Dubai 1st certified autism destination in E. Hemisphere

DET collaborated with IBCCES to facilitate comprehensive autism and sensory awareness training for the city's tourist-facing workforce

- WAM

Dubai has officially gained recognition as the first Certified Autism Destination in the Eastern Hemisphere-a designation which underscores a citywide effort to make the tourism proposition more accessible and inclusive for all residents and visitors.

This achievement aligns with key priorities of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, by championing talent development, social inclusion, and quality of life, as well as the UAE Year of Community, which includes the goal of creating inclusive spaces that encourage collaboration, a sense of belonging, and shared experiences.

Awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), renowned for its expertise in autism and sensory training, the journey to achieve Certified Autism Destination status was spearheaded by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).

This milestone was made possible through the collective efforts of key stakeholders and partners, who worked together to enhance accessibility across all aspects of the visitor experience - from the aviation ecosystem, to hotels, attractions, and transportation.

Key initiatives included comprehensive staff training programmes, expanded visitor support at attractions, and the introduction of sensory guides and hidden disability lanyards to ensure a seamless and inclusive experience for all.