The Abu Dhabi Media Office reported that the 9th World Federation of the Deaf Youth Camp will bring together deaf youth aged 18 to 30 from across the globe in the Al Ain region for a week focused on cultural exchange, leadership development and international networking. Jointly organised by the World Federation of the Deaf Youth Section, the UAE Deaf Association and the Zayed Authority for People of Determination, the event aligns with the theme of the upcoming 20th World Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf, Sign Languages: Always and Everywhere. The announcement highlights the vital role of sign languages in connecting communities, strengthening deaf identity and advancing inclusion worldwide, according to the media office. Al Ain, known as the UAE’s Garden City and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was chosen as the venue for its cultural significance.
According to the Abu Dhabi Media Office, the camp takes place immediately ahead of the World Congress, which is expected to welcome more than 2,000 participants from around the world in September 2027. The youth gathering represents one of the most significant international events dedicated to deaf youth and is held every four years in conjunction with the congress. Historical records from the World Federation of the Deaf indicate its Youth Section was established in 1987 to support such initiatives, with camps aimed at leadership training, human rights education and promotion of deaf cultural identity. The 9th edition builds directly on this foundation while showcasing the UAE’s ongoing commitment to accessibility.
The Zayed Authority for People of Determination stated that it has created a UAE Sign Language Dictionary with around 5,000 words to aid education, interpreter training and preservation of linguistic and cultural identity among the deaf community. The authority has also expanded remote sign language interpreting for judicial services, increased training programs and partnered with higher education institutions to ensure interpreters are available for deaf students in classes and examinations. These measures form part of a broader empowerment framework launched in 2026 that emphasises education, access to information and technology for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. The authority tied the initiatives to the upcoming camp and congress as opportunities to share global expertise on deaf rights and accessibility.
Organisers from the World Federation of the Deaf Youth Section noted that the camp provides a platform for emerging leaders to exchange ideas, celebrate cultural diversity and build relationships that transcend national borders and language barriers. Activities will centre on strengthening participants’ sense of identity while addressing common challenges faced by deaf youth worldwide. The announcement coincided with the International Day of Sign Languages observed on September 23, which the Zayed Authority used to reiterate sign language as a fundamental right to access and participation. Further details on the program and registration will be released in the coming months.
The Abu Dhabi Media Office indicated that hosting the youth camp marks a milestone for the UAE, which secured the right to hold the World Congress for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa region. The congress itself is scheduled from September 19 to 23, 2027, allowing a seamless transition for those attending both events. This coordination is expected to amplify the impact on global deaf communities and reinforce the country’s position in promoting inclusive policies. The logo for the youth camp was unveiled alongside the announcement to generate early awareness.
According to the Zayed Authority for People of Determination, its 2026 initiatives also include integrating sign language into employment, services and information systems while developing digital solutions for remote interpreting. These steps have reduced reliance on in-person interpreters in certain contexts and supported deaf youth through targeted programs. The authority emphasised that the camp and congress will serve as platforms to exchange best practices that can further these efforts both locally and internationally. Participation is anticipated to foster long-term networks among young deaf leaders.
