The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has received during a session in Scotland a banner as the host of the World Down Syndrome Congress 2020.

UAE's Minister of Community Development Hessa Essa Buhumaid received the banner amidst applaud at the concluding session of the triennial World Down Syndrome Congress (WDSC), in Glasgow. The UAE will be the first country in the Middle East and North Africa to host the international conference, which brings together more than 1,200 delegates from around the world. Down Syndrome International (DSi), Down Syndrome Scotland and international delegates attended the closing session.

"The UAE's selection to host the World Down Syndrome Congress 2020 was motivated by its prominent international stature and its strategic policies and remarkable achievements in the inclusion and empowerment of people of determination," said Dr Manal Jaroor, the Chairperson of the Emirates Down Syndrome Association.