Dubai sets world record for largest virtual sign language class

Dubai has set a new Guinness World Record for the largest virtual sign language class, with more than 6,000 participants.

The Dubai Communicates in Sign Language campaign is led by the Community Development Authority and overseen by the Higher Committee for the Protection of the Rights of People of Determination.

Officials say the achievement reflects Dubai’s commitment to inclusive communication and reinforces its status as a global model for social cohesion.

This milestone also aligns with Dubai’s humanitarian vision and the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which places social cohesion and quality of life at the heart of development priorities.

Dubai sets a new world record
The largest virtual sign language class worldwide
6,000+ participants @CDA_Dubai pic.twitter.com/2qEI2UX2pH

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) January 21, 2026

Unprecedented engagement

The initiative set a new Guinness World Record, exceeding over 6,000 participants, surpassing the previous record established in India in 2017 with 1,442 attendees.

It witnessed unprecedented engagement from government and private sector employees, as well as members of the wider community, including both citizens and residents.

Participants from diverse nationalities and backgrounds across the UAE came together in a unifying moment to learn the fundamentals of Emirati sign language, demonstrating strong community responsiveness and a growing collective awareness of shared responsibility in fostering inclusion.

The achievement was further strengthened through strategic collaboration among leading public and private entities, alongside educational institutions and private sector partners.

We are proud to announce that the Dubai Communicates in Sign Language campaign, overseen by the Higher Committee for the Protection of the Rights of People of Determination and led by the Community Development Authority, has set a new world record for the largest virtual sign… pic.twitter.com/Y4aKbYrx6T

— Mansoor bin Mohammed (@sheikhmansoor) January 21, 2026

Comprehensive portfolio

The Dubai Communicates in Sign Language initiative aspires to position Dubai among the world’s leading cities in integrating sign language through an advanced ecosystem of smart and digital services.

It includes a comprehensive portfolio of training and awareness programmes targeting diverse segments of society, the development of innovative real-time translation technologies, and the training of government and private sector employees in the fundamentals of Emirati sign language.

These efforts aim to ensure seamless, dignified, and accessible services for People of Determination with hearing disabilities, while embedding sign language as a daily mode of interaction across key public spaces — reinforcing Dubai’s leadership in delivering inclusive, people-centered services.