Landmarks across Abu Dhabi turned blue for a very special day

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi)  lit up a number of landmark buildings across the emirate for World Autism Awareness Day, which takes place on April 2 each year.

The buildings illuminated in blue – the colour associated with the global initiative – included Qasr Al Hosn fort, the Cultural Foundation and Manarat Al Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi, and Al Jahili Fort and Al Ain Museum in Al Ain.

The lighting scheme aimed to recognise people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, while increasing understanding and acceptance of the condition.

HE Saood Al Hosani, Executive Director, Business Support Sector at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “By lighting up our buildings in blue we hope to affirm our support and recognition for those who have autism in the UAE and their families."

World Autism Awareness Day was officially launched by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007 to promote awareness and tolerance towards people with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

It encourages all UN member states and other relevant organisations to create initiatives to raise public awareness about the condition.