Dubai has officially gained recognition as the first Certified Autism Destination in the Eastern Hemisphere, highlighting a citywide initiative to make tourism more accessible and inclusive for all residents and visitors. This achievement aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, focusing on talent development, social inclusion, and quality of life, as well as the UAE Year of Community, which aims to create inclusive spaces for collaboration and shared experiences.
Awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), known for autism and sensory training expertise, the journey to this certification was led by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). This milestone was achieved through the collaborative efforts of key stakeholders to enhance accessibility across various visitor experiences, including aviation, hotels, attractions, and transportation.
Key initiatives included comprehensive staff training programs, expanded visitor support at attractions, and the introduction of sensory guides and hidden disability lanyards, ensuring a seamless experience for all. Each certified location underwent an on-site review and received custom sensory guides developed by IBCCES.
DET collaborated with IBCCES to provide autism and sensory awareness training for the city’s tourist-facing workforce. At the core of this achievement is the ‘Dubai Way’ online training platform, developed by the Dubai College of Tourism (DCT), empowering staff to offer a more inclusive experience for People of Determination (those with special needs or disabilities).
DCT continues to offer its Inclusive Service program, a self-paced course available on the Dubai Way platform, teaching staff effective communication and service strategies for People of Determination, with modules featuring real-life stories and interactive sessions.
In just over two years, the city has achieved remarkable milestones: over 70,000 individuals have received autism and sensory awareness training, more than 300 hotels are involved in the training and certification process, and over 15 attractions have earned IBCCES certifications, along with beaches and parks.
Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), stated that this designation is a landmark moment in their accessibility journey, indicating a commitment to developing infrastructure and enhancing services across the city. This recognition supports the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the UAE Year of Community.
Myron Pincomb, IBCCES Board Chairman, emphasized that Dubai is raising the bar for accessible tourism, ensuring that all visitors, including those with autism and sensory needs, can explore the city with confidence and ease.
Dubai International (DXB) has also expanded its training program to support hidden disabilities, equipping 45,000 employees to assist autistic and sensory-sensitive travelers. Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, highlighted their responsibility to create an inclusive environment for all travelers.
Emirates is on a mission to become the world’s first Autism Certified Airline, training over 30,000 staff to support autistic customers. Attractions like Expo City Dubai and various destinations under Dubai Holding Entertainment have also achieved certification, contributing to Dubai’s recognition as a Certified Autism Destination.
For further support, all certified locations in Dubai are featured on the IBCCES Accessibility App, providing real-time guidance on certified destinations and sensory-friendly spaces.