Dubai, the first Certified Autism Destination™ in the Middle East

As the first Certified Autism Destination™ in the Middle East, Dubai has set a global benchmark for accessibility, inclusion, and sensory-friendly tourism. By integrating the needs of autistic individuals and those with sensory sensitivities, Dubai ensures that every visitor feels welcomed, valued, and supported throughout their experience.

From hotels to attractions, the city has enhanced its preparedness by training and equipping its workforce and facilities to support autistic and sensory sensitive visitors. These efforts ensure that the tourism experience is more accessible and welcoming, with dedicated sensory-friendly spaces and personalized services tailored to meet the needs of all autistic visitors.

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IBCCES CEO Myron with his excellency Issam Kazim at the CAD handover certification

A Vision of Accessibility for All

  • Emirates Autism Certified Airline™ handover Certification
  • DXB handover certification
  • Dubai Holding Entertainment's Global Village CAC handover certification
  • Emaar Entertainemnet's At the Top CAC handover certification
  • Dubai Holding Entertainment collective handover certification
  • Emaar Entertainemnet's Ice Rink CAC handover certification
  • Kidzania CAC handover certification

Dubai is on a mission to become one of the most accessible cities in the world—a place where everyone, from families to business travelers, feels welcomed and supported. Led by the Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai’s Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) initiative is transforming tourism to be more inclusive and accessible for all, particularly for autistic visitors and those with sensory sensitivities. Dubai’s achievement as a Certified Autism Destination™ highlights its commitment to inclusion and accessibility.

This initiative is not just a goal, but a commitment that has been fulfilled, breaking barriers and ensuring that everyone can enjoy Dubai’s iconic landmarks and accessible attractions.

What is a Certified Autism Destination ™ (CAD)?

A Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) is a designation awarded to travel, tourism, entertainment, and hospitality destinations that have completed comprehensive autism and sensory sensitivity training through IBCCES. This certification ensures that a significant number of a destination’s attractions, hotels, and other venues are equipped to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors. By becoming a Certified Autism Destination (CAD), these destinations demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity, adopting best practices through a structured framework to ensure exceptional service for all guests.

A Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) consists of a network of Certified Autism Centers™ (CAC), where at least 80% of staff in each facility undergo specialized training and certification in autism and sensory awareness.

The IBCCES Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) certification recognizes organizations that are highly trained and fully equipped to serve autistic individuals and those with sensory sensitivities. To maintain this status, these locations are committed to ongoing education and training in autism. As part of the certification process, an onsite review by IBCCES is conducted, which includes a comprehensive report with for improvements, along with sensory guides to ensure activities are inclusive and accessible.

Front facing staff welcoming guests

Certification Standards for a Certified Autism Center™

80% Staff Training Requirement

At least 80% of staff must complete specialized training and certification in autism and sensory awareness.

Commitment to Ongoing Training and Education

These certified locations are committed to continuous learning and education, ensuring their staff is always equipped to meet the sensory needs of all guests.

Onsite Audit and Tailored Recommendation

As part of the certification process, organizations undergo an audit by IBCCES, resulting in a comprehensive report with tailored recommendations.

Community Support

A citywide commitment to creating a welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.

Dubai’s CAD Movement in Numbers

127902+
Trained across the city.
82+
Locations certified across the industry.
629+
Locations who have started the training and certification process.

Certified Autism Centers™ Across Dubai

CAC partners map across Dubai
Hotels and Resorts

  • Atlantis The Royal

  • Atlantis The Palm

  • ADDRESS Downtown

  • ADDRESS Dubai Mall

  • Palace Downtown

  • ADDRESS.Grand Creek

  • VIDA Creek Beach

  • ADDRESS Beach Resort

  • VIDA Creek Harbour

  • ADDRESS Sky View

  • Armani Dubai Hotel

  • VIDA Emirates Hills

  • VIDA Dubai Marina & Yacht Club Hotel

  • Hilton Garden Inn

  • Dubai Business Bay

  • M Square Hotel & Residences

  • Hilton Dubai Jumeirah

  • Hilton Dubai Palm

  • Jumeirah Hotel

  • Hilton Dubai The Walk

  • Embassy Suites by Hilton Dubai

  • Business Bay Hampton by Hilton Dubai Al Barsha

  • DoubleTree by Hilton

  • Dubai Business Bay

  • Hilton Garden Inn Dubai, Mall Avenue

  • Waldorf Astoria Dubai

  • Ibis Styles Dragon Mart Hotel

  • Khalidia Palace Hotel Dubai

  • Anantara Downtown Dubai Hotel

  • One & Only the Palm

  • Movenpick Hotel & Apartments Bur Dubai

  • Inside Burj Al Arab

  • Jumeirah Creekside Hotel

  • Waldorf Astoria Dubai

  • International Financial Centre

  • One & Only Royal Mirage

  • Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Autograph Collection

  • Pullman Dubai Creek City Centre Hotel and Residences

  • The H Dubai Hotel

  • NH Collection

  • Dubai The Palm

  • LEGOLAND Hotel

  • Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel

  • The Heritage, Autograph Collection JW Marriott

  • Hotel Marina

  • Hotel Boulevard, Autograph Collection

  • Kempinski Central Avenue Dubai

  • Kempinski The Boulevard Dubai

  • Rixos The Palm

  • Rixos Premium Dubai

Attractions and Public Spaces
  • Aventura Parks Dubai
  • Atlantis Aquaventure – Dubai
  • The Green Planet Dubai
  • woo-hoo! (IEX RECREATIONAL PLAYGROUND)
  • Motiongate
  • Play DXB
  • EMAAR Adventure Park
  • Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
  • Dubai Ice Rink
  • Kidzania Dubai
  • Expo City
  • Reel Cinemas
  • StuDIYo Lab Dubai
  • At the Top, Burj Khalifa
  • Sky Views Observatory
  • Dubai Municipality – Public Beaches and Waterways Management Department
  • Legoland Dubai Resort
  • Real Madrid World
  • ⁠Coca-Cola Arena – Dubai
  • Mercedes-Benz Off-Road Experience Center
  • Dubai Municipality – Public Parks and Recreational Facilities Department (8 locations)
  • Global Village
Healthcare
  • Dubai Health Dental Hospital Pediatric Dentistry Department
Transportation
  • Emirates Airlines
  • Dubai International Airport
  • Emirates City Check In – Ajman
  • Emirates Cruise Check In – Port Rashid
  • Emirates City Check In and Travel Store – Dubai International Financial Centre
  • Emirates Cruise Check In – Dubai Harbour
  • Terminal 3, Dubai International Airport (Operated by Emirates)

Key Milestones in Dubai’s Journey

Dubai International Airport (DXB)

DXB marks a milestone in Dubai’s accessibility ambition by becoming the first international airport to receive Certified Autism Centre™ Designation

Dubai International (DXB), the world’s biggest airport for international passenger traffic, marked a historic milestone by becoming the first international airport to earn the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation, awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This achievement highlights Dubai Airports’ unwavering commitment to elevating the travel experience and making it easier for persons with disabilities while also supporting Dubai’s pursuit of becoming a Certified Autism Destination™.

An Emirates flight crew holding a sunflower to symbolize hidden disabilities

Emirates Awarded Certified Autism Center™ Designation for all Check In Facilities in Dubai

Furthering Dubai’s commitment to accessible travel and in time for World Autism Awareness Day on 2 April; Emirates has achieved a Certified Autism Center™ designation for all its Dubai Check In facilities – Emirates City Check-in & Travel Store in DIFC, Emirates Cruise Check In – Port Rashid, Emirates Cruise Check In – Dubai Harbour and Emirates City Check-In Ajman, in addition to the Emirates’ dedicated hub in Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB).

Real voices, real commitment by DXB.

These powerful messages reflect oneDXB airport community’s shared mission to create a welcoming and inclusive journey for everyone, including travelers on the autism spectrum

Dubai’s Vision for Accessible Tourism

We want Dubai to be a destination for everyone. We want to focus on accessibility.

Why This Matters: Building a Model for the Middle East

Achieving the status of Certified Autism Destination™ positions Dubai as a leader in inclusive tourism, attracting a growing demographic of travelers seeking sensory-friendly experiences. This not only enhances the city’s global reputation but also drives economic growth by creating new opportunities in tourism, education, and community development.

Jeff Strachan on Hospitality’s Top Accessibility Challenge

Jeff shares the DET’s efforts to train tourism staff, provide transparent information for families affected by autism, and create employment opportunities for people of determination.

The Accessibility App

Every person of determination may have different needs, and they know best what works for them – the IBCCES Accessibility App is a location-based platform that makes finding accessible businesses and public locations easy for people of all abilities, making it easier for you to empower visitors before they enter your location.

  • Directory – Directory of accessible local businesses that are welcoming to people with disabilities.
  • Autism and Sensory – Access to travel and entertainment options for people with Autism and sensory needs.
  • Hearing – Access to travel and entertainment options for people who are deaf and hard of hearing.
  • Translation – Access to real time language translation.
  • Mobility – Search, find and mark wheelchair-accessible places.

an image of the home page of the accessibility app
  • IAC – Streamline accommodation requests at amusement parks and attractions.
  • Travel – Sunflower and IBCCES have partnered to offer travelers a variety of methods to identify their accessibility needs at major airports and travel caters.
  • Vision – Direct access to live human visual assistant for navigation.
  • Healthcare – Access to certified healthcare facilities and certified therapist in the region.
  • Employment – Access to local jobs targeted for people of all abilities.