Dubai Achieves Historic Milestone As First Certified Autism Destination
Dubai has made history by officially becoming the first Certified Autism Destination in the Eastern Hemisphere. This recognition signifies a major advancement in the city’s efforts to make its tourism and hospitality offerings more accessible and welcoming for residents and visitors alike. The certification underscores Dubai’s dedication to ensuring that every individual, regardless of sensory sensitivities or neurological differences, can enjoy the city’s attractions, hotels, transport facilities, and public spaces with ease.
This achievement aligns seamlessly with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which places a strong emphasis on enhancing talent development, improving social inclusion, and raising the overall quality of life. It also complements the UAE’s broader commitment under the UAE Year of Community, which promotes the creation of inclusive environments fostering collaboration, belonging, and shared experiences among diverse populations.
International Recognition Through Prestigious Certification by IBCCES Authority
Dubai’s certification as an autism-friendly destination was awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). Known globally for its expertise in autism and sensory training, IBCCES provided the framework and evaluation necessary for Dubai to achieve this milestone. The initiative was led by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), which orchestrated the citywide collaboration among a wide range of stakeholders to meet the stringent requirements for certification.
The journey involved a rigorous process where facilities across the city underwent detailed onsite assessments. Sensory guides tailored for each location were developed, ensuring that visitors with sensory sensitivities could plan their experiences confidently. DET’s collaboration with IBCCES brought comprehensive autism and sensory-awareness training to the city’s tourist-facing workforce, enhancing their ability to cater to guests with special needs compassionately and effectively.
Transformative Training Initiatives Empowering Dubai’s Workforce Inclusively
Central to this success was the Dubai Way online training platform, developed by the Dubai College of Tourism (DCT), a part of DET. This platform delivered targeted education modules to employees, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and interpersonal skills to serve People of Determination—including those with autism—with empathy, respect, and efficiency.
DCT’s Inclusive Service programme further reinforced these efforts by offering self-paced, accessible courses for hospitality and service sector employees. These modules featured real-life narratives, interactive activities, and multimedia content, fostering a deep understanding of the diverse needs of all visitors and embedding inclusivity into Dubai’s service culture. In just over two years, more than 70,000 individuals across the city have completed autism and sensory awareness training, a remarkable figure that reflects Dubai’s steadfast commitment.
Enhancing Accessibility Across Dubai’s Tourism and Hospitality Ecosystem
Dubai’s approach went beyond staff training to encompass a holistic upgrade of visitor support across the tourism value chain. The aviation ecosystem, hotels, tourist attractions, transportation networks, beaches, and parks were all integral to the certification process. Over 300 hotels in Dubai are actively participating in the autism certification journey, ensuring that stays are comfortable and stress-free for guests with sensory sensitivities.
Additionally, more than 15 major attractions and public spaces, including beaches and parks, have successfully earned IBCCES certifications. These venues now offer sensory guides and hidden disability lanyards to assist guests discreetly while helping staff recognize and support visitors requiring additional assistance. This commitment to inclusion transforms not just individual venues but the overall experience of the city itself.
Dubai International Airport Pioneering Autism-Inclusive Travel Experiences
Dubai’s aviation sector, led by Dubai International Airport (DXB), has played a key role in this transformative journey. In December 2023, DXB became the first international airport to earn the Certified Autism Center designation. By implementing specialised training and support programmes, the airport has set a new standard in autism-inclusive travel globally.
Dubai Airports equipped 45,000 employees, spanning across multiple departments and partners, with extensive training to better support travellers with hidden disabilities, including autism. This initiative extended to Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), reinforcing Dubai’s commitment to offering a seamless, compassionate experience at every stage of a visitor’s journey.
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, highlighted the importance of creating an accessible and welcoming environment for every guest, stating that accessibility remains a core pillar of the airports’ operational philosophy. The achievement reflects the collaborative spirit of Dubai’s broader accessibility mission.
Emirates Airline Leads the Way in Autism-Friendly Air Travel Services
Emirates Airline, a flagship of Dubai’s global presence, has also made remarkable progress toward accessible travel. It became the world’s first autism-certified airline, a distinction achieved through extensive efforts including staff training and facility upgrades. By April 2024, Emirates had secured Certified Autism Center designations for its Dubai check-in facilities, followed by comprehensive certification for its cabin crew and ground staff.
More than 30,000 Emirates employees have received specialised training to assist autistic customers, ensuring thoughtful support throughout their travel experience. Adel Al Redha, Deputy President and Chief Operations Officer of Emirates, emphasised the airline’s dedication to breaking barriers and supporting Dubai’s ambition to be a leading accessible destination.
This recognition ensures that travellers embarking on journeys to or from Dubai will benefit from a caring and knowledgeable support system, reinforcing the city’s status as a global leader in accessible tourism.
Citywide Support Strengthens Dubai’s Accessibility Mission
Dubai’s success in becoming a Certified Autism Destination is not the achievement of one organisation alone—it represents a united effort by diverse entities across the city. Expo City Dubai, for instance, earned its Certified Autism Center designation in December 2024. By implementing extensive visitor-facing staff training and upgrading its public engagement strategies, Expo City significantly contributed to the citywide accessibility initiative.
Marjan Faraidooni, Chief of Education and Culture at Expo City Dubai, affirmed that prioritising accessibility not only enriches the visitor experience but also drives success in tourism when inclusion is placed at the heart of urban development strategies. Expo City’s participation stands as an inspiring example of how Dubai’s iconic landmarks embrace diversity and community building.
Dubai Holding Entertainment, another major contributor, played an important role in the journey. Attractions such as Motiongate Dubai and The Green Planet achieved autism certification, setting the standard for entertainment spaces throughout the city. Alanood Al Hashemi, Vice President of Organisational Culture and Impact at Dubai Holding Entertainment, stressed their ongoing commitment to ensuring their destinations are welcoming and inclusive for everyone, from local families to international tourists.
New Technologies and Accessibility Tools Enhance Visitor Experiences
Another innovative aspect of Dubai’s certification journey includes the integration of digital tools to assist visitors with special needs. Certified locations across the city are now featured on the IBCCES Accessibility App, a free tool that offers real-time guidance on sensory-friendly spaces, accessibility features, and personalised recommendations.
This app empowers visitors and residents alike by enabling them to plan their experiences efficiently, enhancing comfort, reducing uncertainty, and allowing individuals with sensory sensitivities to fully enjoy everything Dubai has to offer. The use of such technology exemplifies Dubai’s forward-thinking approach in harnessing innovation for social good.
Looking Ahead: Dubai’s Vision for an Even More Inclusive Future
Achieving Certified Autism Destination status is not the culmination of Dubai’s journey—it is a vital step toward an even more inclusive and accessible future. Authorities have committed to expanding certification across more venues and continuously improving training programmes, ensuring that Dubai remains at the forefront of accessible tourism.
Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, encapsulated the spirit of Dubai’s achievement by emphasising the city’s dedication to enhancing experiences for all residents and visitors. He reiterated that accessibility will remain a core focus as Dubai pursues the broader goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which seeks to position the city as the best place to visit, live, and work.
Dubai’s historic achievement is a testament to the power of vision, collaboration, and unwavering commitment. Through strategic partnerships, innovative training, technological support, and community engagement, Dubai is not only meeting global standards for accessibility but setting new ones.
As Dubai moves forward, it stands as a beacon for cities around the world, showing that true inclusivity enriches not just individuals with disabilities, but society as a whole. The success story of Dubai’s certification as the first Certified Autism Destination in the Eastern Hemisphere marks a new chapter of progress, empathy, and human-centered development in global tourism.
