Dubai’s Groundbreaking Achievement: The First Autism-Certified City in the Eastern Hemisphere, Paving the Way for Inclusive Family Travel Across UAE and Beyond, Here’s What to Know

Published on December 5, 2025

Dubai has made a groundbreaking achievement, becoming the first city in the Eastern Hemisphere to receive the prestigious Certified Autism Destination™ designation. This major milestone comes as part of Dubai’s ambitious effort to provide a more inclusive tourism experience for all visitors, aligning with the city’s ongoing focus on accessibility and social inclusion. The certification underscores Dubai’s commitment to enhancing the experience for visitors with autism and sensory sensitivities, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the vibrant offerings of this global hub.

This initiative is a crucial element of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which prioritizes talent development, social inclusion, and enhancing the quality of life for all residents and visitors. It also supports the UAE’s Year of Community, a campaign designed to foster inclusivity and create spaces that encourage collaboration and shared experiences.

Transforming Dubai Into an Autism-Friendly Destination

The journey to achieving Certified Autism Destination™ status was led by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) in partnership with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). The effort focused on transforming key aspects of Dubai’s tourism infrastructure, including aviation, hotels, attractions, and transportation. As part of this transformation, more than 70,000 individuals have received training in autism and sensory awareness, ensuring that tourism staff are equipped to support individuals with hidden disabilities.

Over 300 hotels and 15 attractions in Dubai have earned certifications from IBCCES, marking significant progress in the city’s drive for inclusivity. In addition, the introduction of sensory guides and hidden disability lanyards in public spaces further supports the city’s efforts to create a welcoming environment for all. This initiative enables both residents and visitors to experience Dubai’s diverse offerings with enhanced accessibility and understanding.

Key Stakeholders Collaborate to Build Inclusive Tourism

Central to this achievement was the collaboration between multiple stakeholders, including Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Emirates Airlines, who have both taken significant steps towards becoming more autism-friendly. DXB was the first international airport to receive the Certified Autism Center™ designation in December 2023. This involved training over 45,000 employees across the airport, including staff members from partner organizations and stakeholders, to ensure they can better assist travelers with autism or sensory sensitivities.

Emirates Airlines also plays a pivotal role in this accessibility movement. In 2024, Emirates became the world’s first autism-certified airline by completing a thorough autism and sensory training program for over 30,000 cabin crew and airport staff. This demonstrates the airline’s commitment to ensuring that all passengers, including those with autism, experience a seamless and stress-free journey to and from Dubai.

Support from Dubai’s Attractions and Landmarks

Dubai’s dedication to inclusive tourism has extended beyond airports and airlines to the city’s landmarks and attractions. One notable example is Expo City Dubai, which became a Certified Autism Center™ in 2024. This certification process involved extensive training for the Expo’s staff, ensuring that they are well-equipped to support visitors with autism and sensory needs. Other major attractions such as Motiongate Dubai and The Green Planet have also joined the ranks of certified destinations, reinforcing the city’s commitment to accessibility.

Travel Tips for Families and Visitors with Autism

As Dubai continues its evolution into an inclusive travel destination, here are some helpful travel tips for families and visitors with autism or sensory sensitivities:

• Plan Ahead: Many of Dubai’s major attractions, hotels, and transport hubs now offer sensory-friendly spaces. Make use of the IBCCES Accessibility App for real-time guidance on sensory-friendly locations and services.
• Sensory Lanyards and Guides: Request hidden disability lanyards at hotels or attractions to ensure staff members are aware of your needs. Sensory guides are also available at key locations to provide useful information for navigating the environment.
• Autism-Friendly Services: Ensure you take advantage of the specialized services offered by autism-certified destinations and transportation providers. From autism-inclusive training for staff to customized experiences, Dubai is committed to making the travel experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
• Inclusive Programs: Take advantage of inclusive service programs, such as those offered through the Dubai Way online training platform, to understand how best to communicate and interact with individuals with autism.

The Future of Accessible Tourism in Dubai

Dubai’s achievement as the first Certified Autism Destination™ in the Eastern Hemisphere represents a major step forward in making the city a global leader in accessible tourism. This progress not only enhances the experience for people with autism but also sets a new benchmark for accessible travel across the region.

Looking ahead, Dubai is committed to expanding its inclusivity efforts across various sectors, continuously improving its tourism infrastructure to cater to a broader range of visitors. This commitment to accessibility is integral to Dubai’s future as a leading tourism destination, where every traveler, regardless of their needs, can explore, enjoy, and connect with the city in a meaningful way.

What This Means for the UAE and Global Tourism

Dubai’s recognition as the first Certified Autism Destination™ in the Eastern Hemisphere is a game-changer for the UAE tourism industry. It highlights the country’s growing emphasis on making its world-class attractions and services accessible to everyone. As more destinations adopt inclusive practices, it is expected that Dubai’s tourism model will inspire other countries across the globe to follow suit, creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all types of travelers.

Final Thoughts: Dubai’s Commitment to Inclusivity

Dubai’s innovative approach to inclusive tourism ensures that travelers with autism or sensory sensitivities can fully enjoy the city’s vibrant attractions and experiences. With a collaborative effort from local businesses, tourism officials, and transport providers, the city has established itself as a pioneer in accessible tourism, setting the stage for a more inclusive global tourism landscape.