May 29th, 2009: The first international fashion show for designers with special needs, the first of its kind in the world, was launched on Wednesday in Dubai under the patronage of HH Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and in the presence of HH Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Under the theme of 'Dubai makes Dreams Come True' the fashion show recognizes that people with disabilities have much to offer and are capable of contributing to their local communities. It encourages people and communities to focus on a person's achievement and abilities rather than their disability.

The show attracted a huge audience of ministers, ambassadors, senior officials and Emirati designers. The show is aimed at encouraging positive attitudes towards people with disabilities, making the community a better place for everyone, sensitise communities on disability issues and improve their access to facilities. The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority said it was thrilled at the supportive response given by the audience. It became evident that students with special needs have the urge and need for such exposure and socialisation. "This show represents a leading endeavour to encourage and support talented designers with special needs, and is in line with the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minster of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, as well as with Dubai Culture's strategic objective of identifying and nurturing artistic talent in all segments of the community and creating cultural opportunities that contribute to the growth of our country", said Governor of the DIFC and Managing Director of the Dubai Culture '&' Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) Dr Omar Bin Sulaiman.

"Dubai Culture's support for this event also comes in line with the directives of HH Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum to support initiatives that serve to encourage people with special needs across UAE society to express their talent," he added. According to Saeed Al Naboodah, Chief Projects Officer at the Dubai Culture '&' Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Fashion Show is tailored to integrate individuals with special needs into the creative community. It represents an essential element of the authority's efforts to support distinguished projects and concepts and shape them into actions in the cultural sector." Last year, the Dubai Culture '&' Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) in collaboration with Rashid Pediatric Therapy Centre and The Events Agency launched the Development Program for Talented Special Needs Fashion Designers, which saw the participation of many individuals with special needs from the UAE and other Arab countries.

, said that the centre strives to sponsor creative concepts that focus on the interests of individuals with special needs. Among these is the Fashion Show dedicated to highlight the innovation of this segment of society and tap into individual talent. Ahmad Khoury, Founder of the Rashid Pediatric Therapy Centre said "the purpose of this show is to prepare these talented designers to access the fashion domain, train them especially for this career and make new strides into a new horizon." The event provides an ideal platform to empower selected students to develop and utilise their skills in the fashion world with the ultimate aim of increasing their self-confidence and assisting them to become known designers.