The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) proudly announces that Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Bur Dubai has earned the designation of Certified Autism Center™️ (CAC). This achievement makes the hotel one of the first in the region to complete a specialized training and certification program to better understand and serve autistic individuals and those with sensory sensitivities.

“At Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Bur Dubai, becoming a Certified Autism Center™ is a proud step toward our mission of providing exceptional, inclusive hospitality,” says Damir Kartal, Cluster General Manager. “This certification reflects our commitment to understanding the unique needs of every guest and creating an environment where all feel welcome, supported, and valued.”

The designation demonstrates Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Bur Dubai’s commitment to inclusion as Dubai continues its journey toward becoming a Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD), an initiative led by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) in partnership with IBCCES. By becoming a CAC, Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Bur Dubai is taking vital steps to ensure every guest feels welcomed, supported, and valued.

Through the CAC certification process, team members at the hotel underwent in-depth training to enhance their understanding of autism and sensory needs. An onsite review also ensured the property integrates necessary accommodations, pre-arrival planning tools, and other supportive resources that enhance the experience for neurodivergent travelers.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Bur Dubai to the growing list of Certified Autism Centers™ in Dubai,” says Myron Pincomb, board chairman of IBCCES. “As more destinations across the city work toward greater inclusivity, Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Bur Dubai’s dedication sets a strong example in the hospitality sector, ensuring that every family – regardless of their needs – can enjoy their travel experience with confidence.”

As part of its dedication to accessibility, Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Bur Dubai has implemented several thoughtful offerings for autistic and sensory-sensitive guests:

• A vibrant kids club featuring sensory toys designed to provide comfort and engagement in a safe, inclusive space.
• Dietary flexibility across its dining outlets, with vegan and vegetarian options available.
• Accessible rooms with the ability to dim lighting to suit sensory preferences.
• A calming tactile Arabic corner and ambient fountain areas to support sensory regulation.

 

These enhancements are designed to provide a more personalized, comfortable stay for all guests and their families,

To further elevate visibility and accessibility, Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Bur Dubai is also listed on the IBCCES Accessibility App, a free tool connecting individuals with certified and inclusive locations worldwide. Through the app directory, users are able to view the hotel and apartments’ locations, the accommodations they offer and their addresses, contact information and hours of operation. This app provides individuals with information and resources related to finding certified organizations and sensory-friendly spaces, as well as navigating public locations. By connecting users to locations worldwide, employment opportunities, and access to several other accessibility resources, the Accessibility App helps individuals with disabilities better navigate life and get the most out of daily activities.

IBCCES has been a global leader in cognitive disorder training and certification for over 20 years, working with healthcare, education, and corporate professionals worldwide. As more families seek destinations that prioritize accessibility, IBCCES remains the only global credentialing board providing comprehensive training and certification led by subject-matter experts and autistic self-advocates.

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 Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Bur Dubai

The five-star Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Bur Dubai is perfectly situated just 10 minutes from key destinations, including Dubai International Airport, World Trade Centre, Dubai Mall, and Dubai Frame. Offering modern accommodations and dining, the hotel features a grand ballroom that can host up to 350 guests. Guests can choose from 256 elegantly renovated rooms and suites, including exclusive Executive Floors for enhanced privacy and premium amenities. Our Premium Apartments offers 57 stylish, fully equipped residences with entertainment systems and kitchens, perfect for extended stays. Renowned for its outstanding culinary offerings, the hotel boasts six restaurants and bar.

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.