“At NH Collection Dubai The Palm, inclusivity is at the heart of what we do. Receiving the Certified Autism Center™ designation from IBCCES is more than just an achievement—it’s a reflection of our commitment to creating a space where every guest feels understood, valued, and at ease. As a team, we’ve taken steps to truly learn and adapt so that families and individuals on the autism spectrum can have the best possible experience with us. This certification is a promise to continue fostering an environment where everyone can feel at home,” says Manish Jha, General Manager, NH Collection Dubai The Palm.

NH Collection Dubai The Palm offers a range of accessible amenities to support autistic and sensory-sensitive guests, including 12 accessible rooms designed for people of determination, public toilets and slopes for easy mobility, and thoughtfully designed spaces to enhance comfort. 

The certification also aligns with Dubai’s broader initiative, led by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), to become a Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD). This designation highlights Dubai’s commitment to establishing an inclusive tourism landscape with numerous certified lodging, recreation, and entertainment options for autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals.

“NH Collection Dubai The Palm’s achievement as a Certified Autism Center™ represents a significant step in Dubai’s journey towards greater accessibility,” says Myron Pincomb, CEO and Board Chairman of IBCCES. “By prioritizing inclusivity, the hotel not only enhances its reputation as a leading hospitality destination but also ensures that every guest, regardless of their sensory needs, can enjoy a welcoming and accessible stay.”

For over 20 years, IBCCES has been the global leader in cognitive disorder training and certification for healthcare, education, corporate, and hospitality professionals. It remains the only credentialing body providing travel and entertainment organizations with autism-specific training and certification from subject-matter experts and autistic self-advocates, alongside long-term support and resources.

IBCCES also operates AutismTravel.com, a free online resource that connects families with certified locations, destinations, and professionals worldwide. Each organization listed has met the CAC requirements to ensure exceptional accessibility and support.

About NH Collection Dubai The Palm

NH Collection Dubai The Palm is a luxury hotel in Dubai featuring upscale amenities at an accessible cost, with guest suites and amenities brimming with energy and local character. Visitors to the hotel can experience a wide range of premium offerings to make their stay an enjoyable one, including View 180 rooftop infinity pool with 360-degree views, access to the beach, Soul Senses Spa, 7 Sports Bar, and two distinct dining locations. NH Collection Dubai The Palm is situated at the heart of Dubai’s famous Palm Jumeirah, with direct access to West Palm Beach and 360-degree views across the city. The hotel is centrally located near all the attractions of The Palm and Downtown Dubai while being easily accessible from Dubai International Airport, Dubai Old Town, and business zones throughout the emirate and the wider UAE.

NH Collection Dubai The Palm represents the brand’s debut both in the United Arab Emirates and the wider Middle East region and is part of an existing portfolio of over 90 NH Collection properties worldwide, known for their outstanding services and facilities.

About IBCCES

Delivering the global standard for training and certification in the fields of autism, neurodiversity, and accessibility – IBCCES provides a series of certification programs that empower professionals to be leaders in their field and improve the outcomes for the individuals they serve. For over two decades, IBCCES has been a global leader, setting the industry standard in autism and cognitive differences training. IBCCES works in over 111 countries and provides training in 8 languages, and its programs have been recognized around the world as the leading benchmark in training and certification.

In addition to individual certification programs, IBCCES partners with cities, destinations, and organizations on initiatives like the Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) and Autism Certified City™ (ACC), ensuring autistic and sensory-sensitive residents and visitors feel welcomed and safe. Destinations that achieve the CAD designation have completed a specialized program that ensures a multitude of recreation, hospitality and entertainment organizations have completed an autism and sensory-sensitivity training, certification and IBCCES facilities review process. The ACC designation expands on that program and includes IBCCES training and certification for the public safety, education, healthcare and workplace sectors.

IBCCES also created the Accessibility App, AutismTravel.com, and CertifiedAutismCenter.com – free resources for individuals with a variety of neurodiversities and disabilities, listing certified locations and connecting individuals to other resources and each other.