SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Sign language, a rich, expressive mode of communication using gestures and hand signals, plays a vital role in strengthening inclusion and nurturing a shared sense of humanity in society.
For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, it is a gateway to empowerment and full participation in society, according to an Emirati sign language consultant and training expert.
The growing use of sign language is advancing inclusion across public and private sectors, community events, and daily life in the UAE, said Fatima Al Mannaei, the first legal sign language interpreter at Dubai Courts and a leading sign language content creator.
"When society understands this language, it's not just about translating words – it's about opening doors to opportunity and participation for a group that previously faced challenges in expression and access," Al Mannaei, who is Senior Human Resources Happiness Officer at Dubai Municipality, told Aletihad.
Al Mannaei, a specialist in deaf communication and the rehabilitation of People of Determination, has played a key role in delivering training programmes, developing educational materials, and leading awareness initiatives to promote sign language across the community.
Al Mannaei was drawn to the world of sign language in 2003, inspired by her husband. Through him, she "discovered the depth and richness of this vibrant community", transforming what began as a passion into a lifelong mission.
She continuously developed her skills until she became the first certified legal sign language interpreter in the country in 2006.
Today, she works as a trainer and expert in this field, striving to be a true bridge of communication between the deaf community and society.
"The most beautiful impact I personally see is the feeling among deaf people that they are heard, understood, and present with dignity in every space," she said.
Al Mannaei also pointed to the importance of initiatives that foster direct human connection, noting that efforts aimed at supporting deaf individuals psychologically and socially reflect a deeper, more compassionate commitment beyond professional responsibilities.
Growing Awareness and Reach of Sign Language
Reflecting on the growing awareness of sign language, Al Mannaei highlighted a clear shift in recent years. "Awareness today is completely different from before. There has been a greater interest and higher demand for learning sign language, and that's something we're proud of."
She attributed this progress to leadership support and media efforts. "Many factors have contributed to this, most importantly the support of our wise leadership and the government's commitment to empowering people of determination, along with the role of the media and content creators in raising awareness in simple, accessible ways."
The increasing presence of sign language at events, in media, and across digital platforms marks a major step forward in awareness and inclusion, she said.
Al Mannaei stressed that expanding the use of sign language requires coordinated, collective action rather than individual efforts. "Institutions can start by providing sign language interpreters, training employees in the basics of communication, and implementing inclusion standards in their services," she added.
Digital platforms, she noted, also play a critical role in spreading sign language culture. "They have made sign language accessible to every home, easily and quickly. I personally invested in providing simplified educational and awareness content, reaching a large number of people both inside and outside the country.
"When we learn another person's language, we are telling them: 'We see you, we understand you, and we respect you'."
