United Arab Emirates, Dubai: Merge, the leading information technology company specializing in innovative technological solutions for people with disabilities, has partnered with Majid Al Futtaim, the leading shopping mall, communities, retail and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, to launch the “Malls Adopt Sign Language” campaign within its Egypt properties. The initiative provides free sign language interpretation to those with hearing impairments through a smartphone application, with the aim of building an inclusive society.

The campaign will run for one month within Mall of Egypt, City Centre Almaza, City Centre Alexandria and City Centre Maadi. Available on the “Merge Sign Language Interpreter” application, the service provides visitors with access to video calls supported by advanced technology in addition to certified sign language interpreters.

Shoppers can download the Merge application by scanning the QR code available at the customer service desks located within the four malls, which will provide them with 30 minutes of free access and 60% discount when recharging the balance..

Ramy Qaddoumi, Founder and CEO of Merge Technology, mentioned: “We are proud to launch this initiative under the “Malls Adopt Sign Language” campaign, which will bring our community closer together and embed positive values of social responsibility within it. Launching this free sign language simultaneous interpretation initiative across four malls is an integral part of our strategy, which aims to support the needs of those with hearing impairments in the community and will be instrumental in achieving our goal of supporting those with special needs in every area of life.”

Merge launched “Merge- Interpreter Sign Language “ last November – the first ever digital platform in the Middle East and North Africa that provides the community with simultaneous sign language interpretation. The platform enables users to communicate easily through video calls, with 24-hour assistance from certified interpreters. Users can download the application available on both Android and iOS devices and access the interpreter services through Merge's call center.

Commenting on the partnership, Hanny El Messiry, Managing Director of West Region Shopping Malls at Majid Al Futtaim – Properties, stated: “At Majid Al Futtaim, we are committed to identifying innovative ways to support the communities in which we operate, to provide equal opportunities and experiences for all. Through our partnership with Merge, we look forward to continuing to provide services that foster a safe and inclusive environment, in line with our mission to create great moments for everyone, everyday.”

The "Merge Interpreter Sign Language" application also provides the first-of-its-kind hotline service via video and voice calls to businesses across all sectors, text conversations, convenient file sharing, contacts, and photos, and a personal account page for each user. It also provides QR codes which can be used to invite a friend. The innovative platform strives to build social, cultural and educational bridges between the hard-of-hearing and hearing-enabled communities. Designed with the latest technology, the service aims to build a more integrated society, and continues to establish connections, helping those with hearing impairment socialize with family, friends and acquaintances through advanced technology.

Mall of Egypt, City Centre Almaza, City Centre Alexandria and City Centre Maadi offer a range of unique services within East and West Cairo, and Alexandria, including VOX Cinemas, Magic Planet, a diverse range of restaurants and cafes, in addition to Ski Egypt.

To download Merge- Interpreter Sign Language Application:
App store :  https://apps.apple.com/eg/app/merge-live-interpreter/id1589747237
Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ws.merge.app.mergeApp

-Ends-

For more information about Merge Technology, please visit :  https://merge.ws
https://www.facebook.com/merge.llc.co/
https://www.instagram.com/merge.llc.co/

For press inquiries, please contact:
Doaa Mohamed
pr@merge.ws

Menna Anis
E: menna.anis@ogilvy.com
Nada Daoud
E: nada.daoud@ogilvy.com
Disclaimer: All facts and figures in this release are accurate at the time of issuance.

About Merge:

Established in 2020, Merge aims to connect hard-of-hearing individuals with hearing-enabled people to build a more inclusive society.

Today, there are 466 million hard-of-hearing people across the world. A big portion of them is in the Middle East and North Africa (16.55 million) and 5 million of which can be found in Egypt. Recent studies have also revealed that individuals with hearing impediments are twice as likely to suffer from psychological problems such as depression and anxiety due to feelings of isolation.

Our goal is to bring assistive technology solutions to the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, through several services. We are passionate about building a world where people can communicate better with each other and connect at a deeper level. Together with our expert team of sign language interpreters, we are committed to helping deaf and hard-of-hearing people overcome their obstacles by the year 2030.

About Majid Al Futtaim

Founded in 1992, Majid Al Futtaim is the leading shopping mall, communities, retail and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

A remarkable business success story, Majid Al Futtaim started from one man’s vision to transform the face of shopping, entertainment and leisure to ‘create great moments for everyone, every day’. It has since grown into one of the United Arab Emirates’ most respected and successful businesses spanning 17 international markets, employing more than 43,000 people, and obtaining the highest credit rating (BBB) among privately held corporates in the region.

Majid Al Futtaim owns and operates 29 shopping malls, 13 hotels and four mixed-use communities, with further developments underway in the region. The shopping malls portfolio includes Mall of the Emirates, Mall of Egypt, Mall of Oman, City Centre malls, My City Centre neighbourhood centres, and five community malls which are in joint venture with the Government of Sharjah. The Company is the exclusive franchisee for Carrefour in over 30 markets across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, operating a portfolio of more than 400 outlets including City+, the region’s first checkout-free store, and an online store.

Majid Al Futtaim operates more than 600 VOX Cinemas screens as well as a portfolio of world-class leisure and entertainment experiences across the region including Ski Dubai, Ski Egypt, Dreamscape, Magic Planet, Little Explorers and iFLY Dubai. The Company is parent to a Fashion, Home and Specialty retail business representing international brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister, AllSaints, lululemon athletica, Crate & Barrel, LEGO and THAT, a Majid Al Futtaim fashion concept store and app. In addition, Majid Al Futtaim operates Enova, a facility and energy management company, through a joint venture operation with Veolia, a global leader in optimised environment resource management.

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