Emirates Sets New Standard with Certified Autism Center Designation in Dubai

Monday, April 1, 2024

In line with Dubai’s dedication to making travel accessible for everyone and coinciding with World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, Emirates has received the Certified Autism Center™ designation for all its Dubai check-in locations. These include Emirates City Check-in & Travel Store in DIFC, both Emirates Cruise Check-ins at Port Rashid and Dubai Harbour, Emirates City Check-In Ajman, and the Emirates’ specialized hub in Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport (DXB).

This honor, bestowed by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), marks a significant milestone in making travel more inclusive for neurodiverse individuals, ensuring a supportive and comfortable journey that meets specific criteria.

As a requirement of this certification, staff at these Emirates facilities have undergone specialized training focused on autism and sensory awareness. This education equips them to better serve travelers with autism or sensory sensitivities and their families. Audits of the facilities were conducted to assess sensory inputs like sound, lighting, and potential sights and smells, leading to the creation of sensory guides. These guides enable travelers to make informed choices about their environment based on their personal needs and preferences.

This initiative extends Dubai International Airport’s recognition as the first international airport with this certification from IBCCES and supports the Department of Economy and Tourism’s (DET) goal to position Dubai as the first Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) in the Middle East.

Emirates’ City Check-Ins in Dubai are designed to offer a smooth, stress-free start to the travel experience from convenient, accessible locations. Here, customers can check into flights up to 24 hours before departure, leave luggage between four and 24 hours ahead of their flight, and choose from various check-in options, including agent-assisted, robot-assisted, and self-service kiosks, ensuring a calm and relaxed travel preparation process.

Mohammed H. Mattar – Emirates DSVP Airport Services commented:

“As a global airline, Emirates is committed to providing a seamless travel experience for everyone. We recognize the challenges customers with autism and sensory sensitivities face in airport environments. That’s why we’ve proactively partnered with Dubai’s DET and IBCCES to certify all our city check-in locations across the UAE. This initiative is a crucial step forward in our ongoing mission to make travel inclusive and accessible for all.”

Myron Pincomb, Chairman of the Board for IBCCES remarked:

“Emirates is known worldwide for its exceptional guest service. Checking in for a flight is one of the most stressful segments of the whole travel experience. With the completion of the facilities, audit and the addition of the new sensory guides, the check-in procedure at the Check-in facilities will be more accommodating for people of determination, and especially those with sensory challenges.”

Emirates, the Department of Economy and Tourism, and Dubai Airports are joining forces with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs, Dubai Police, and Dubai Customs to enhance travel inclusivity and accessibility. This collaboration underscores Dubai’s dedication to establishing itself as a premier destination for travelers with varied needs.

Additionally, the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) has launched AutismTravel.com. This complimentary online platform serves as a guide for families, showcasing certified destinations that meet the Certified Autism Center (CAC) criteria. It also facilitates connections among families, providing access to various resources and peer support.

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