TIIC 3 Dec 2026

The programme

The afternoon is built as zones rather than a timetable, so you can move at your own pace. Everything below runs across the five hours — arrive when you like, leave when you need to, and come back.

Taking it at your pace

A festival can be a lot. The main stage is loud and busy by design, and the quiet spaces, shaded seating and decompression rooms exist because they are as much a part of the programme as the music. Nobody has to do all of it.

Access, quiet spaces and what to expect

The eight zones

  1. Inspiration & Learning

    Illustration: a woman speaking at a purple podium with a microphone to a seated audience, a flip chart with a heart behind her.

    People of Determination, families, educators and advocates sharing what they know, in short sessions built for listening rather than lecturing. You are free to arrive and leave whenever you need to.

    • Speakers
    • Panel discussions
    • Educational sessions
    • Community stories

  2. Live Performances

    Illustration: a guitarist and two singers on a pink runway stage, a girl in a tutu dancing at the end of it, and a person in a wheelchair alongside.

    The heart of the afternoon. Live music from People of Determination performers, dance, a talent showcase, and an inclusive catwalk where the models are the community itself. Expect the main stage to be loud and joyful, with quiet spaces available whenever you need them.

    • Bands
    • Musicians
    • Dance shows
    • Talent showcase
    • Inclusive catwalk

  3. Arts & Creativity

    Illustration: a boy and a girl painting at a table spread with paint pots, an easel of abstract work between them and framed flower paintings on the wall.

    An exhibition of work by artists in our community, alongside workshops you can sit down and take part in. TIIC began with one young artist’s paintings, so this zone is where the whole idea started.

    • Art exhibition
    • Creative workshops
    • Interactive experiences

  4. Family Entertainment

    Illustration: a clown greeting a face-painted child beside a red and blue bouncing castle with three children jumping inside, bubbles drifting past.

    The part the children will talk about afterwards. A bubble show, face painting, circus performers, pony rides and activities that run throughout the afternoon rather than to a strict timetable.

    • Bubble show
    • Face painting
    • Circus performers
    • Pony rides
    • Kids activities
    • Bouncing castle

  5. Community Marketplace

    Illustration: a wooden market stall with a potted plant beside it and a cream tote bag carrying an orange heart.

    Stalls run by inclusive businesses, social enterprises, artists and entrepreneurs from across the UAE. Buying something here puts money directly into the community the festival is celebrating.

    • Inclusive businesses
    • Entrepreneurs
    • Artists
    • Social enterprises
    • Support organisations

  6. Wellbeing & Therapy

    Illustration: a girl in a teal shirt feeding a white and brown goat over a wooden fence, a brown horse standing behind them.

    Therapy and wellbeing organisations you can actually talk to, plus hands-on experiences including horse therapy. A good place to start if you are looking for support and do not know who to ask.

    • Horse therapy
    • Petting zoo
    • Support services
    • Health and wellness initiatives

  7. Sports Hall

    Illustration: two wheelchair players at a blue table tennis table, with a wheelchair basketball player behind them.

    Sports demonstrations you can watch or join: sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball and table tennis, alongside games built so that everyone on the court is playing the same game.

    • POD volleyball (sitting)
    • POD basketball
    • Wheelchair table tennis
    • Inclusive games
    • Active for all

  8. Community Connections

    Illustration: a group standing arm in arm seen from behind, among them a child and a person in a wheelchair.

    Space to meet the people doing the same thing you are. Community organisations, support groups, caregivers and educators, in a setting designed for conversation rather than queuing at a desk.

    • People of Determination
    • Families
    • Caregivers
    • Educators
    • Advocates
    • Community groups

Timing

  • Doors from 2:00 PM. No fixed arrival slot — come when it suits you.
  • The afternoon runs to 7:00 PM, finishing with a closing celebration.
  • Performances, marketplace and art zones run across the afternoon rather than to a strict timetable.
  • The detailed running order is announced with the TIIC community closer to the day. Follow @tiiccommunity or register and we will email it to you.