Deaf in United Arab Emirates

Introduction / History

As is true for most of the world, Deaf people have been living, working, and communicating in the United Arab Emirates since before history noticed them. The first and only school to be devoted entirely to educating Deaf students from kindergarten through until the end of high school is Al Amal School for the Deaf in Sharjah. The school has been in operation since 1979 and as of 2021 had seen 93 Deaf students graduate its secondary school program across those 50 years. Emirati sign language has also developed significantly over this time. In 2018 the UAE launched its first official Emirati Sign Language dictionary, which contains over 5000 words and can be accessed online.

The Emirati Deaf community are located throughout the UAE. The UAE Deaf Association in located in Abu Dhabi and provides support and services for the community throughout the country. Al Amal School for the Deaf is located in Sharjah City – adjacent to Dubai.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Emirati Deaf community has faced many challenges in the past, but is now well-supported by their national leaders and finding more acceptance in their society. In 2021, Dubai’s first sign language café opened, employing mainly Deaf/hard-of-hearing staff and using a unique ordering system that allows both signing and speaking customers to make their orders clear. This café has become an inclusive space for the Emirati Deaf community, the expat Deaf community, and hearing members of society to gather and enjoy meeting with each other. Abu Dhabi has also been selected to host the World Deaf Congress in 2027, prompting the UAE to increase visibility and support of the Deaf community in advance of this event. Overall, the Emirati Deaf community has many opportunities to succeed, a supportive educational environment, and increasing employment opportunities.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Emirati culture predominantly adheres to Sunni Islam. However, due to the large expat and migrant worker population in the UAE, Emiratis are open to other beliefs being represented in society.

What Are Their Needs?

The Deaf community in the UAE needs more translators. This career is becoming more attractive to young people in the community but many more professionals are needed in this field to provide support across the UAE. They also need scripture to be translated into their language – currently there is no Emirati Sign Language Bible or even a Koran.

Prayer Points

Pray that the young Emirati Deaf community members would be inspired to pursue careers as translators and that their career opportunities would multiply and increase across all fields.
Pray that the social stigma the community has faced in the past will continue to decrease.
Pray that Emirati Deaf community members would encounter Christian Deaf people in spaces such as the Dubai sign language café and that they would become friends who can cross cultural barriers and understand each other well.
Pray that Jesus will become known to them in a way that speaks to their hearts and that they would have the opportunity to receive scripture in their own language.
Pray that Mark 7:37 would be a reality in the lives of this community: People were overwhelmed with amazement. “He has done everything well,” they said, “He even makes the Deaf hear and the mute speak.” May this Deaf community hear Jesus and speak His name for all eternity!

Text Source:   Joshua Project