The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) is proud to announce that Anantara Downtown Dubai has been officially designated as a Certified Autism Center™️ (CAC). This recognition makes the centrally located hotel one of the few properties in Dubai to complete specialized training and certification programs to better serve autistic and sensory-sensitive guests.

This designation comes as part of an ongoing initiative led by IBCCES to expand inclusive travel offerings across Dubai’s hospitality, healthcare, and education sectors. By becoming a Certified Autism Center™, Anantara Downtown Dubai has demonstrated its leadership in creating a more accessible and welcoming guest experience through staff training, environmental accommodations, and thoughtful guest services.

“Our journey toward becoming a Certified Autism Center™️ represents a meaningful advancement in our approach to inclusive hospitality,” says Husam Malki, general manager at Anantara Downtown Dubai. “We acknowledge that every guest arrives with unique needs, and we are resolutely committed to delivering thoughtful, personalized service that ensures all visitors feel supported and understood.”

As part of the certification process, all team members at Anantara Downtown Dubai completed IBCCES training focused on autism awareness and sensory accommodations. The hotel also underwent an on-site assessment and implemented tangible changes to better serve neurodiverse guests and their families. These efforts include:

•A dedicated low-sensory room for guests seeking a calm and quiet space

•Communication cards, fidget tools, and sensory alarm pillows available upon request

• Personalized check-in/check-out processes designed to reduce stress

• Sensory Guides to help guests anticipate and navigate different hotel environments

• Flexible dining options, including early seating and expedited service in restaurants such as Nine7One, The Lobby Lounge, and through in-room dining

“Our goal is to equip destinations and teams with the knowledge and tools to create truly inclusive experiences for all travelers,” says Myron Pincomb, IBCCES board chairman. “Anantara Downtown Dubai’s commitment reflects Dubai’s growing recognition that inclusion is essential not only in hospitality but across education, healthcare, and everyday community life.”

As Dubai continues its journey to becoming a Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD), Anantara Downtown Dubai stands as a hospitality leader, showing how inclusive practices can enhance guest satisfaction and broaden the appeal of world-class travel destinations.

To support broader accessibility, Anantara Downtown Dubai is also featured on the IBCCES Accessibility App, a free digital resource connecting users to certified inclusive locations worldwide. The app provides access to venue details, sensory accommodations, contact information, and hours of operation—empowering individuals and families to navigate public spaces with greater confidence.

IBCCES has been the global leader in cognitive disorder training and certification for over 20 years, working with professionals across healthcare, education, and hospitality. As demand grows for more inclusive travel experiences, IBCCES continues to set the global standard, offering training led by subject-matter experts and self-advocates within the autistic community.

About Minor Hotels

Minor Hotels is a global leader in the hospitality industry with over 560 hotels, resorts and branded residences across 58 countries. The group crafts innovative and insightful experiences through its eight hotel brands – Anantara, Avani, Elewana Collection, NH, NH Collection, nhow, Oaks and Tivoli – and a diverse portfolio of restaurants and bars, travel experiences and spa and wellness brands. With over four decades of expertise, Minor Hotels builds stronger brands, fosters lasting partnerships, and drives business success by always focusing on what matters most to our guests, team members and partners.

Minor Hotels is a proud member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) and recognises its guests through one unified loyalty programme, Minor DISCOVERY, part of GHA DISCOVERY.

Discover our world at minorhotels.com and connect with Minor Hotels on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, 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.