Dubai has gained recognition as the first Certified Autism Destination in the Eastern Hemisphere.
This will make the tourism proposition more accessible and inclusive for all residents and visitors.
Awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), it was made possible through the efforts of key stakeholders and partners, who worked together to enhance accessibility across all aspects of the visitor experience – from the aviation ecosystem, to 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 to ensure a seamless and inclusive experience for all. Additionally, each certified location underwent an onsite review and received custom sensory guides developed by IBCCES as part of the process.
As part of the certification program there was comprehensive autism and sensory awareness training for the city’s tourist-facing workforce.
In just over two years, the city has achieved the following milestones: More than 70,000 individuals have received autism and sensory awareness training; more than 300 hotels are within the training and certification process, ensuring comfortable and inclusive stays for guests with autism and sensory sensitivities and more than 15 attractions have earned IBCCES certifications in addition to beaches and parks.
For several years, Emirates has also been on a journey to officially become the world’s first Autism Certified Airline, receiving certifications for its check in areas and training more than 30,000 on-ground staff and cabin crew to support autistic customers.
To further support inclusivity efforts, all certified locations in Dubai are featured on the IBCCES Accessibility App, which is free to download. This app provides travellers with real-time guidance on certified destinations, sensory-friendly spaces, and tailored recommendations.
For more information about travel accessibility in Dubai, visit: visitdubai.com/accessibility