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A SIGN language session by the Dubai Club for People of Determination had more audience participation than other sessions this writer had attended in the duration of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) 2025. 

“We hope the attendees gain new knowledge that helps them communicate effectively with the deaf, thereby promoting inclusion and making sign language a genuine bridge for understanding and mutual respect,” said the club’s translator and sign language expert Naheeda Adnan Al-Baroudi in an interview after the programme.

“The interactions were positive and lively, as attendees participated in practicing the signs themselves.

“This engagement reflects society’s interest and confirms that every small step can make a big difference in the lives of People of Determination (people with special needs).”

The book fair organisers’ inclusivity is commendable and bridges people of not only different cultural and religious backgrounds but also intellectual and physical abilities, as evidenced by the participation of the hearing-impaired community.

Also present was Aisha Al-Hosani, who is Head of the Girls’ Deaf Section and employee at Dubai Police. Born deaf, Aisha kept the audience engaged by her genuine passion to build bridges. 

Naheeda said SIBF is an ideal platform to bring the sign language closer to the audience and she emphasised that it is a simple and important means of communication.

“Our presence here is a direct invitation to be part of this mission, because the club opens its doors to everyone but it also needs community support to continue its journey of empowering people of determination,” she said, adding that the session focused on teaching the basics of Arabic sign language, with practical training for attendees and explanations of how to use it in everyday situations. 

The objective of the session, she said, is to raise awareness on the importance of sign language and simplify it, hence, making it a practical tool for interacting with People of Determination. 

Naheeda has over 23 years of experience in the field of sign language.

“Having grown up in a deaf environment gave me deep insight into the needs of this community and their methods of communication. 

“Throughout my career, I have worked as a translator and certified expert in sign language, contributing to numerous events and programmes within the Dubai Club for People of Determination,” she said, pledging to continue her work as a humanitarian and social mission.

Dubai Club for People of Determination continues its mission of empowering special needs people. 

“It is not merely a sports or cultural institution, but a second home that embraces talents and transforms challenges into opportunities and achievements, affirming that determination is capable of creating excellence.

“It enables them to participate in various sports championships, including chess, alongside specialised training programmes that empower all categories to develop their academic, professional, and community skills. 

“The club also hosts cultural and social activities that enhance community inclusion and open doors of creativity and excellence, making it truly a second home and a source of hope and opportunities.”  

Meanwhile, Aisha, who is a certified sign language trainer and chess referee, inspires youths that even people with hearing impairment can contribute to society in many ways.

“(Aisha) is considered a role model, combining her professional expertise with her personal experience, serving as a mentor in empowering deaf girls and highlighting the club’s role through her diverse achievements,” said Naheeda, who is also certified translator at the Dubai Courts and the Public Prosecution.