Abu Dhabi University Secures Patent for “HearMe,” an AI-Powered Multilingual Sign Language Translation App
Abu Dhabi, UAE: Abu Dhabi University (ADU) has achieved a significant milestone by securing a patent for “HearMe,” an innovative AI-driven multilingual sign language translation application. This platform is designed to enhance communication for individuals with hearing impairments, facilitating interactions across various countries. The application was developed by Dr. Modafar Ati, an Associate Professor of Computer Science and Information Technology at ADU, in collaboration with alumna Reem Al Bostami, who holds a BSc in Information Technology. HearMe aligns with the UAE’s National Policy for Empowering People of Determination, which aims to promote equity, reduce inequalities, and enhance digital literacy.
Enhancing Accessibility in Education and Employment
HearMe is specifically designed to enable individuals with hearing impairments to engage fully in higher education and professional training programs. The application fosters inclusive learning environments and broadens access to academic and career opportunities. It provides real-time translation between sign language and text, converting signed gestures into written words while also transforming typed text into animated sign language. Furthermore, the platform supports multilingual sign language translation, encompassing various sign systems, including American and French sign languages. This feature allows users from diverse linguistic backgrounds to communicate effectively, thereby reducing both accessibility and linguistic barriers.
Commitment to Social Impact
Dr. Modafar Ati emphasized the importance of translating technological advancements into practical solutions that yield measurable social impact. He stated that HearMe was developed to facilitate accessible communication and tackle real-world challenges, thereby enhancing the participation of individuals with hearing impairments in academic and professional settings. The patent not only recognizes the technical achievement but also underscores ADU’s commitment to applied research and its alignment with the UAE’s national priorities regarding inclusion, accessibility, and sustainable development.
Addressing Communication Barriers
The patented application enables bidirectional, real-time translation between sign language and spoken words, facilitating effective communication in classrooms, training programs, and workplaces. This innovation addresses long-standing communication barriers that have historically limited equal participation and opportunities for individuals with hearing impairments.
Ongoing Initiatives for Empowerment
ADU remains dedicated to championing accessibility and empowering People of Determination throughout the UAE. The university plans to continue its initiatives, including the development of the HearMe application and the previously launched Inclusion Advocates of Tomorrow program. This program is in collaboration with Ma’an, the Zayed Authority for People of Determination, and Key2enable. Through these efforts, ADU is actively translating its Vision 2027 into action by embedding inclusion, innovation, and community impact within its academic and research ecosystem.
About Abu Dhabi University
Abu Dhabi University (ADU) stands as one of the leading academic institutions in the region, committed to fulfilling the UAE Government’s National Agenda by offering internationally accredited academic programs and conducting world-class research. Established in 2003, ADU has campuses in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Dubai, serving over 10,000 students from more than 100 nationalities. The university comprises five colleges across various disciplines, including arts, education, social sciences, business, engineering, health sciences, and law, offering over 65 undergraduate and graduate programs.
According to the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, ADU ranks among the top 250 universities globally and holds the second position in the UAE for research quality. It is also recognized as one of the top three universities in the UAE, leading in the teaching pillar. The university’s Business and Economics subject area has been ranked first in the UAE and the Arab region.
ADU has demonstrated impressive performance in the THE Young University Rankings 2024, securing the 60th position globally among universities that are 50 years or younger. Additionally, it improved its standing to 70th in the prestigious THE Asia University Rankings 2025 and was ranked third in the UAE for graduate employability in the 2026 Global Employability University Ranking.
In the QS World University Rankings 2026, ADU ranks 391 globally, advancing 110 places and securing the fifth position in the UAE, up two spots from the previous year. The university continues to empower its faculty and students with state-of-the-art resources, facilities, and learning opportunities that foster innovation and support research-based problem-solving. ADU maintains strong international collaborations with leading academic institutions and public and private sector organizations, holding institutional accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges’ Senior College and University Commission (WASC).
Source: www.zawya.com
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Published on 2026-04-08 16:31:00 • By the Editorial Desk
