Dubai Duty Free (DDF) and the Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai are strengthening their commitment to empowering People of Determination through expanded Sanad Card benefits and initiatives showcased at the AccessAbilities Expo 2026.

Held from 19 to 21 October at Dubai World Centre, the exhibition marked Dubai Duty Free’s second consecutive year of participation. The partnership supports the objectives of Dubai Social Agenda 33 to enhance the quality of life and build a cohesive and inclusive community.

Under the cooperation agreement, Dubai Duty Free joins the Sanad Card partner network, offering a 10% discount on eligible purchases and priority payment at designated counters. These benefits aim to make shopping more accessible and convenient while supporting the independence and participation of People of Determination.

Ali Al Qasim, Director of Financial Benefits Department at CDA, said, “Our partnership with Dubai Duty Free is a step towards providing a more accessible and inclusive shopping experience and support the needs of People of Determination and support their participation with greater independence and confidence. By expanding our private-sector partnerships, we aim to deliver meaningful benefits that improve everyday experiences and support the objectives of Dubai Social Agenda 33.”

Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, said,” At Dubai Duty Free, we believe that inclusion is about creating opportunities for everyone to participate and thrive. Through this partnership, we aim to make shopping more accessible and inclusive, reinforcing our commitment to the community.”

The agreement was signed by Mona Al Ali, Senior Vice President – HR at Dubai Duty Free and Ali Al Qasim, in the presence of Ramesh Cidambi, HE Hessa Essa Buhumaid, Director General of CDA and Dr Ahmad Al Hashimi, CEO of CDA’s Social Regulation and Services Sector.

At AccessAbilities Expo 2026, Dubai Duty Free welcomed 4,146 visitors to its stand, representing a 176% increase compared with 2025 and collected 684 survey responses, three times the numbers recorded the previous year.

Among the distinguished visitors to the Dubai Duty Free stand was H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman of Dubai Duty Free and Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports.

Through an interactive touchscreen, Dubai Duty Free showcased initiatives designed to make travel retail more accessible and welcoming for People of Determination. The company is also working with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to curate and expand its range of products suited to their needs.

Together, this partnership and participation in the exhibition demonstrate Dubai Duty Free’s commitment to advancing accessibility, strengthening inclusion and creating meaningful opportunities for People of Determination in support of Dubai Social Agenda 33.