What does it take to break a world record or set a historic precedent? For Dar Al-Hekma University, it was a commitment, a pledge to be inclusive and raise awareness whenever possible.
DAH’s disability awareness initiative, the largest of its kind, was nothing short of brilliant. By organizing this event and shedding light on an issue that’s often overlooked, Dar Al-Hekma was able to set a Guinness World Record and gain recognition among global institutions.
The university realized it had a responsibility to make a difference. It spared no effort to make this initiative one to remember, and made sure it left room at the table for people with disabilities to be fully present and participate in all facets of the discussion.
The importance of this initiative lies in its ability to bring visibility to a community that’s mostly left out. Dar Al-Hekma was effectively able to break the silence around the challenges faced by people with disabilities, day in and day out.
What makes this gesture truly groundbreaking is its genuine sentiment. The 2024 event was one of real inclusion, and it served as a reminder that awareness is not a one-time effort, but rather a continuous process of learning and acting with intent.
A Record-Breaking Day of Awareness
On December 4, 2024, the campus of Dar Al-Hekma University hosted a milestone moment in disability advocacy. Excitement hummed in the air as a diverse crowd of 1,177 individuals gathered inside Prince Sultan Hall, including students, educators, and community members.
They were all united by a shared purpose: to learn, to listen, and to take part in something that’s larger than themselves. On that day, Dar Al-Hekma officially broke the Guinness World Record for the largest disability awareness lesson ever held.
The lesson mainly focused on ADHD and explored its symptoms, diagnosis, and the forms of support available.
The event was about presence and participation. The audience wasn’t merely passive observers; they actually took part in lively, interactive discussions and witnessed thoughtful presentations. They were also invited to reflect on how disability is understood and tackled in everyday life.
The lesson wasn’t all definitions and theories, either. The speakers called on participants to approach these topics with sensitivity and empathy while also warning against harmful stereotypes that can hinder meaningful conversations.
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Other Efforts at Inclusion: Skin Tone Representation
In 2024, shortly after their disability awareness initiative, Dar Al-Hekma collaborated with the University of Leeds to enhance skin tone representation for Saudi Arabia.
By refining the Universal Tone algorithm, TECNO devices were equipped with the ability to deliver even more authentic and lifelike representations of skin tones among their Saudi consumers.
The research will soon encompass the Middle East region in its entirety, thus ensuring all skin tones are represented faithfully.
Professor Kaida Xiao, TECNO’s Technical Advisor and a renowned expert in Colour and Imaging Science at the University of Leeds, was at the forefront of this revolutionary effort. He was joined by Professor Ahmed Nasseraldin from Dar Al-Hekma University, whose incisive regional insights greatly helped tailor this technology to Saudi Arabia like never before.
Professor Ahmed Nasseraldin said, “Understanding the cultural nuances and skin tone representation preferences in Saudi Arabia is essential to the success of this project. The region’s skin tones reflect its unique identity, and TECNO’s efforts to capture this are highly commendable.”
Dar Al-Hekma University made history by setting a world record and actually championing real change. From hosting the largest disability awareness lesson to advancing inclusive tech, DAH proves that when inclusion leads, transformation follows.
This same spirit of progress is reflected across its academic programs, including the Master’s in Commercial Law (LLM), where students are encouraged to pair legal expertise with a broader sense of social responsibility.
