DUBAI // The World Down Syndrome Congress in 2020 will be hosted in Dubai after the emirate’s winning bid was selected from other strong candidates.
Down Syndrome International, the UK-based international charity that organises the event, announced Dubai as the winner at a press conference in London, saying in a statement that there were compelling reasons to accept the proposal put forward by Emirates Down Syndrome Association.
Eid Thani Harib, chairman of the board of directors of EDSA, said the selection was recognition of the progress made by the UAE in supporting people with disabilities, in general, and those with Down syndrome, in particular.
Mr Hareb said Dubai Government, with help from the Higher Committee for the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, aimed to transfer the city into one that is friendly to those with disabilities.
Previously held every three years, the congress will now be held biennially due to increase interest, with Glasgow, Scotland, playing host in 2018.
Dubai will host the 14th edition of the competition in 2020, followed by Brisbane, Australia, in 2022.
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