At the Top, Burj Khalifa proudly joins seven other Emaar properties as a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC), awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). To earn the CAC designation, organizations must demonstrate a strong commitment to creating a more welcoming and enjoyable experience for autistic individuals, those with sensory sensitivities, and their families by completing an autism-specific training and certification process. This achievement underscores the group’s commitment to providing inclusive and accessible entertainment services across the city of Dubai.

“At the Top, Burj Khalifa is incredibly proud to be recognized as a Certified Autism Center™, reflecting our commitment to accessibility and inclusivity,” an Emaar Entertainment spokesperson shared. “This designation highlights our dedication to creating a welcoming and supportive experience for autistic individuals and those with sensory sensitivities, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their visit to this iconic destination.”

To achieve the certification, at least 80% of the guest-facing staff at At the Top, Burj Khalifa underwent specialized autism and sensory awareness training. This training equips staff with the knowledge and skills to effectively communicate, welcome, and support autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals, as well as those with other neurodivergences. IBCCES also conducted an onsite review of the location, resulting in a comprehensive report and tailored recommendations to ensure a more welcoming and enjoyable experience for autistic guests and their families. As part of this process, IBCCES also created sensory guides—tools designed to help guests gauge sensory input across the five senses–for the location. 

At The Top, Burj Khalifa is designed to provide an inclusive experience for all visitors, including individuals who use wheelchairs, with accessible parking and entry. Additionally, all staff are trained and certified to provide exceptional support for autistic guests, ensuring an inclusive and welcoming experience for all visitors.

Not only does At the Top join seven other Emaar Entertainment properties across the city, but it also plays a key role in Dubai’s bid to become the first Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) in the Eastern Hemisphere driven by the Department of Economy and Tourism. The CAD designation is reserved for communities that offer a wide range of trained and certified accommodations, recreation, and entertainment options for autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals.

“We are incredibly proud of our ongoing partnership with Emaar Entertainment in promoting inclusivity and accessibility across Dubai,” says Myron Pincomb, IBCCES board chairman. “At the Top, Burj Khalifa, as part of the growing number of Certified Autism Centers™ in the city, is a significant milestone in our accessibility mission in Dubai. Emaar Entertainment’s dedication to this cause was first demonstrated with the certification of six of its locations, and with the recent addition of Reel Cinemas at Dubai Mall and At the Top, Burj Khalifa this year, we are thrilled to see even more destinations offering inclusive experiences.”

For more than two decades, IBCCES has been a leader in providing autism, sensory and neurodiversity training and certification for professionals worldwide, including those in healthcare, education, public safety, travel, and corporate sectors. As the only credentialing board offering these programs, IBCCES provides training from subject matter experts and autistic self-advocates, along with long-term support, continuous learning, onsite reviews, and renewal requirements to ensure continued growth and lasting impact.

IBCCES also provides access to resources such as CertifiedAutismCenter.com and AutismTravel.com, free online tools for families that list certified locations and professionals. Each organization listed on the site has met Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) requirements.

About At the Top, Burj Khalifa

Take one of the world’s fastest double decker elevators to Level 124 and above of the iconic Burj Khalifa and step out onto the public observation decks overlooking the city of Dubai. Marvel at the stunning views and take a closer look at Dubai’s iconic landmarks, be captivated by the 360-degree views set 452 meters from the ground, and discover breathtaking views like never before.

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.