Tucked within the urban energy of Dubai, The Green Planet offers visitors a unique chance to explore a thriving indoor tropical rainforest. But beyond the lush canopy and the chorus of exotic wildlife, something even more meaningful has taken root: a commitment to inclusivity. As one of the first venues under Dubai Holding Entertainment to achieve Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) status with IBCCES, The Green Planet is helping pave the way for Dubai’s broader mission as a Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD).

This transformation didn’t happen overnight, and the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) team spoke with Associate Director Asma Al Hosani about the process and the organization’s vision for the future. Al Hosani spoke candidly about how the movement towards inclusivity began with a growing awareness among leadership and staff of the challenges many neurodiverse individuals and their families face in public entertainment and educational spaces. Recognizing these gaps, The Green Planet saw a chance to lead by example, making its immersive experience more accessible to all guests, regardless of their abilities.

Building a More Welcoming Environment

Dubai’s movement towards becoming a CAD represented a unique opportunity for the Green Planet. This initiative is deeply aligned with The Green Planet’s core mission to make nature education accessible and meaningful for everyone. As they progressed through the training and certification, the team discovered how even modest changes, such as clearer signage, better communication strategies, and quiet spaces, could make a significant impact on the comfort and safety of neurodiverse guests.

The training provided by IBCCES proved to be a turning point. Staff gained practical tools and a stronger understanding of how to support guests with autism. With sensory kits available on-site and guidance on how to respond to different situations, employees became more confident and prepared to assist all visitors thoughtfully and effectively.

A Shift in Organizational Culture

Becoming a Certified Autism Center has had ripple effects across the organization. Inclusivity is no longer seen as a special program, it is instead woven into everyday conversations and decision-making. Al Hosani stated, “[Certification] enriched our internal culture, there is now a stronger sense of empathy and purpose among our staff.” Staff have developed a greater awareness of invisible disabilities, which has led to more flexible and responsive operations, as well as leading to discussions on how they can continue enhancing the facility.

The transformation isn’t just internal. Visitors have noticed and appreciated the thoughtful additions. Families with autistic children and individuals with sensory sensitivities have praised the facility for its calm, understanding atmosphere. One particularly memorable moment came when a guest with visual impairments expressed how meaningful her visit had been, saying it was the first time she felt fully included and accommodated in a venue of this kind. The guest also noted that she was going to spread the word to the community so that others would be able to share her experience.

Supporting a Broader Vision for Dubai

As Dubai positions itself as a global leader in inclusive travel, The Green Planet is contributing by showing what’s possible. Its role as an iconic nature attraction makes it a natural leader in raising awareness and setting the standard for other venues. Through its participation in the CAD initiative, the organization is helping to foster a more accepting and welcoming environment for all travelers.

Inclusivity isn’t a one-time effort. Al Hosani notes, “Getting the certification has been just the beginning of the process for us, we are always looking for ways to improve and make the place more accessible.” They showcase their dedication with recent enhancements, like the introduction of braille signage to signal their ongoing dedication to accessibility. There’s a continuous search for new ways to improve, ensuring that the venue grows in step with the diverse needs of its community.

A Message for Other Organizations

For those considering the journey toward autism certification, The Green Planet’s experience offers a clear takeaway: approach it with sincerity and purpose. The impact extends far beyond guest satisfaction; it reshapes team culture, elevates service standards, and helps build a more inclusive society.

By combining immersive education with thoughtful accessibility, The Green Planet has shown that being inclusive and innovative can, and should, go hand in hand. In doing so, it’s creating not just a rainforest under glass, but a model of what inclusive tourism can look like in the heart of a global city.

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.