Dubai’s dedication to inclusive and accessible travel has reached a significant milestone with its designation as the first Certified Autism Destination in the Eastern Hemisphere. The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) spearheaded a citywide initiative to guarantee that all tourists, including those with autism and sensory sensitivity, have seamless travel experiences, and the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) awarded the designation.
The program, which prioritises social inclusion, quality of life, and accessible settings, is in line with the UAE’s Year of Community and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. Over 300 hotels and 15 attractions, including parks and beaches, have been certified, and over 70,000 people have received autism and sensory awareness training. Key stakeholders, such as Dubai Airports, Emirates, Expo City Dubai, and Dubai Holding Entertainment, played vital roles in transforming guest services, introducing sensory guides, hidden disability lanyards, and dedicated support facilities.
In 2023, Dubai International Airport (DXB) trained 45,000 employees throughout its operations, making it the first airport in the world to get the Certified Autism Centre designation. With 30,000 educated employees and certified check-in desks at Terminal 3, Emirates Airline followed suit and became the first airline in the world to be certified as an autism airline. The city’s inclusive infrastructure was further improved by the certification of major attractions like Expo City Dubai, Motiongate Dubai, and The Green Planet.
The Dubai College of Tourism’s “Dubai Way” training platform, which provides self-paced inclusive service courses for front-line employees, supports this team effort. The IBCCES Accessibility App now includes certified sites, providing travellers looking for sensory-friendly settings and autism-certified events with real-time information.
