Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of United Arab Emirates, Ruler of Dubai
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24 – 26 August 2026

Dubai World Trade Centre

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24 – 26 August 2026

Dubai World Trade Centre

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Explore UAE

 

Home Explore UAE

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  • Burj Khalifa
  • Dubai Safari
  • Dubai Frame
  • Dhow Cruise
  • Skydiving
  • Sheikh Zayed Mosque (Abudhabi)
  • Dubai City Tour
  • Museum of the Future
  • Dubai Balloon
  • Museum of Illusion
  • Dinner in the Sky
  • Ferrari World (Abudhabi)
  • Louvre Museum (Abudhabi)
  • La Perle Show
What To Do

Burj Khalifa (At the top)

Price range: 200 AED-500 AED per person

Experience breathtaking panoramic views of Dubai from the Burj Khalifa's observation decks on the 124th and 125th floors. At a height of 456 meters, these decks provide a unique vantage
point to admire the city's stunning skyline, the Arabian Gulf, and the surrounding desert landscape. Visitors can enjoy interactive exhibits, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, and a spacious
outdoor terrace for an immersive experience.

Level 124 General Admission

  • Levels 124+125 Admission
  • Level 125
  • At 456 meters, Level 125 offers a spacious deck tastefully
    decorated in Arabic mashrabiya for stunning 360-degree views.
  • Capture your Burj Khalifa moments forever and integrate reality and
    special effects with green screen photography. Set off on a virtual
    reality experience to the pinnacle of Burj Khalifa.
  • Level 124
  • Be thrilled by the world’s fastest double deck elevators, cruising at
    10m/s. Take a closer look at the world below through high powered
    telescopes. Step out onto the public outdoor observation terrace
    overlooking the ever-growing skyline.
  • Adults : 8y+
  • Individuals below 16 years are not permitted to enter alone.
  • Children (3+ till 8)

Level 148 General Admission

  • Enjoy a personalized tour, guided by a Guest Ambassador.
  • Step out onto the world’s highest observation deck with an
    outdoor terrace at 555 meters.
  • Refresh yourself with refreshments at SKY lounge.
  • Explore Dubai’s most famous landmarks with a unique
    interactive experience, using motion senses.
  • Continue your journey to levels 125 and 124. Level 124
  • Be thrilled by the world’s fastest double deck elevators, cruising at
    10m/s.
  • Take a closer look at the world below through avant-garde, high
    powered, telescopes. Level 125
  • Level 125 offers a spacious deck tastefully decorated in Arabic
    mashrabiya for stunning 360-degree views.
  • Set off on a virtual reality experience to the pinnacle of Burj
    Khalifa.

Last entry at 22:00hrs
Adults: 8y+
Individuals below 16 years are not permitted to enter alone.
Children (3+ till 8)

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What To Do

Dubai Safari

Price range: From AED 100 to AED 1000
Embark on an exhilarating desert safari where you’ll enjoy thrilling dune bashing and camel rides. As the sun sets, relax at a traditional Bedouin-style camp with cultural performances and a delicious BBQ dinner under the stars. It’s the perfect blend of adventure and Arabian hospitality.

Inclusions:

  • Pick up and drop off by air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle
  • Red Dunes safari at Lahbab Desert
  • Experienced Safari Guides
  • Photo stop in the desert
  • Camel Ride
  • Soft drinks & unlimited Water , Henna Design for kids & ladies (small design)
  • Arabic Buffet Dinner with BBQ (veg & non-veg)
  • Desserts
  • Live Shows and Entertainment

Exclusions

  • Shisha service (to be purchased on the table in order to avoid repeat consumption)
  • Exotic Henna designs other than the complementary inclusion.
  • Alcoholic beverages- NO serving of Alcoholic drinks during Ramadan period
  • Souvenirs
  • Quad bikes/ Buggies
  • VIP Lounge area (separate area + food will be served on their table)
  • VIP table service (normal table + food will be served on their table)
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What To Do

Dubai Frame

Price range: 200 AED-500 AED per person

The Dubai Frame is the new addition to the marvelous architecture the city boasts of. Consisting of two vertical towers of 150 meters in height connected by a 100-square-meter bridge, the Dubai Frame is a highlight of the Dubai skyline. A tour of the Dubai Frame is a must if you do not have much time for sightseeing and also if you want to see the entire city at once. The Dubai Frame has a museum and gallery where you can see the growth of Dubai from a simple fishing village to the ultra-modern city it is today with the use of photos and advanced technology. After visiting the museum, you take the elevator to the bridge to get a fascinating glimpse of the city. On one side is the charming old Dubai and on the other side is the modern new Dubai. You can also view the beautiful city while sipping a delicious cups of coffee at the cafe on the bridge.

If the Dubai Frame seems to be interesting, book online with us. Along with the tickets, we also offer transportation that would pick up from and drop you off at your hotel.

  • Dubai Frame Entrance Tickets
  • Step back in time at Dubai Past Gallery
  • Enjoy 360-degree views of Old and New Dubai from a 150-meter high Sky Deck
  • Walk over the breathtaking Glass Bridge
  • Glance into Dubai’s imposing future with a Virtual Metropolis experience

Child Policy

  • Children under 3 years will be considered as infant and entry will be free of cost.
  • Children between age 3 to 12 will be considered as child and charged child rate.
  • Children above age 12 will be considered as an adult and charged adult rate.
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What To Do

Marina Dhow Cruise

Price range: AED 100 - AED 200
Enjoy a relaxing evening aboard a dhow as it cruise in Marina. With panoramic views of the city’s skyline, live entertainment, and a buffet dinner, the dhow cruise offers a serene and memorable way to experience Dubai by night.

Inclusions:

  • 2-Hours Cruising
  • Welcome Drinks
  • International Buffet Dinner
  • Unlimited Soft Beverages
  • Music & Entertainment shows
  • Beautiful Ambiance
  • Separate Amenities for Men & Women

Route & Sightseeing:

  • Marina skyscrapers
  • Marina Canal including
  • Marina Mall Pier 7
  • Twisted Tower inside the Canal and outside Dubai Eye
  • Jumeirah Beach and more

Timings:

  • Reporting Time: 07:45 P.M
  • Cruise Timing: 08:30pm - 10:30pm 🕚 - 🕒
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What To Do

Skydiving

Price range: AED 3,000 - AED 3500 per person
Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush with a tandem skydive over Dubai. Whether jumping above the iconic Palm Jumeirah or the vast desert, the breathtaking aerial views and professional instructors make it a safe and unforgettable thrill for adventure lovers.

Inclusions:

  • Enjoy Tandem skydiving from a whopping height of 13,000 feet.
  • Free-fall for 60 seconds at 200 miles / hour.
  • Accompanied by an expertly trained instructor.
  • Pictures and videos of Sky Dive experience.
  • Top-notch safety measures provided.
  • Booking should be done as per the details on the passport.
  • For multiple pax booking together, please enter guest name as per the passport for each individual.
  • Please go through this link before placing the booking to check all the guidelines for flight Click here

Exclusions:

  • Transfers
  • All personal expenses spend for shopping, drinks and dining etc on-site during the tour.
  • Selfie-view video
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What To Do

Sheikh Zayed Mosque (Abudhabi)

Price range: Free of cost up to 9 Pax
A visit to the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi offers a glimpse into the region’s rich Islamic heritage. With its stunning white marble architecture, intricate details, and peaceful ambiance, the mosque is a cultural and spiritual landmark not to be missed.
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What To Do

Dubai City Tour

Price Range : AED 600 - AED 700 private basis (up to 5 hrs.)
Explore the dynamic blend of tradition and innovation on a Dubai City Tour. From the historic Al Fahidi district and vibrant souks to modern marvels like Burj Khalifa and Dubai Marina, this tour offers a comprehensive glimpse into the city's rich culture and futuristic vision.

Stops:

  • Zabeel palace – Information & Photo Stop
  • Dubai frame – Information & Photo Stop
  • Visit to Bastakiya and one of the old houses
  • Abra Ride across Dubai Creek
  • Visit to Spice Souq and Gold Souq
  • Jumeirah Mosque / Etihad Museum Drive Through
  • Islamic Art Center
  • Burj Al Arab - Information & Photo stop
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What To Do

Museum of the Future

Price range: AED 200 - AED 250 Per Person
 

Step into the world of tomorrow at the Museum of the Future, where cutting-edge technology, innovation, and sustainability come to life. The museum’s unique design and interactive exhibits provide an inspiring experience that sparks imagination for all ages.

Dubai is a land of marvels and one cannot get enough of it. While the tallest building, the largest mall and the largest indoor theme park, amongst other things, would keep you hooked to this marvelous city, the Museum of future, a recent addition, would surely leave you spellbound. The Museum of the future is as unique as it sounds and offers the visitors extraordinary sensory and visual experiences while being educational. The best part about this place is that unlike other museums, you do not have to be cautious about what you touch. On the other hand, this is an interactive museum and the more you touch and engage with the exhibits, the more fun you would have.

  • The Booking Confirmation is valid only for a specific date and time.
  • There will be no refund for partly utilized services and in case the guest doesn’t show up at the start time mentioned in the tour itinerary, the service provider reserves the right to charge 100% no-show fee.
  • Entry Tickets to the Museum of the Future are free of charge for Children under the age of four.
  • The service provider holds no responsibility if any component of an attraction is non-operational due to technical reasons or weather conditions.

Child Policy

  • Children under 4 years will be considered as Infant and entry will be free of cost.
  • Children above 4 years will be charged Adult Rates.
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What To Do

Dubai Balloon – Atlantis

Price range: 200 AED-500 AED per person
Experience the thrill and beauty of The Dubai Balloon as you embark on a remarkable journey high above the cityscape. This captivating adventure offers a memorable mix of excitement, stunning views, and a touch of luxury. Tour Inclusions
Balloon flight experience with a professional pilot.
Safety briefing before the flight.
Access to the retail store for souvenirs
Important Information
Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.
The Balloon soars to heights of up to 300 meters, equivalent to the height of a towering 100-storey building.
Food, beverages, and alcohol are prohibited onboard the flight.
Anyone under the influence of Alcohol or any other drugs is strictly not allowed to fly.
There will be no refund for unused or partially used services.
Proof of age is required for children and infants during ticket redemption.
Pregnant ladies over 3 months, any person who has Heart problems / serious knee & back pain, has undergone major surgery during the last 6 months, and suffering from height phobia is not recommended for this activity.
Also, all passengers will need to sign the declaration that he/she doesn’t have the above problems (Mandatory)
Each flight lasts approximately 10 minutes. Total experience duration may vary due to loading, offloading, and queue management. Please allow for potential extended time during peak periods.
Utilize the weather widget on a website to plan your visit up to three days in advance. Select your desired date and time to view the accurate weather forecast for your chosen experience. Access the weather widget and plan your flight experience with confidence.
Child Policy
Children below 3 years of age will be considered infant
Children between 3 to 12 years will be charged child rate
Above 12 Year will be considered as Adult
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What To Do

Museum of Illusion

Price range: 200 AED-500 AED per person
Dubai, a city of marvels, captivates visitors with its array of attractions, from the towering skyscrapers to the sprawling malls and thrilling theme parks. Among these wonders stands the Museum of Illusions, a recent addition that promises to mesmerize. Offering a blend of sensory delight and education, this interactive museum invites visitors to explore its exhibits without restraint. From the mind-bending Vortex Tunnel to the fascinating Ames Room, the museum offers a journey through optical illusions that will leave you spellbound. Whether experiencing the Chair Illusion or glimpsing your true reflection in the True Mirror, each exhibit promises an unforgettable experience. Perfect for all ages, the Museum of Illusions ensures both fun and enlightenment. Book your tour today for an adventure like no other!
Highlights
Step into the world of illusions at largest Museum of Illusions in the world.
Be amazed as you check out its more than 80 immersive displays.
Entertain and complicate your brain at the same time as you closely observe its mind-bending optical illusions.
Discover the most impossible with its exhibits that are as amazing and unique as Anti-Gravity Room, Ames Room, Rotated Room, and Infinity Room.
See the Smart Playroom packed with interesting puzzles and games.
Try a walk along Vortex Tunnel which gives you a feel of walking along a spinning tunnel
Child Policy
Children under 3 years will be considered as infant and entry will be free of cost.
Children between age 4 to 15 will be considered as child and charged child rate.
Children age 15 and above will be considered as an adult and charged adult rate.
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What We Do

Dinner in the Sky

Price range: 200 AED-500 AED per person
Dubai’s Dinner in the Sky offers a thrilling dining experience 50 meters above the ground at Sky Dive Dubai. Guests enjoy a 3-course meal or afternoon tea while taking in panoramic views of iconic landmarks like the Palm Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab. With sessions for lunch, dinner, and tea, all safety measures are managed by a professional team, ensuring a unique and secure adventure.
Highlights
Please arrive at the venue at least 20 minutes before the selected time slot.
Please dress comfortably and warm during cold & breezy nights, while you could think of avoiding skirts, Abaya and open shoes.
Pregnant women are not allowed to experience Dinner in the Sky.
A person under 14 may participate if accompanied by an adult or at least 110 cm tall.
A person must be with a maximum weight of 150 kg of weight to enjoy the Dinner in The Sky.
A person under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not allowed.
Smoking is strictly prohibited during the Dinner in the Sky experience.
Once the platform has already been lifted, the organizer will not lower the platform for you if you request to change your attire, shoes, etc.
Child Policy
Children under 3 years will be considered as infant and entry will be free of cost.
Children aged from 3 to 10 years will be considered as child and charged child rate.
Children above age 10 will be considered as an adult and charged adult rate.
Inquire Now
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What We Do

Ferrari World (Abudhabi)

Price range: 200 AED-500 AED per person
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is the world’s first Ferrari-branded theme park and one of the most iconic attractions in the UAE. Located on Yas Island, the park offers a unique blend of thrilling rides, family-friendly attractions, and immersive experiences that celebrate the legacy of Ferrari. It is home to Formula Rossa, the fastest roller coaster in the world, reaching speeds of up to 240 km/h. In addition to high-speed rides, visitors can enjoy interactive exhibits, go-kart racing, Ferrari car displays, and live shows. With its striking red roof and innovative design, Ferrari World provides a world-class entertainment experience for visitors of all ages.
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What We Do

Louvre Museum (Abudhabi)

Price range: 200 AED-500 AED per person
Louvre Abu Dhabi is a new cultural beacon, bringing different cultures together to shine fresh light on the shared stories of humanity.A pioneering cultural project

The origins of Louvre Abu Dhabi date back to March 2007. The UAE and France formed an unprecedented partnership for cultural exchange, and the highlight of this would be the establishment of Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island. The partnership would combine the UAE's bold vision of cultural progression and openness, with France's expertise in the world of art and museums. It would explore the shared themes that reveal and connect humanity.
The result is Louvre Abu Dhabi. It represents the dynamic nature of the contemporary Arab world while celebrating the region's vibrant multicultural heritage. Agence France-Muséums - 17 of France's most renowned cultural institutions - coordinates the loan of artworks to this UAE museum and provides management expertise
Designed by world-renowned French architect Jean Nouvel, Louvre Abu Dhabi's dome and architecture is reminiscent of the interlaced palm leaves of traditional Emirati roofs.
When the sun passes above the dome, its rays filter lightly through the perforations, creating an inspiring effect which we refer to as, 'The Rain of Light'.
A few facts:
The 'museum city' in the sea, inspired by the medina and covered by a 180-meter-wide dome with 7,850 stars and illuminated by 4,500 lights.

Important Information:

Please ensure that you carry a valid ID or Passport with you during your visit
Child tickets are complimentary but they need to be booked in advance will be scanned at the entrance of the museum.
Senior citizens can avail complimentary tickets if they are Locals or UAE Residents. Their tickets can be booked directly at the counter free of charge, however they may be asked for ID to signify their proof of age being above 60.
Wheelchairs and strollers are available for the guests convenience.
The last admission to the Louvre Museum is at 5:30 p.m. Louvre Abu Dhabi is closed on Mondays.

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What We Do

La Perle Show

Price range: 200 AED-500 AED per person

Entertainment has got a new definition in Dubai with the outstanding live shows that happen all year in the custom-art theatre, located in the heart of Al Habtoor City of Dubai. A must-not-miss show that travels you to realms of an entire different world with its miraculous performances is mastered by the world-renowned director, Franco Dragone. You can now be a part of this marvel and make it more convenient by booking tickets with us.

Our representatives pick you up from your hotel in our vehicles if you choose the transport option. Once you are in, you will be amazed to see the on-stage pool (aqua stage) that uses 2.7 million litres water innovatively in acts and has 1300 seats occupied by the audience in a circular orientation; the round arrangement is done to keep the audience intimate to the live performances from all possible ends. You can pick your own tickets while booking; bronze, silver, gold and VIP.

Being the first residential theatre and a unique state-of-the-art stage, the La Perle promises an experience that is unbeatable and unseen. A world-class tap dance, an aerial show, visual illusions, magic pieces or aquatic dramas, over 450+ such performances are executed by the 65 remarkable casts gathered from across the world. These La Perle gravity-defying acts are based on the storyline of past Arabia and modern cities giving you a gist of how Dubai happened. Each minute you spend here is going to be full of surprises, wow and thrill. After the performances end, we pick you up from the theatre and drop you at the hotel.

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*Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.

Organised By :
INDEX Conferences & Exhibitions Organization L.L.C
INDEX Conferences & Exhibitions Org. Est.

COPYRIGHT © 2026. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Privacy Policy

Shortage of ‘Human Resources for Health’ in Developing Countries

Supported by Noor Dubai

Subtitle:

The shortage of health workers in developing countries may undermine the attainment of the Sustainable development goals, universal health coverage and undermine control of epidemics/pandemics. So how do we improve the number and quality of health workers in developing countries?

Context:

The World Health Organization in its 2006 World Health Report reported that over 4 million more health workers are needed globally to prevent crisis in the health sector. Out of which Africa alone needs 1.5 million workers. Thus 36 of the 57 countries in the continent have critical shortages of human resources for health.

Globally all countries are challenged by worker shortage, skill mix imbalance, maldistribution, negative work environment, and weak knowledge base. However, it is worse in the poorest countries mostly of Africa and Asia where the workforce is under assault by HIV/AIDS, epidemics, out-migration, poor working environment, demotivation, undertraining and inadequate investment.

The critical shortage of health workers in developing world especially Africa is a major impediment to achievement of health/developmental goals, and could hinder the ability to control epidemics and pandemic outbreaks. In many developing countries this shortage not only affects provision of life saving interventions like childhood immunization, maternal services and prevention/treatment of the major infectious diseases –HIV, Malaria and Tuberculosis; but also hampers response to serious epidemics and pandemics like Ebola, Hemorrhagic fevers, Yellow fever and Covid-19. In addition to this the increasing aging population and change of life style in these developing countries results in rising burden of chronic diseases and non-communicable diseases like diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cancers etc needing more well trained health personnel’s and facilities.

This shortage is made worse within these countries by a vicious cycle of outbreaks of epidemics that further deplete the workforce and emigration of health workers to other parts of the world. The gross mal-distribution of the workers where by majority of health workers are in the urban areas but most of the population lives in rural areas in these countries, aggravates the situation. Furthermore the opportunities for continuous medical education and self-development is generally limited.

Thus, this human resource for health crisis in the developing countries especially Africa is not only about the quantity of the health workers and their distribution but also their quality. Due to weak educational systems and training facilities, occasioned by poor investment, health workers in many of these countries are not only inadequately trained but also lack the continuous medical education to handle emerging life threatening emergencies and chronic health conditions.

The crisis is partly caused by underfunding from governments due to competing developmental demands with very weak economies. This results in fewer ill-equipped training institutions, undertraining, under-recruitment, lack of facilities, demotivation, brain drain etc. The pull of higher salaries in industrialized countries and the push of poor working conditions at home along with political and social strife drive thousands of health workers to jobs abroad each year. This ever increasing brain drain from these poor weak countries to richer nations of the West and Middle East compound an already bad situation.

Challenge statement:

The SDG goal 3 (Ensuring health living and promoting wellbeing for all for all ages), the universal health coverage and ability to withstand epidemics and pandemics like Covid-19 cannot be achieved in many countries if the human resources for health crisis in these countries is not tackled.

So how can we address this gross shortage of health workers in developing countries especially Africa in terms of not only the number of the health workers, but their distribution and their expertise (knowledge and skills?). What innovative and technological approach can be applied to address this big challenge?

The digital literacy divide between e-learners: how to narrow the gaps?

Supported by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

Title: The digital literacy divide between e-learners: how to narrow the gaps?

Concept: In a world that everyone is using the digital sphere to communicate and learn, there is still a gap between the e-learners as some have high digital literacy while many still have more limited literacy.

MSF’s e-Learning team (TEMO) aims at reaching 95% of the organization’s staff and not only 25% with high digital literacy, access to computers, access to internet, etc.

Challenge: In this scenario and in order for all staff to have access to distance learning and eLearning Solutions like Tembo can offer, what are proposals and ideas to promote digital literacy for the e-learners to narrow the gaps?

Overcoming Challenges to the Inclusion of Beneficiaries with Disabilities in Emergencies

Supported by International Humanitarian City

Keywords: Emergency Preparedness & Response; Disabilities

Introduction:
IHC for the 2020 Humanitarian Hackathon decided to focus the attention on a group of vulnerable populations affected by Disabilities. The purpose of this challenge is to stimulate people to think outside the box and come up with possible innovative tools that the humanitarian community can offer to people exposed to emergencies and having different kinds of disabilities. In particular, mobility and communication/ability to attract attention are two crucial factors when it comes to the immediate aftermath of a disaster as well as the short and long-term living situation the affected disabled population may find themselves in. The purpose is to integrate and enrich the humanitarian prepositioned stocks with appropriated equipment and aid and therefore strengthen the emergency preparedness and have tools ready for their use in the response phase. The aim is to involve the Humanitarian Hackathon 2020 participants and transform their ideas in humanitarian aid for the benefit of the disabled. Looking at the list of the humanitarian relief items stocked within various humanitarian hubs it appears that no specific items are kept in stock specifically to support the differently-abled living in areas affected by disasters.

Scenarios:
The most frequent emergency scenarios are due to natural disasters such as floods, Tsunamis, Earthquake, cyclones, volcano eruptions, fire-forest etc…in addition to conflict areas. Hackathon participants are invited to think about the disabled population in those scenarios, and particularly, how the disabled can attract rescue teams or humanitarian workers providing assistance. Options for innovative solutions may focus on preventive measures, especially for the populations most exposed to risks and living in prone and hazard areas and subject to frequent natural disasters. Other innovative solutions may focus more on the immediate response following disasters when the affected population is forced to vacate their accommodation, which is appropriately equipped for their disability and moved into newer and less familiar areas. How can we help them?

Below are some tips for the various potential disabilities.

Suggestions:

  • Overall, items that could be useful to most disability categories could be:
  • A Tools to attract attention (which can be distributed to all vulnerable people affected)
  • A disability-friendly app
  • Stool bags compatible with a foldable wheelchair toilet seat
  • Clear masks for lip-reading for the rescue teams
Improving Small Farmers Access to Knowledge About Crop Production Techniques through E-Agriculture

Supported by International Humanitarian City

In several humanitarian response areas, are blessed with diverse climatic conditions for almost all crops (cereal, fruit and vegetable crops), besides ample opportunity to grow high value vegetables as off season in certain zones and pristine climatic niches as well production of certain fruits and vegetables seedling in low, high and walk in tunnels.

Moreover, there is also immense scope of growing short duration vegetable in three successive seasons i.e. summer, winter and autumn such as tomato, broccoli and potato. The small farmers in general are neither aware of the opportunities of effective utilization of their physical , financial and human resources nor know the ways and means to utilize their available resources. Thus they follow the hit and trial rules to grow crops which often incur heavy losses to them.

DISTANCE LEARNING CHALLENGES IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES IN A POST COVID-19 WORLD

Supported by Dubai Cares

COVID-19 exacerbated pre-existing gaps in Developing Countries, which were already strained, underserved and faced significant tech capacity limitations, causing serious learning disruptions.

Context

The world has been brought to a standstill by the impact of COVID-19. Airports, restaurants, movie theaters and other elements of the social environment have been disrupted by this virus’ contagion. While watching movies and dining in public are not essential to our lives, work and education are.

Education systems and learning have been heavily disrupted by COVID-19. At its apex, school closures reached over 180 countries. Currently, according to the UNESCO Education Impact Tracker, there are still 34 country wide school closures and over half a billion affected child learners. “The medium and long-term implications of the learning crisis [has] forced 1.6 billion learners worldwide out of the classroom” (UNESCO). This is especially true for education in developing countries, which were already facing poor economic conditions while also coping with low literacy, numeracy, enrollment and proficiency.

In July, UNESCO estimated “that about 24 million learners, from pre-primary to university level, are at risk of not returning to school in 2020 following the education disruption due to COVID-19. Almost half of them are found in South and West Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. University students are affected the most, due to the costs related to their studies. Pre-primary education is the second most affected while at primary and secondary level 10.9 million students are at risk, 5.2 million of whom are girls.”

As closures forced students and parents home, the need for connectivity and hardware arose. “Today half of the world’s population (3.6 billion people) still lack an internet connection.” Many countries with low economic development and lack of connectivity, adapted via national broadcasts over TV and Radio, “yet the benefits of internet-based solutions vis-à-vis radio and TV solutions are considerable: connected digital technologies allow for the possibility of two-way communication, real-time interaction, gamified learning, and much more. Investments poured into efforts to make digital tools the principal hubs of learning, rather than brick-and-mortar school sand classrooms” (UNESCO).

“According to UN estimates, nearly 500 million students from pre-primary to upper secondary school did not have any access to any remote learning. Three quarters of these students lived in the poorest households or rural areas. More nuanced data showed finer disparities that traced and functioned to accentuate existing social, economic, gender and geographic fault lines. Analysis from Brookings shows that at the height of school closures, around 90 percent of high-income countries were providing some form of online remote learning, but only 25 per cent of low-income countries were doing the same” (UNESCO).

 

One of the flagship innovations responding to this at a global level is GIGA, an initiative launched by UNICEF and ITU in September 2019 to connect every school to the Internet and every young person to information, opportunity and choice. GIGA is supporting the immediate response to COVID-19, as well as looking at how connectivity can create stronger infrastructures of hope and opportunity in the “time after COVID.” The main objective of GIGA is to connect 2 million schools and 500 million children by 2025 and 5 million schools and 1 billion children by 2030, via funding of local infrastructure entrepreneurs and open source digital public goods.

Lastly, the long term effects of diminished education is worth considering, as “the World Bank has projected the financial cost of this learning loss to be as high as USD $10 trillion or 10% of global gross domestic product” (UNESCO). The human and economic impact of stunted education will ripple through the next decade as less educated students, workers and citizens will enter a world that is simultaneously regressing (climate change) and rapidly evolving (technology). Those that are already economically disadvantaged are at greater risk of getting left behind even more.

Challenge Statement:

As discussed above, distance learning is not always feasible due to low prevalence of connectivity and hardware in developing nations and economies, where the population is less able to purchase cell phones and laptops, while the public and private sectors are less likely to build connectivity infrastructure such as cell towers and Wi-Fi access points.

  • How can distance learning solutions be delivered to low income / remote / rural areas with low hardware saturation and lack of internet access so as not to exclude them from education services and systems they were already underserved by?
  • Think of innovative*, feasible and scalable solutions for learning disruption in developing countries

Things to keep in mind for solution design and review criteria:

  • Developing contexts often have limited access to transportation, clean water and sanitation
  • *Innovation does not necessarily mean very high tech and revolutionary. Sometimes the most innovative thing is using or reformulating something basic and abundant in a new and low cost way
  • Reflect on the sustainability of the design, as many solutions end up collecting dust after initial investment and intervention
  • Think through the replicability and scalability of the solution for global reach in similar environments
  • Contemplate potential cross-sectorial collaboration (telecom, government, and academia)
  • Consider the operational part of it: how is it going to work, under what umbrella, with what organizational or collaborative structure
  • Deliberate on the Who and How of funding your solution
Water Scarcity and Accessibility to Clean Water

Supported by UAE Water Aid

The UAE Water Aid Foundation, Suqia, under the umbrella of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, works diligently to provide clean and safe drinking water to communities in dire need and that lack basic access to water. Thus, Suqia contributes directly to Goal 6, Clean Water & Sanitation, of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It also has important contributions to goals 1 (no poverty), 3 (good health and well-being), 4 (quality education), 5 (gender equality) and 17 (partnerships for the goals).

Access to clean and safe water remains one of the most critical challenges faced by many around the world. While governments and societies work together to provide solutions to communities in need, the number of those who lack access to basic drinking water services continues to increase till date. According to recent statistics, the figure has reached a staggering 785 million in 2019. In many communities, people spend up to 6 hours each day collecting water. Not only does walking long distances while carrying 20 liters of water cause severe health issues, but it also keeps children out of school and wastes time that families could be using to earn an income.

Utilizing various solutions including artesian wells, water purification stations, water filters, water distribution networks and others, we were able to provide clean drinking water for more than 13 million people in 36 countries around the world.

The main challenge is in providing communities that need it the most. Often these communities are in remote locations difficult to get to and may be overseen in search of the places that require access to clean drinking water.

Although, the water infrastructure is not available, tele-communication networks are often available.

How can we utilize the tele-communication networks or mobile applications to support our goal of reaching out to communities in need? We are looking for a solution that would be easy to use where individuals can pin-point locations globally that face water shortage and lack easy access to clean drinking water. The solution would ideally identify the type of need in the area, the water quality, the approximate number of people living in the area, etc ..