectures targeted around 1,500 employees from various public and private sector institutions. The Community Awareness Team from the Center also participated in key forums and panel discussions on current autism-related topics, including events hosted by the Dubai Health Authority and Abu Dhabi University.
The campaign also included the announcement of a new group of autism-friendly destinations in Dubai, notably the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, Union Coop, and Mercato Mall, each of which received the Autism-Friendly Certificate (AFC). This initiative reflects a strong commitment by these organisations to integration and sustainability, and supports the “My Community… A City for Everyone” initiative aimed at transforming Dubai into a model city that is friendly to people of determination by providing enabling environments that foster their full participation in society.
According to Al Emadi, the campaign received widespread engagement across digital media platforms, with the campaign message displayed on over 3,150 internal and external digital screens across the country. This included displays in Dubai Metro and RTA bus stations, ENOC fuel stations, shopping malls, as well as in Novo Cinemas and on Zee satellite channels in both Arabic and English.
As part of the family support activities organised during the campaign, the center offered free early screening and comprehensive assessment sessions for children with autism and developmental disorders. In addition, the center released a new guidebook for families and educators titled “Managing Behavioral Challenges in Children with Autism,” designed to equip parents and professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to understand the causes of different behaviors and apply effective strategies to support children on the spectrum.
Students from the Dubai Autism Center also took part in several events during the campaign, most notably the 9th Abu Dhabi University Autism Art Competition, where 16 students from the center submitted their artworks. Six students won first place, in addition to second, third, and fifth place awards.
Al Emadi extended his heartfelt appreciation to all sponsors and supporters of the campaign, with special recognition given to the strategic partners — Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and wasl Group — for their unwavering commitment and invaluable contributions.
He also expressed his sincere appreciation to the campaign’s key partners, including Emirates Islamic Bank, the Endowments and Minors’ Trust Foundation in Dubai, Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC), Dubai Holding, Dubai Investments, and Union Coop. He also acknowledged the valuable support of the campaign’s supporting partners, including Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Police, Dubai Airports, Dubai Health Authority, Community Development Authority, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, Dubai World Trade Centre, Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, and Al Jalila Foundation.
He also commended the efforts of the campaign’s media supporters, extending his gratitude to the Government of Dubai Media Office, Zee Entertainment, Gulf News, and Dar Al Khaleej for their vital role in amplifying the campaign’s message. He gave special recognition to Balsam Healthcare Development for its impactful media contributions through the “Balsam” program broadcast on Noor Dubai TV and Radio.
Al Emadi also expressed his appreciation to Global Village, Mercato Shopping Mall, Ski Dubai, Hypermedia Advertising, Power Media Advertising, BackLite Media, Media 247, Sahem Initiative Management, Nando’s Restaurants, Allo Beirut Restaurants, Media One Hotel, and Knight Frank, highlighting the vital role that collective efforts by both individuals and institutions play in advancing the objectives of the National Policy for Empowering People of Determination.
Since its founding, the Dubai Autism Center has sought to enhance community awareness of autism, not only by raising awareness of its symptoms but also by introducing individuals and institutions to the requirements for appropriate dealing with people with autism. Leading the charge is their annual autism awareness campaign, which has been running since 2006. They strategically launch it each year on World Autism Awareness Day, which falls on April 2nd.