The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) proudly announces that both Hilton Dubai Jumeirah and Hilton Dubai The Walk have earned the Certified Autism Center™️ (CAC) designation. This achievement underscores their shared commitment to providing inclusive, accessible, and supportive hospitality experiences for autistic individuals and those with sensory sensitivities.

This certification is part of a larger initiative spearheaded by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), in partnership with IBCCES, with the goal of positioning Dubai as a Certified Autism Destination™️ (CAD). Located in the heart of Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), these two beachfront properties are now part of a growing network of certified destinations that champion inclusive tourism.

Beyond staff preparedness, the parks underwent a thorough audit by IBCCES in late 2024 to evaluate the attractions’ overall autism and sensory-friendliness and identify areas for enhancement. IBCCES provided valuable suggestions, such as the creation of sensory guides and implementation of clearer signage, improvements to the theme parks’ webpages to provide relevant information, and the creation of quiet rooms. These recommendations aim to bolster communication about the parks’ accessibility commitment and with continued implementation, the attractions ensure that guests with autistic family members can enjoy the facilities with greater ease and confidence with every visit.

As part of the CAC certification process, team members at both properties completed specialized training to enhance their understanding of autism and sensory sensitivities. Each hotel also underwent a thorough onsite review by IBCCES, which included the implementation of sensory guides, pre-arrival planning tools, and supportive measures aimed at improving the guest experience for neurodiverse travelers.

“Achieving Certified Autism Center™️ status reinforces our vision to create a welcoming environment where every guest, regardless of their sensory needs, feels respected and cared for,” said Jean-Sébastien Kling, Cluster General Manager of Hilton Dubai Jumeirah and Hilton Dubai The Walk.

“We are honored to be among the first Hilton properties in the region to receive this certification,” added Gisele Clark, Hotel Manager of Hilton Dubai The Walk. “It’s a proud moment for our teams to help set the standard for inclusive travel experiences in Dubai and beyond. We are committed to leading the way in inclusive hospitality within the Hilton portfolio.”

Both hotels offer numerous family-friendly and accessibility-focused amenities, including accessible guest accommodations with features such as grab bars, zero-entry showers, lowered counters, and wheelchair ramps. Public spaces include designated disability parking, accessible restrooms, and sensory-friendly areas designed to provide comfort and ease.

Hilton Dubai Jumeirah and Hilton Dubai The Walk are also listed on the IBCCES Accessibility App, a free tool helping families and individuals find certified locations across the globe. The app provides information on sensory accommodations, operational details, and contact information, helping users explore confidently.

“By earning this designation, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah and Hilton Dubai The Walk continue to lead the way in inclusive hospitality,” said Myron Pincomb, board chairman of IBCCES. “We are honored to support their efforts and work with visionary partners like Hilton and DET to expand access for all travelers.”

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™  requirements.

About Hilton Dubai Jumeirah and Hilton Dubai The Walk
Located in the heart of Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), Hilton Dubai Jumeirah and Hilton Dubai The Walk place guests at the center of Dubai’s vibrant beachfront, with direct access to The Walk’s cafés, shops, and entertainment. Together, the two connected hotels offer private beach access, two outdoor pools, a relaxing spa, a fully equipped gym, and 10 diverse restaurants and bars, including the panoramic rooftop venue, Pure Sky Lounge.

Accommodation options range from stylish guest rooms and family-friendly suites to spacious apartments and lofts ideal for extended stays. Accessible rooms are available at both properties, thoughtfully designed for added ease and comfort.

Whether visiting for a beachfront escape, a family holiday, or a longer stay, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah and Hilton Dubai The Walk provide flexibility, comfort, and an ideal location to explore the city.

About Hilton 
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 24 world-class brands comprising nearly 7,800 properties and more than 1.2 million rooms, in 126 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, was named the No. 1 World’s Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune and has been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for seven consecutive years. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the more than 195 million Hilton Honors members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can’t buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit stories.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. 

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.