A group of individuals with disabilities participating in the second edition of the "Living Independently for Persons with Disabilities" initiative, held during the Global Forum for Entrepreneurs and Investment.
In the Arab region, hope shines through the creative minds that know no limits, as inspiring success stories emerge of individuals who have turned challenges into opportunities.
During the Global Forum for Entrepreneurs and Investment, organized by the UNIDO Investment and Technology Promotion Office in Bahrain, UN News spoke with several entrepreneurs with disabilities who participated in the second edition of the "Living Independently for Persons with Disabilities" initiative.
This article is a journey into the world of creativity and innovation, showcasing inspiring figures from across the Arab world, each with a unique success story. From Egypt to Morocco, Tunisia to Jordan, and Bahrain, the projects and initiatives are diverse but united by a single goal: empowering people with disabilities and improving their lives, opening new horizons for independence and social integration.
Innovation and Technology as Enablers for Persons with Disabilities
In Tunisia, we met Olfa Dabbabi, a digital artist who refused to let her disability prevent her from contributing to society, especially in an age when online bullying and appearance-based judgments are prevalent. Dabbabi emphasized to UN News the importance of technology and innovation in building inclusive communities.
At her booth displaying her digital artwork, she said: "My passion for technology and innovation drives me to serve others. Despite my nervous system disability, it hasn’t held me back but rather inspired me to face it and become the woman I am today. Innovation and technology are not just my passions; they are key enablers for the work I do now."
Dabbabi founded a company called OLFUS, using digital art to convey various messages, including encouraging those facing challenges. "I want to talk about bullying because it’s harmful. I also discuss the importance of accepting our identities, rejecting body shaming, and mental health awareness. I was bullied as a child due to my disability, but my family was there for me."
Now, she uses computer technology and artificial intelligence to produce her art, printing it on paper, shirts, and mugs to spread messages that help people facing challenges like hers. "As time passes, we need more AI," she says.
Dabbabi's message is clear: "Everyone has a dream. Believe in your dreams and work hard to achieve them, no matter the difficulties. Art is one of the most powerful things that gives you positive energy and makes you love life."
An App to Solve Parking Issues in Bahrain
From Bahrain, we met engineer Ayoub Asad, who identifies himself as an inventor, international trainer, and content creator. Ayoub invented a system to alleviate the challenges faced by people with disabilities when it comes to parking.
He explained: "It’s difficult for people with disabilities to get out of their cars and remove barriers when entering parking spaces. I invented a mobile app that enables individuals with disabilities to locate available parking spots in hospitals and public spaces. They can book the spot before leaving their home. When they arrive, AI recognizes them, opens the parking spot, and closes it after they leave, allowing others to use it."
Ayoub has participated in numerous international competitions and achieved several accomplishments in Bahrain, Portugal, and Kuwait's International Inventions Exhibition.
His message to individuals with disabilities: "Disability shouldn’t stop us; it should be a driving force to achieve not only in our field but also for our community and the world, helping to make the world a better place for everyone."
Graphic Design as a Means of Self-Reliance
Salma, a graphic designer from Morocco, holds a diploma in graphic design and specializes in printing on clothing and cups, using thermal printing in general. She is also talented in drawing.
She says she works with Moroccan companies that frequently request logo designs and prints on shirts, and she markets her products online through platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
Salma’s message: "I tell people with disabilities not to stop and to pursue their dreams because disability is not an obstacle. For me, it has been a great motivator. Without my disability, I wouldn’t have achieved what I have now. I am independent, and no one can tell me what to do."
"Joe Dheeb": Specialized Bicycles for Persons with Disabilities
Khaled Abdul Karim Al-Amar, a young Jordanian, was inspired by his disability to start "Joe Dheeb," a company specializing in making bicycles for people with special needs and the elderly.
As he explained to UN News: "As a person with a disability, I wanted a bike that would serve my needs in a way that suits me. I started this project in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic when there was a high demand for bicycles. It started as a hobby, but now I have a full-fledged project manufacturing bicycles, including ones for people with disabilities and the elderly in Amman."
Khaled’s bikes are fully manufactured in Jordan, customized to individual needs, and marketed online to various regions, including Jordan and the Gulf.
"I feel I’ve made a difference as an Arab who has created something unique in the Arab region—being the first person in the Arab world to make bikes for people who need them. Some of these bikes are more therapeutic than recreational. I’m proud to have made a difference and left a mark," he added.
Digital Tablet to Facilitate Studying for the Blind
In Tunisia, we met Rania Makni, a medical technology engineer whose project involves a digital tablet that makes studying easier for blind individuals by translating digital texts into Braille.
Makni explained: "Printing on a standard-sized paper using Braille requires three pages, making it bulky and expensive. This tablet simplifies life for blind individuals, allowing them to study independently and comfortably without relying on others."
She was inspired by a blind friend studying law in Tunisia who used two methods: Braille, which is costly and hard to find, or recording lectures using a voice recorder, which often produced unclear audio due to noise. "Law involves studying many books, so I thought of creating something to make her studies easier. Through research, I discovered that Tunisia has 225,000 blind students who make great efforts to complete their education," Rania added.
A Medical Platform to Create an Inclusive Community
Tarek Salem from Egypt is the co-founder and CEO of Access Life. He explained to UN News the motivation behind starting his company: "I have quadriplegia and cannot move my legs or fingers. I faced significant challenges in becoming self-reliant, which led me to create Access Life."
Salem's company is a three-stage platform: "The first stage brings all medical tools under one platform, accompanied by video tutorials to raise awareness among people with disabilities about tools that can help them become more self-reliant. The second stage involves conducting surveys to determine which tools are most needed and manufacturing them. The third and most crucial stage is creating an inclusive community for persons with disabilities."
Inclusive Design for Better Communication
Abdullah Shabana from Saudi Arabia introduced the idea of participatory design, a collaboration between MIT and the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property.
Shabana explained that "participatory design is an initiative that brings together designers and persons with disabilities to complete tasks from the research phase to production. The project we’re presenting today is a voice-based app for individuals with speech impairments, allowing them to communicate with their families. The app helps persons with disabilities communicate using their local language."
An Inclusive Platform for Supporting Parents
Nesma Youssef, from Egypt’s Ministry of Social Solidarity, represented the "Integration" initiative—a platform helping parents of children with disabilities aged 4 to 18 to connect with special education and rehabilitation professionals.
Youssef described the platform: "Parents register, specify the service they need, and submit their request. The platform provides all resources parents need to support their child's rehabilitation. They can also track therapeutic plans and learn how to implement them at home or in school. Additionally, we help parents facilitate their child’s integration in school or society."
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