Brief
Dubai Municipality launches NaviLens smart navigation system for visually impaired
The system uses coloured markers read by smartphones to provide audio and text directions in over 35 languages.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Dubai Municipality announced on Monday that it has become the first UAE government entity to roll out NaviLens, a smart navigation system designed to help visually impaired people move around public spaces independently. The launch took place at the AccessAbilities Expo 2026, held from Oct 19‑21 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
What happened
NaviLens employs digitally encoded coloured markers that smartphones can detect, delivering immediate audio and text guidance. The technology supports more than 35 languages, allowing users to receive navigation cues and information about facilities in real time.
What the reports add
Gulf News reported that the system is part of a broader showcase that includes accessible beaches, sensory rooms, a workplace inclusion programme and a partnership with the Emirates Down Syndrome Association. The expo also highlighted accessible beach infrastructure at Jumeirah Beach 2 and Khor Al Mamzar, featuring sea‑swimming platforms, 10 accessible entrances, dedicated parking for People of Determination and specialised beach wheelchairs.
What was said
Bader Anwahi, CEO of the Public Facilities Agency at Dubai Municipality, told Gulf News: "Universal accessibility is a fundamental consideration in how we plan, develop and manage Dubai's public facilities. Our responsibility extends beyond providing accessible infrastructure to ensuring that public spaces and services respond to the different needs of the people who use them."
How it came about
The launch follows Dubai Municipality’s recent initiatives to embed assistive technologies across the city, as outlined in its 2040 smart‑building plan reported earlier this month. The municipality also marked the graduation of the first two cohorts of its Inclusion Coordinators Programme at the expo, aiming to equip participants with skills to support People of Determination in workplaces and the community.
Key facts
- Dubai Municipality introduced NaviLens, a smart navigation system for visually impaired people. (gulfnews.com)
- NaviLens uses coloured markers read by smartphone cameras to give audio and text guidance. (gulfnews.com)
- The system supports more than 35 languages. (gulfnews.com)
- The launch was part of the AccessAbilities Expo 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre. (gulfnews.com)
- Bader Anwahi, CEO of the Public Facilities Agency, emphasized universal accessibility in a statement. (gulfnews.com)
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “Dubai Municipality Launches NaviLens: Smart Navigation System for Visually Impaired at AccessAbilities Expo 2026”
