The UAE will host the 2027 World Deaf Congress in Abu Dhabi, unveiling a logo by a Deaf Jordanian artist blending culture and inclusion.
ABU DHABI: In a historic first for the Arab region, the XX World’s Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf will be held in Abu Dhabi from 19 to 23 September 2027, bringing over 2,000 Deaf participants and advocates from around the globe. The announcement follows the unveiling of the official event logo — designed by Husam Mohammad Elfara, a Deaf artist from Jordan — which symbolises a unique blend of Deaf culture and Emirati heritage.
The logo, revealed at the conclusion of the 5th World Federation of the Deaf Conference in Nairobi, features a stylised open hand, an international emblem of sign language, surrounded by traditional Emirati motifs to represent unity and cultural pride. Presented in both Arabic and English, it reflects the Congress’s commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and national identity.
Organised by the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination (ZHO) in partnership with the UAE Deaf Association, the Congress will run under the theme “Sign Languages: Always and Everywhere”. This edition will spotlight the UAE’s growing role as a global hub for sign language rights, offering a platform for collaboration, advocacy, and celebration of Deaf culture.
The logo selection emerged from a global competition that attracted 41 entries from 14 countries, with strong participation from the Middle East. Nineteen designs were shortlisted before Elfara’s design was chosen, highlighting the region’s creative talent and global engagement.
H.E Abdullah Abudalee Al Humaidan, General Secretary of ZHO, called the Congress “a defining moment for the UAE’s commitment to inclusivity,” while Musabah Saeed Al Neyadi, Chair of the Organising Committee, said the logo “reflects our shared values of openness and unity.” Dr. Joseph J. Murray, President of the World Federation of the Deaf, added that Abu Dhabi’s hosting would “set a new benchmark for inclusion and innovation.”
Held every four years since 1951, the World Deaf Congress is the leading global platform advancing the rights and recognition of Deaf people. The 2027 edition in Abu Dhabi is set to feature plenary sessions, cultural programmes, and networking forums, making it a milestone in the Middle East’s engagement with the global Deaf community.
