As Dubai works to establish itself as a Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD), luxury hospitality providers are playing a critical role in reshaping the guest experience to be more inclusive. Among the leaders in this movement is Address Beach Resort, a flagship property under the Emaar Hospitality Group. Spearheading these efforts internally is Sity Nurhayati, Quality and Brand Experience Specialist, who has helped guide the resort through the rigorous process of becoming a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).

Commitment to Inclusive Excellence

The decision to pursue CAC certification aligned with Address Beach Resort’s broader vision of delivering a world-class guest experience that is accessible to all. In recognizing the evolving needs of modern travelers, particularly neurodiverse individuals and families, the resort sought to ensure that its luxurious environment also offered thoughtful accommodations for guests with autism and sensory sensitivities.

This initiative reflects a growing awareness within the hospitality sector: inclusion is no longer an optional enhancement, but an essential component of modern service delivery. For Address Beach Resort, this move also represented an opportunity to deepen its connection with the broader Dubai tourism vision and support the city’s ambition to set a global benchmark in accessible travel.

Insights from the Certification Process

Through its partnership with IBCCES, the resort gained a comprehensive understanding of autism spectrum disorders, including practical knowledge related to sensory sensitivities and communication strategies. One of the most impactful aspects of the process was the internal training provided to team members, which enabled them to design and deliver more personalized, sensory-friendly services.

The resort also underwent an on-site evaluation by IBCCES, which produced an audit report outlining opportunities for improvement. This report became a catalyst for further refinement of the guest experience, helping the team identify small yet meaningful adjustments, such as lighting modifications, noise control, and designated quiet areas, that can significantly enhance comfort for neurodiverse visitors.

Organizational and Cultural Transformation

Beyond operational enhancements, the CAC certification has driven a notable cultural shift within Address Beach Resort. The initiative encouraged greater empathy, adaptability, and attentiveness among staff, reinforcing a hospitality philosophy centered on inclusion. Employees reported feeling more confident and prepared when interacting with neurodivergent guests, and the training was widely regarded as both empowering and eye-opening.

The resort has also hosted initiatives to welcome people of determination and their families, receiving positive feedback from guests who were reassured by the resort’s preparedness and sensitivity. These initiatives not only deepened guest trust but also provided valuable experiential learning opportunities for staff.

Supporting Dubai’s Vision for Inclusive Tourism

As part of a larger hospitality group with multiple five-star properties already certified, Address Beach Resort is contributing to a wider industry transformation. The resort’s participation in the CAD initiative demonstrates its commitment to elevating Dubai’s global reputation not only for luxury and innovation but for leadership in inclusive travel.

By prioritizing accessibility and implementing neurodivergent-friendly practices, Address Beach Resort is actively shaping a more welcoming environment for all visitors. The resort aims to inspire similar efforts across the region and support Dubai’s positioning as a destination where every traveler feels understood and valued.

Looking Ahead: Sustaining Inclusive Innovation

The CAC certification marks the beginning of a long-term commitment. Address Beach Resort is already exploring additional enhancements to further support neurodiverse guests, including the development of specialized programs and potential collaborations with other certified organizations. Plans for continuous staff training are also underway, ensuring that inclusivity remains an evolving, integral part of the guest experience.

For organizations considering a similar path, the resort’s leadership emphasizes that certification should not be viewed merely as a credential but as a catalyst for meaningful change. The process requires a flexible, open-minded approach and a dedication to continuous learning.

Through these efforts, Address Beach Resort continues to lead by example, demonstrating that true luxury lies in offering experiences that are not only exceptional but also universally accessible.

To further support inclusivity efforts, Dubai’s CACs are featured on the IBCCES Accessibility App, which is free to download. This app provides individuals with a variety of disabilities with real-time guidance on certified locations, sensory-friendly spaces, and tailored recommendations. 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.

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.