Dubai Achieves Eastern Hemisphere's First Autism-Friendly Certification
In a significant stride towards becoming an inclusive and supportive destination, Dubai has been officially recognised as the first Certified Autism Destination™ in the Eastern Hemisphere. This milestone, announced in June 2025, follows a series of key initiatives aimed at creating a welcoming environment for individuals with autism and their families.
The certification, awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), is the result of a citywide effort led by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). The comprehensive inclusion efforts have extended across businesses, tourism, hospitality, and public services, ensuring they are better equipped to accommodate and support people on the autism spectrum.
A critical factor in these efforts has been the investment in education and awareness programs for staff across various sectors. Over 70,000 individuals have received autism and sensory awareness training, enabling them to understand and effectively engage with individuals with autism. This specialized training has been instrumental in fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment.
Dubai's partnership with IBCCES ensured that rigorous standards were met and maintained, demonstrating operational readiness and an ongoing commitment to autism certification at all levels. The city has also adapted its infrastructure, services, and attractions to provide sensory-friendly experiences and accessibility for autistic visitors and residents.
Emirates Airlines, the city's flagship carrier, has also joined the movement, becoming the world's first autism-certified airline. Over 30,000 Emirates employees have received specialized training, ensuring a seamless travel experience for passengers with hidden disabilities. More than 300 hotels and 15 attractions, including beaches and parks, have earned IBCCES certifications, with Expo City Dubai, Motiongate Dubai, and The Green Planet among the key attractions that have joined the movement for an inclusive experience.
Sensory guides, hidden disability lanyards, and tailored support have been implemented at hotels and attractions, further enhancing the city's commitment to accessibility and inclusion. These combined efforts aim to make Dubai a city where everyone, regardless of ability, can enjoy its attractions, aligning with Dubai's Economic Agenda D33 and the UAE's Year of Community.
In positioning itself as a global leader in accessible tourism, Dubai International Airport (DXB) has been recognised as the first international airport to achieve the Certified Autism Center™ designation. The airport has trained 45,000 staff to assist travelers with hidden disabilities, ensuring a smooth and stress-free airport experience for all visitors.
The achievements in Dubai's autism-friendly initiatives reflect an unwavering commitment and strategic vision to becoming an inclusive destination, positioning it as a beacon of inclusivity and accessibility in the tourism industry.
- The citywide efforts in Dubai have extended the concept of inclusivity to various sectors, including education, as over 70,000 individuals have received autism and sensory awareness training.
- The comprehensive inclusion strategy in Dubai has also touched upon the travel industry, with Emirates Airlines becoming the world's first autism-certified airline, providing a seamless travel experience for passengers with hidden disabilities.
- Dubai's push towards an all-encompassing lifestyle aims to make the city a model of accessibility and inclusion, extending beyond tourism, with many hotels, attractions, and even infrastructure being adapted to cater to the needs of the autism community.
