Dubai has officially made history as the first Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) in the Eastern Hemisphere, marking a transformative moment in global tourism. This prestigious recognition reflects the city’s commitment to building an inclusive, accessible, and supportive environment for autistic individuals and those with sensory sensitivities—both residents and visitors.
A Citywide Commitment to Inclusion
Awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES)—the global leader in autism training and certification—Dubai’s new designation is the result of a citywide collaborative effort led by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
This initiative aligns closely with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which emphasizes talent development, social inclusion, and improved quality of life. It also supports the values of the UAE Year of Community, which promotes inclusivity, shared experiences, and a deeper sense of belonging.
What It Means to Be a Certified Autism Destination™
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The Certified Autism Destination™ designation is granted only to locations that meet stringent requirements in autism awareness and accessibility. Achieving this milestone means that Dubai now offers a wide range of autism-friendly services across:
- Airports and aviation
- Hotels and hospitality venues
- Tourist attractions and entertainment hubs
- Transportation systems
Each participating organization has completed IBCCES’s in-depth training and certification processes. This includes:
- Comprehensive staff training on autism and sensory needs
- On-site audits and reviews
- Custom sensory guides
- Implementation of hidden disability lanyard programs
- Autism-inclusive support protocols throughout the visitor journey
Empowering Tourism Professionals Through Education
At the heart of this initiative is ‘Dubai Way’, an online training platform created by the Dubai College of Tourism (DCT), a DET entity. This platform offers tourism professionals vital skills to better serve People of Determination—a term used in the UAE for individuals with disabilities.
Through courses such as the Inclusive Service programme, professionals learn how to effectively communicate with and accommodate guests with autism and other needs. These training modules include real-life stories, interactive video content, and empathy-based education.
So far, over 70,000 individuals across the tourism and service sector have undergone autism and sensory awareness training, reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as a leading accessible destination.
Widespread Certification Across the City
Dubai’s certification is not limited to a few isolated spots—it is a citywide transformation. Milestones include:
- ✅ 300+ hotels in the training and certification process
- ✅ 15+ attractions, including beaches and parks, achieving official certifications
- ✅ 30,000+ trained Emirates airline staff and crew
- ✅ 45,000+ trained personnel at Dubai’s airports
Airports Leading the Way ✈️
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Dubai International Airport (DXB) became the first international airport to earn the Certified Autism Center™ designation in 2023. Since then, both DXB and Dubai World Central (DWC) have scaled up their inclusion efforts by training tens of thousands of staff, improving accessibility signage, and implementing traveler support systems designed for autistic individuals.
“This milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring that every guest, regardless of their needs, enjoys a seamless and supportive travel experience at DXB.”
— Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports
Emirates: The World’s First Autism-Certified Airline 🌐
In a pioneering move, Emirates became the first global airline to achieve Certified Autism Center™ status. From check-in counters at Terminal 3 to onboard cabin service, more than 30,000 staff have been trained to support autistic passengers with sensitivity and care.
“We have a social and professional responsibility to facilitate the travel journey for our autistic passengers.”
— Adel Al Redha, Deputy President and COO, Emirates
Attractions and Entertainment Take the Lead 🎡
Popular family destinations such as Expo City Dubai, Motiongate Dubai, and The Green Planet have all earned their Certified Autism Center™ badges, with many more venues currently undergoing the process.
“By becoming a Certified Autism Destination™, Dubai proves that when accessibility is prioritized, everyone benefits.”
— Marjan Faraidooni, Chief of Education & Culture, Expo City Dubai
A Blueprint for the Future of Inclusive Tourism
This certification marks more than just an accolade—it sets a global precedent. Dubai is not only leading the region, but also redefining what inclusive tourism looks like for cities worldwide.
“Dubai’s designation as a Certified Autism Destination is a landmark moment in our accessibility journey. It demonstrates our collective commitment to continuous development—not only of infrastructure but also of human-centered service delivery.”
— Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism & Commerce Marketing
As Dubai continues to grow as a global hub for business and leisure, the city is also sending a powerful message: True innovation means leaving no one behind.
🧩 What This Means for Families Traveling with Autism:
- Clear sensory-friendly guides for planning your visit
- Staff trained to handle sensory overload or communication challenges
- A supportive and understanding environment across all touchpoints
- Inclusive accommodations from arrival to departure
Dubai’s success as the first Certified Autism Destination™ in the Eastern Hemisphere is a testament to what can be achieved when government, private enterprise, and community stakeholders work together toward a shared vision of inclusion. Whether you’re visiting for business, leisure, or family travel, Dubai is ready to welcome everyone—just as they are.
For more information on Dubai’s accessible tourism initiatives or to access sensory guides and certified venues, visit the official website of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.
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