Dubai has recently made history by becoming the first certified autism destination in the Eastern Hemisphere, a prestigious recognition awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This global leader in autism training and certification commended Dubai’s commitment to enhancing services for neurodiverse individuals. The certification is seen as a significant step towards achieving the UAE’s broader human resources development goals and supporting the nation’s ‘Year of the Community’ initiative.
As part of the certification process, more than 70,000 employees across the city have participated in autism and sensory awareness campaigns through the Dubai Way platform, developed by the Dubai College of Tourism (DCT). Over 300 hotels, as well as over 15 popular tourism destinations, beaches, and parks, have earned IBCCES certification. This ensures that visitors with autism or sensory needs will enjoy a welcoming and enriching experience across the city’s venues.
Notable organizations, including Dubai Airports, Emirates, Expo City Dubai, and Dubai Holding Entertainment, have been instrumental in helping achieve this certification. Dubai International Airport now stands as the world’s first airport to become an autism-certified facility, while Emirates Airlines has also earned certification by training its 30,000 staff members to provide specialized support. This achievement reflects Dubai’s commitment to becoming a global leader in inclusive tourism.
