Dubai Certified as a Welcoming Destination for All, Including Travelers with Autism and Sensory Needs
CAPTION: H.E Issam Kazim, CEO of (DCTCM) and Myron Pincomb, IBCCES Board Chairman and CEO
…Dubai Becomes First Certified Autism Destination in the Eastern Hemisphere, Enhancing Accessible Tourism for Kenyan Families and Individuals
NAIROBI, KENYA – [May 6th, 2025] – Dubai has officially been recognized as the first Certified Autism Destination™ in the Eastern Hemisphere, marking a significant step in the city’s ongoing efforts to ensure accessible and inclusive tourism experiences for all visitors, including families and individuals from around the world. This prestigious 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.
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 emphasizes 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.
For families dreaming of exploring the wonders of the Middle East, Dubai’s new status offers peace of mind. From the moment you arrive at Dubai International Airport (DXB), recognized 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 specialized training to support travelers with hidden disabilities, including autism and sensory sensitivities.
Imagine exploring Dubai’s iconic landmarks and vibrant attractions with the aid of custom sensory guides, designed to help you plan your visit according to your family’s specific needs. Picture the ease of utilizing hidden disability lanyards for discreet support when needed. These 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.
The “Dubai Way” online training platform, developed by the Dubai College of Tourism (DCT), a part of DET, has been instrumental in equipping 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.
His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), commented, “Dubai’s designation as a Certified Autism Destination is a landmark moment, reflecting our deep commitment to enhancing accessibility for all our visitors. We recognize 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 added, “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, stated, “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, said, “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.
Families and travel professionals interested in learning more about Dubai’s accessible tourism offerings are encouraged to visit: visitdubai.com/accessibility to plan their next Middle Eastern adventure with confidence.