Dubai has officially gained recognition as the first Certified Autism Destination in the Eastern Hemisphere. This designation highlights a citywide effort to make tourism more accessible and inclusive for all residents and visitors. The achievement aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 priorities, promoting talent development, social inclusion, and quality of life, as well as the UAE Year of Community, which aims to create inclusive spaces that foster collaboration and a sense of belonging.
Awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), the journey to achieve this status was led by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Key stakeholders collaborated to enhance accessibility across the visitor experience, including the aviation ecosystem, 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. Each certified location received custom sensory guides developed by IBCCES as part of the certification process.
DET worked with IBCCES to provide autism and sensory awareness training for the tourist-facing workforce. The online training platform, Dubai Way, developed by the Dubai College of Tourism (DCT), empowers staff to offer a more inclusive experience for People of Determination (those with special needs or disabilities).
In over two years, significant milestones were achieved: over 70,000 individuals received autism and sensory awareness training, more than 300 hotels participated in the training and certification process, and over 15 attractions earned IBCCES certifications.
Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), emphasized that this designation is a landmark moment in Dubai’s accessibility journey, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing skills and services across the city.
Myron Pincomb, IBCCES Board Chairman, remarked 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.
Dubai International (DXB) has also been recognized as the first international airport to earn the Certified Autism Center designation, training 45,000 employees to support travelers with hidden disabilities.
Emirates has made strides toward becoming the world’s first Autism Certified Airline, with over 30,000 trained staff to assist autistic customers. Expo City Dubai was designated as a Certified Autism Center, contributing to the city’s inclusivity efforts.
To support these initiatives, all certified locations are featured on the IBCCES Accessibility App, providing real-time guidance on certified destinations and sensory-friendly spaces.