Deaf and hard of hearing airline and cruise ship passengers will be able to communicate with Dubai Customs staff when they arrive in the emirate with the launch of a new sign language training programme.

The programme is in response to the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, and the “My Community… A City for Everyone” initiative that aims to turn the emirate into a disability-friendly city by 2020 with various projects that promote greater participation and inclusion of people with disabilities.

Dr Shaikha Al Ghafiri, acting director of Dubai Customs’ Training Centre said the training programme is being conducted in coordination with the Ministry of Community Development and will allow Dubai Customs employees to better communicate with hard of hearing clients and employees.

Sign language translators will help to deliver customs services faster and in a more efficient way to the hard of hearing.

The programme includes training in 50 different signs that fit into customs work.