by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 1:40 PM ET, Fri April 5, 2024
Dubai is nearing the end of its process to become a Certified Autism Destination with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).
The designation is in partnership with the Dubai College of Tourism’s Autism and Sensory Awareness course to ensure that travel industry staff are prepared to welcome members on the autism spectrum.
The city has been working for over a year to achieve the program, which typically takes three years to complete. Yet already, over 13,000 individuals have received the awareness training, with over 350 Dubai hotels participating in the training. Additionally, over 30 locations within the city have earned certifications with IBCCES.
It’s part of the United Arab Emirates’ push towards greater accessibility for both residents and travelers alike. Instead of calling the disabled “disabled,” they term them “people of determination.”
The Expo 2020 Dubai (which was held in 2021) regularly held accessibility forums to ensure that everyone across the spectrum of ability would be able to enjoy the event. In December 2023, the Dubai International Airport became the first international airport to earn the Certified Autism Center certification by the IBCCES.
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism offers a specialized accessibility guide for the city on VisitDubai.com, providing ways for travelers with disabilities to find airport facilities, accessible attractions and more.
“Dubai is committed to becoming an accessible and inclusive destination, and a key factor driving our rapid progress is the entire industry being aligned and moving together in one cohesive direction,” said His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing. “The significant progress towards becoming a Certified Autism Destination is a testament to the efforts of all stakeholders and partners, and will help realize the aspiration of our visionary leadership to make Dubai the best city to visit, live and work in, as part of the ambitious D33 Agenda…”
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