This designation, awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), underscores Dubai's commitment to providing a seamless and supportive travel experience for those with autism and sensory sensitivities, says Visit Dubai (DET). 

This achievement aligns with the key priorities of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, championing social inclusion and quality of life, as well as the UAE Year of Community, which emphasises creating inclusive spaces for everyone. The journey to becoming a Certified Autism Destination™ was spearheaded by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), with the collective efforts of key stakeholders and partners across the city's tourism ecosystem, says the DET. 

For families dreaming of exploring the wonders of the Middle East, the DET says Dubai's new status offers peace of mind. From the moment you arrive at Dubai International Airport (DXB), recognised as the first international airport to earn the Certified Autism Center™ designation, to navigating hotels and attractions, significant efforts have been made to create a welcoming and understanding environment. Over 45 000 employees across the airport community have received specialised training to support travellers with hidden disabilities, including autism and sensory sensitivities.

There are tangible benefits that directly enhance the travel experience for visitors. More than 300 hotels in Dubai have undergone training and certification processes to ensure comfortable and inclusive stays, while over 15 attractions, including beaches and parks, have earned IBCCES certifications, says DET. 

The Dubai Way online training platform, developed by the Dubai College of Tourism (DCT), a part of DET, has equipped over 70 000 tourism-facing professionals with the skills and knowledge to provide exceptional service to People of Determination. This includes comprehensive autism and sensory awareness training, fostering a culture of empathy and understanding throughout the city, adds DET. 

Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), says, "Dubai's designation as a Certified Autism Destination is a landmark moment, reflecting our deep commitment to enhancing accessibility for all our visitors. We recognise the importance of ensuring that families and individuals from around the world can experience the best of Dubai with comfort and confidence. This achievement is a testament to the collaborative spirit of our partners across the aviation, hospitality and attractions sectors."

Dubai International (DXB) CEO, Paul Griffiths, says, "As the first and last impression of the city for millions of travellers, we take our responsibility to create an inclusive environment seriously. This milestone in Dubai's journey to becoming a Certified Autism Destination reinforces our unwavering commitment to ensuring a seamless and supportive travel experience for every guest, regardless of their needs."

Emirates has also played a crucial role, becoming the world's first Autism Certified Airline™ with over 30 000 on-ground staff and cabin crew trained to support autistic customers. Adel Al Redha, Deputy President and Chief Operations Officer at Emirates, says, "These significant achievements help build a strong foundation for Dubai to be celebrated as the first certified autism destination in the eastern hemisphere — giving travellers confidence that their journey to and from our iconic city will be supported."

Attractions like Expo City Dubai, now a Certified Autism Center™, and Dubai Holding Entertainment destinations such as Motiongate Dubai and The Green Planet, further contribute to the city's inclusive offerings. Alanood Al Hashemi, Vice President of Organisational Culture and Impact at Dubai Holding Entertainment, says, "We are proud to contribute to Dubai's recognition as a Certified Autism Destination and look forward to welcoming families from around the world to our inclusive entertainment spaces."

To further support inclusivity, all certified locations in Dubai are featured on the IBCCES Accessibility App, providing travellers with real-time guidance on sensory-friendly spaces and tailored recommendations, says the DET. 

DET concludes that families and travel professionals interested in learning more about Dubai's accessible tourism offerings are encouraged to click here to plan their next Middle Eastern adventure.

For more information, visit www.visitdubai.com. You can also follow Visit Dubai on Facebook, X, or on Instagram. 

*Image courtesy of contributor