AccessAbilities Expo Visual Story

Cérge logo — inclusive access and companion technology

Arrival at Al Mustaqbal Street

The AccessAbilities Expo at the Dubai World Trade Centre from Al Mustaqbal Street features a grand entrance with automatic inward opening doors, ensuring accessibility. The exterior is adorned with elegant water fountains and flags, creating a welcoming atmosphere. 

The spacious drop-off area is clearly marked, and the brick path is lined with palm trees and modern architecture. The glass façade allows natural light to flood the interior, enhancing visibility. The venue is designed for ease of movement, with wide pathways and clear signage.

Hearing

Sounds

  1. Water fountains splashing
  2. Distant traffic hum
  3. Footsteps on pavement
  4. Rustling palm leaves
  5. Occasional voices
Smell

Smells

  1. Fresh water from fountains
  2. Warm concrete
  3. Palm trees
  4. Clean air
  5. Subtle floral notes
Touch

Feel

  1. Inviting and open
  2. Modern elegance
  3. Accessible & inclusive
  4. Warm sunlight
  5. Changing floor surface (brick-marble)
Sight

Sight

  1. Elegant water fountains
  2. Tall palm trees
  3. Glass façade
  4. Flags fluttering
  5. Spacious drop-off area

Entrance at Concourse 2

The step free entrance from Al Mustaqbal Street entrance features a spacious, air conditioned lobby with bright tiles that create low-level glare. All public entrances are wide for easy wheelchair access. 

Upon entering through the automatic glass doors, the information desk is on the right, often with people queuing. Tactile grounds surface indicators are installed on the floor, directing People of Determination towards the reception desk, which also has a lower section for accessibility.

Directly ahead, a stairwell is between two sets of elevators, providing easy access to upper levels and the main concourse. The area is well-lit with modern lighting, and large glass windows offer views of the outside.

Hearing

Sounds

  1. Footsteps echoing
  2. Elevator chimes
  3. Murmur of conversations
  4. Air conditioning hum
  5. Distant traffic noise
Smell

Smells

  1. Freshly cleaned floors
  2. Cool air conditioning
  3. Faint perfume
  4. Neutral lobby scent
  5. Subtle outdoor air
Touch

Feel

  1. Cool air
  2. Spacious & open
  3. Modern & sleek
  4. Low level glare
  5. Disorientation anxiety
Sight

Sight

  1. Bright reflective tiles
  2. Large glass windows
  3. Modern lighting fixtures
  4. People queuing
  5. Elevators & stairwell

Concourse 2

The AssessAbilities Expo 2024 is held in a spacious venue with high ceilings in Halls 6, 7, and 8 along Concourse 2. The concourse is long, flat and step-free, ensuring easy accessibility. From the Al Mustaqbal entrance, the Hall entry points are on the right. 

Many restaurants and retail shops are located along Concourse 2 on either side of the large corridor.  People may be observed walking briskly between events or riding electric scooters to save time and energy.  

The polished marble floors and modern lighting create a bright atmosphere, with elevators and escalators for easy movement.

Hearing

Sounds

  1. Echoing footsteps
  2. Distant chatter
  3. Elevator chimes
  4. Escalator hum
  5. Announcements
Smell

Smells

  1. Freshly cleaned floors
  2. Air conditioning
  3. Food court aromas
  4. Floral scents
  5. Subtle perfume
Touch

Feel

  1. Spacious
  2. Smooth tiles
  3. Excited
  4. Cool air
  5. Exhaustion (long walks)
Sight

Sight

  1. High ceilings
  2. Marble floors
  3. Bright lights
  4. Digital displays
  5. Elegant décor

Amenities at Concourse 2

Accessible amenities are located throughout Concourse 2. Amenities may be found across the corridor of Concourse 2 directly outside the Sheikh Maktoum and Sheikh Rashid Halls. 

In addition, directly above each hall entry is an elevator and stairway to a higher level with dedicated accessible bathrooms. The bathrooms are equipped with toilets with grab bars, a hand basin, and a mirror. The stairs are equipped with handrails.

Hearing

Sounds

  1. Echoing footsteps
  2. Distant chatter
  3. Elevator chimes
  4. Soft background music
  5. Air conditioning hum
Smell

Smells

  1. Clean air
  2. Faint disinfectant
  3. New carpet
  4. Subtle floral scent
  5. Fresh paint
Touch

Feel

  1. Spacious
  2. Modern amenities
  3. Accessible bathroom
  4. Smooth tiles
  5. Cool air
Sight

Sight

  1. Polished marble floors
  2. Glass railings
  3. Clear signage
  4. Bright lighting
  5. Wide corridors

Halls 6 to 8 - AccessAbilities Expo

Halls 6 to 8 form a vast, open space hosting the AccessAbilities Expo. The industrial-style venue is brightly lit, with colorful displays from various accessible equipment and service providers. Stalls are arranged in neat rows, and a dedicated map helps visitors locate specific suppliers. 

The space is designed to accommodate large crowds, with three main entry points for easy access. The flooring is smooth, and the layout is spacious, allowing for easy navigation, including for those using mobility aids.

Hearing

Sounds

  1. Chatter of visitors
  2. Demonstrations echoing
  3. Footsteps on hard floor
  4. Announcements over PA
  5. Rustling of brochures
Smell

Smells

  1. Freshly printed materials
  2. Clean, industrial air
  3. Occasional food aromas
  4. Slight scent of electronics
  5. Neutral, spacious scent
Touch

Feel

  1. Energetic atmosphere
  2. Welcoming & inclusive
  3. Smooth, hard flooring
  4. Bright & open space
  5. Excitement in the air
Sight

Sight

  1. Bright, colourful displays
  2. Neat rows of stalls
  3. Large, clear signage
  4. Crowds of diverse visitors
  5. Spacious, open layout
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Thank You

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