Dubai Becomes First Certified Autism Destination™ in Eastern Hemisphere

The Eastern Hemisphere witnessed its first Kingdom that obtained Certified Autism Destination™ status when Dubai achieved this remarkable milestone. Dubai earned this prestigious award from IBCCES as the first Eastern Hemisphere Certified Autism Destination™ because of its sweeping venture to establish accessible accommodations for autistic visitors, along with sensory-sensitive people. This initiative supports both the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 objective of developing talent and social inclusion as well as the UAE Year of Community’s priorities.

Comprehensive Training and Infrastructure Transformation of Dubai

DET, under the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, led this achievement by bringing together essential stakeholders from the tourism ecosystem. The specialized autism and sensory awareness training program delivered 70,000 certifications to professionals throughout two years, as 300 hotels joined the certification protocol. From staff training to accessible support services and sensory tools, the initiative adopted by DET has brought about visitor improvement.

The Dubai College of Tourism supports this effort through their ‘Dubai Way’ online training platform together with their Inclusive Service program. Through these learning resources tourism personnel gain ability to deliver extraordinary service experiences to People of Determination. All certified locations successfully passed an onsite evaluation to receive customized sensory guides from IBCCES that foster confidence among autism visitors during their Dubai tour.

Aviation Leadership and Attraction Accessibility of Dubai

DXB established its place as the first airport worldwide to achieve Certified Autism Center™ certification in December 2023. The airport has trained 45,000 members of its community who work in the airport through an autism-specific and hidden disability program. All visitors experience welcoming and supportive first and final impressions in Dubai through this management program.

The autism certification program of Emirates Airlines established the airline as the world’s pioneer among Autism Certified Airline™ operators. The airline company has trained an extensive workforce of 30,000 employees who support autistic customers from their arrival until departure. All key attractions of the city have adopted accessible standards after Expo City Dubai received the Certified Autism Center™ designation in December 2024, along with Dubai Holding Entertainment receiving certification for Motiongate Dubai and The Green Planet. The accessibility app features all certified locations and offers instant navigation aid to travelers.