Scientific Program of the International Forum and the UAE Exhibition on the Creativity of People with Disabilities Under the Theme: "Creativity and Empowerment of People with Disabilities: New Horizons towards a Comprehensive and Sustainable Society"

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Scientific Program of the International Forum and the UAE Exhibition on the Creativity of People with Disabilities
Under the Theme: "Creativity and Empowerment of People with Disabilities: New Horizons towards a Comprehensive and Sustainable Society"
Organized by the Emirates Creative Association and the University of Sharjah

About the Furom

The United Arab Emirates and the entire world celebrate the International Day of Creativity and Innovation on the twenty-first of April of each year, as part of its emphasis on consolidating the culture of innovation and creativity in society. Our country is keen to provide an environment that stimulates creativity and innovation based on its awareness of the importance of these two elements in promoting sustainable development and building a knowledge-based economy, as it has worked towards a sustainable future and has encouraged multidisciplinary creative thinking. The UAE has also strengthened its position as a center for innovation and creativity and achieving international competitiveness in this field, as it ranked 31st globally in the Global Innovation Index issued by the World Intellectual Property Organization in 2023, which confirms its firm commitment to encouraging and sponsoring creators and innovators and disseminating and promoting their innovations and creativity. Believing that helping and caring for people with disabilities is a humanitarian and national duty, not sympathy or pity, and that disability does not conflict with creativity and talent, the University of Sharjah, in cooperation with the Emirates Creative Association, is moving towards developing the skills and innovations of people with disabilities and promoting their creativity within the framework of their keenness and interest in this category that is dear to all of our hearts. Caring for this group is a key objective on the agendas of both the university and the association, from which they have derived their vision. The goal is to support this special group in society, encouraging them to contribute, achieve their ambitions in overcoming their disabilities, and providing them with important incentives. This includes motivating them to put in effort and stay active while ensuring they feel supported by all members of society and its institutions. They appreciate their great efforts and skills in mastering various fields of knowledge, harnessing their positive energy, and working to integrate them—especially the innovators and inventors—into society as productive members vital to the progress and prosperity of the UAE. This includes providing the necessary resources to encourage them, securing incentives to attract their innovations and creativity, and promoting their work to introduce and support it. Additionally, adopting funding for their initiatives ensures a positive impact on the comprehensive development process. Out of respect for people with disabilities and appreciation of their abilities and talents, and in order to unleash their potential and transform it into creative works across various fields that reflect their true, hidden capabilities, in an atmosphere of love and harmony united by love for the homeland, belonging, loyalty to the homeland and its wise leadership, and following their footsteps, the idea of the exhibition and forum has been born.

Through this forum, we strive and do our utmost to integrate people with disabilities into society, showcasing their creativity and talents. This group is an integral part of our community, and it is essential that we support them, as they are capable of creativity, excellence, and contributing to the development of society

Higher Committee:

Shaikh Dr. Khaled Binhumaid Alqasimi, Chairman of the Board, Chairman of the Committee	Emirates Creative Association
Prof. Esameldin Agami, Chancellor, University of Sharjah, Chairman of the Committee	University of Sharjah
Dr. Faisal Shaheen Al Hammadi, Vice Chairman, Committee Member	Emirates Creative Association
Dr. Hussein M Elmehdi, Dean of Academic Support Services' Office, Committee Member	University of Sharjah
Dr. Noura Nasir Alkarbi, Office of Vice Chancellor for Research & Graduate Studies, Committee Member	University of Sharjah
Hajir Hussain Al Eisa, Secretary General Committee Member	Emirates Creative Association
Waleed Al Haj Hamad, Executive Director, Committee Member	Emirates Creative Association

Scientific Committee:

Dr. Mohamed Hamdan Bin Jarsh AIsuwaidi, Cultural Advisor	Emirates Creative Association
Salma Ahmad Kanan, Head of People of Determination Department, CEO Emirates Down Syndrome Association	Emirates Creative Association
Dr. Ahmed Mahmoud Sallam, Disability Resource Center	University of Sharjah

Organizing Committee:

Faris Mirghani Al-hadi, Disability Affairs Specialist	University of Sharjah
Mariam Al Naqbi, Conference Office	University of Sharjah
Racha Al Kouri, Conference Office	University of Sharjah
Rafat Al-Athamy, Conference Office	University of Sharjah
Hamda AlKetbi, Conference Office	University of Sharjah
Abrar Ibraheem Alrefai, Secretary	Emirates Creative Association
Alaa Laghoub, Conference Office	University of Sharjah
Yasmin Khalid Omar, Conference Office	University of Sharjah
Dr. Shereen Ahmad Abu Alhaija	Emirates Creative Association
Zainab Ahmed Al Hammadi	Emirates Creative Association
Aalya Husain Darwish	Emirates Creative Association
Khawla Alshamsi, Conference Office	University of Sharjah

International Forum Program \| Tuesday, May 06, 2025 Location: University of Sharjah (Student Forum) Location link on the map 🕘Time: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Registration and reception: 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM Opening session: 9:30 AM to 10:15 AM
Opening of the accompanying exhibition His Excellency the President of the Association: Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Humaid Al Qasimi His Excellency the Chancellor of the University of Sharjah: Professor Esameldin Agami
Opening (Master of the Forum: Professor and Media Personality Aisha Al Ansari, Sharjah Broadcasting Authority - Al Sharqiya Channel from Kalba
Subject	From	To	Duration
National Anthem	9:30	9:34	4 min
Verses from the Holy Qur'an (Recited by a reader with a disability, student Omar Nasser)	9:34	9:37	3 min
A documentary film presentation on the achievements of the UAE in supporting and empowering people with disabilities	9:37	9:40	3 min
Speech by His Excellency the President of the Association: Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Hamid Al Qasimi	9:40	9:45	5 min
Speech by His Excellency the Director of the University of Sharjah: Prof. Esameldin Agami	9:45	9:50	5 min
An inspiring speech by Her Excellency, Mona Khalifa Hammad – Member of the National Council.	9:50	9:55	5 min
An inspiring speech by Ms. Mona Abdul Karim (Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services	9:55	10:00	5 min
~~Honoring (for media professionals and partners)~~	10:00	10:15	15 min
Break	10:15	10:30	15 min

The first session will be moderated by Prof. Tariq Asili
Session theme	Speakers		From		To		Duration
Disability and Creativity: The Role of Assistive Technology and Artificial Intelligence in Empowering People with Disabilities.	Dr. Maria Efstratopoulou (Head of Special & Gifted Education Department, UAEU) “Using AI in Special & Gifted Education: Supporting Exceptional Students in UAE”		10:30		10:45		15 min
	Prof. Eid Mohammad Kanaan (Dean of Student Affairs) “Modified Sports for University Students”		10:45		11:00		15 min
	Dr. Elham Al-Sharman (Associate Professor, University of Sharjah) “The integration of modern technology and physical therapy in the rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities: Towards more effective interventions.”		11:00		11:15		15 min
Break			11:15		11:30		15 min
The second session: Moderated by Prof. Qassim Nasir
Session topic	Speakers		From		To		Duration
Creativity, Arts and Culture: The Journey of Self-Discovery and Challenging the Societal Stereotype of Disability	Eman Alaleeli, mother of Ahmed Al-Hashemi “A true story of creativity on the autism spectrum”		11:30		11:40		10 min
	Prof. Mohammed Hamza Muqbil Al-Zayoudi (Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities) “Supporting gifted students with disabilities to achieve their ambitions”		11:40		11:50		10 min
	Mohammed Bakr Taha “Experience of the Art for All Center "Falaj" Sharjah City for “Humanitarian Services)		11:50		12:00		10 min
Break			12:00		12:10		10 min
The third session: Moderated by Dr. Abdelaziz Tlili
Session theme	Speakers		From		To		Duration
Education and Creativity: The Impact of Education and Entrepreneurship in Developing the Skills and Abilities of People with Disabilities.	Prof. Eman Gaad (British University in Dubai) “Adopting the right-based approach in creative inclusive higher education: issues and challenges”		12:10		12:25		15 min
	Prof. Esameldin Agamy (Chancellor of University of Sharjah) “Curriculum at UOS: Inclusion for students with disability “		12:25		12:40		15 min
	Dr. Ahmed Salam: (Senior Psychological Counselor, University of Sharjah) "Integrating and Empowering People with Disabilities in the University Environment"		12:40		12:55		15 min
Break			12:55		1:05		10 min
Fourth session: Moderated by Prof. Bushra Al-Akayshi
Session theme	Speakers		From		To		Duration
Creative Stories and Inspiring Experiences: Showcasing the Experiences and Success Stories of Entrepreneurs and Innovators with Disabilities.	Researcher Khaldoun Sinjab (Teaching Assistant at the University of Sharjah) “A Story of Struggle and Success “		01:05		01:15		10 min
	H.E Sheikha Chaica Al Qasimi (Self-advocacy: The Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services Experience)		01:15		01:25		10 min
	Prof. Mahdi Qais (Associate Professor, College of Sharia, University of Sharjah) “Contributions of People with Disabilities to Islamic Sharia”		01:25		01:40		15 min
Break			01:40		1:50		10 min
The fifth session: Moderated by Prof. Ahmad Al-Amoush
Session theme		Speakers		From		To		Duration
The Impact of a Supportive Creative Environment: The Role of Family, Community and Media in Enhancing the Talents and Potential of People with Disabilities.		Dr. Mohammed Fathiha (Abu Dhabi University) “AI in Special Education: Enhancing Inclusive Learning”		01:50		02:05		15 min
		Prof. Kotb Rissouni (Professor – College of Sharia, University of Sharjah) "Social Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (People of Determination): A Study of the Wise Prophetic Measures"		02:05		02:20		15 min
		Dr. Wafaa Shaheen (Family Development Foundation - Abu Dhabi) “Education and Innovation - The Impact of Education and Entrepreneurship on Developing the Skills and Capabilities of People with Disabilities”		02:20		02:35		15 min
Announcement of the final recommendations of the forum				02:35		02:50		15 min
Lunch				starts at 3:00

Disability and Creativity: The role of assistive technology and artificial intelligence in empowering people with disabilities.
Creativity, Arts, and Culture: The journey of Self-Discovery and challenging the societal stereotype of disability.
Education and Creativity: The impact of education and entrepreneurship in developing the skills and abilities of people with disabilities.
Creative Stories and Inspiring Experiences: Showcasing the experiences and success stories of entrepreneurs and innovators with disabilities.
The Impact of a Supportive Creative Environment: The role of family, community, and media in enhancing the talents and potential of people with disabilities.

University of Sharjah, Male Student Forum

Abstract Submission Deadline	Last Notification of Abstract acceptance	Last Registration Date	Event Start Date	Event End Date
April 14, 2025	April 22, 2025	May 06, 2025	May 06, 2025	May 06, 2025

Objectives of the forum:

The exhibition and forum aim to achieve the following objectives:

Highlighting the capabilities and energies of people with disabilities, developing them, and benefiting from them in society.
Focusing on highlighting the achievements of people with disabilities and working to highlight the talents and capabilities of people with disabilities and employing those skills, which contributes to their integration into society.
Contributing to developing their personalities and enhancing their spirits of innovation by making them feel that their disabilities do not stand in the way of their talents. Where there is will, there is no disability.
Developing their talents and directing them in the right way towards the world of creativity and leadership and how to be active elements in their society.
Providing as much support as possible to this group, ensuring they do not surrender to disability, with a firm belief that people with disabilities possess a strong will toward life, creativity, and success.

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