Dubai has cemented its status as a leader in accessible tourism, becoming the first Certified Autism Destination™ in the Eastern Hemisphere—while Emirates has earned the title of the world’s first Autism Certified Airline™, marking a powerful milestone for inclusive travel.
This landmark achievement is the result of coordinated efforts led by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) in collaboration with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). It’s a mission grounded in the UAE’s Year of Community and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which prioritises social inclusion and enhanced quality of life.
From its airports to attractions, hotels to beaches, Dubai has made inclusivity a priority at every stage of the traveller journey. More than 70,000 frontline staff across the city have undergone autism and sensory awareness training, while over 300 hotels are now participating in the training and certification process. Additionally, more than 15 top attractions—alongside public spaces like parks and beaches—have achieved IBCCES certification, offering enhanced visitor support including sensory guides and hidden disability lanyards.
Dubai International Airport (DXB), recognised as the first international airport to achieve Autism Center certification, has trained over 45,000 employees, including airline and airport staff, to better support neurodiverse travellers. Certified venues are now listed on the free IBCCES Accessibility App, giving families and caregivers real-time guidance and recommendations for planning autism-friendly stays.
Emirates Becomes World’s First Autism Certified Airline™
Meanwhile, Emirates has taken its own accessibility agenda to the skies, achieving Autism Certified Airline™ status through its comprehensive training of more than 30,000 cabin crew and ground staff. In partnership with IBCCES, Emirates developed an industry-first blueprint for accommodating autistic and sensory-sensitive passengers at every touchpoint—from check-in and security to inflight service.
Emirates’ Chief Operating Officer, Adel Al Redha, said the certification reflects the airline’s social and professional responsibility:
“We continue to work on this mission to make travel more inclusive… to break barriers and make travel accessible for everyone.”
One of Emirates’ most innovative contributions is its Travel Rehearsal programme, which allows children with autism to practice navigating the airport experience before boarding a real flight. Initially launched in Dubai in 2023 in collaboration with schools and autism centres, the initiative is now being rolled out to 17 global cities, including Brisbane, Manchester, Cebu, Paris, Montreal and Nice.
These rehearsals involve real-time simulations—check-in, baggage drop, immigration, security, and even the boarding gate—designed to familiarise children with the airport environment. The results have been overwhelmingly positive, with parents and therapists reporting smoother, less stressful travel experiences thanks to the preparation and presence of trained support staff.
To further the conversation around neurodiversity, Emirates also spotlighted autism awareness throughout April on its award-winning inflight entertainment system, ice. Passengers could choose from a curated selection of films, documentaries, TV shows and podcasts exploring autism, including Temple Grandin, Inside Our Autistic Minds, and the animated series Carl the Collector.
With Dubai and Emirates leading the way, the tourism industry is seeing what’s possible when accessibility becomes a priority—not an afterthought. As Myron Pincomb, CEO of IBCCES, noted:
“Dubai is raising the bar for accessible tourism. This achievement ensures all visitors, including autistic people and individuals with sensory needs, can explore and experience everything with confidence and ease.”
To learn more about accessible travel in Dubai, visit visitdubai.com/accessibility.
