Dubai Airports is redefining accessible travel with a sweeping expansion of autism services and training across its two major hubs, Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC). This initiative, which now reaches 45,000 staff and partners, marks a 36% year-on-year increase in specialist training and positions Dubai as a pioneer in inclusive air travel for neurodiverse and sensory-sensitive guests.
A First in the World: Certified Autism Centre™
Dubai International Airport is the world’s first international airport to earn the Certified Autism Centre™ (CAC) designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), and is also certified by the Dubai Autism Centre (DAC). This recognition underscores Dubai’s commitment to becoming the first Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) in the Eastern Hemisphere, setting a new benchmark for airports worldwide.
Comprehensive Training and Human-Centric Support
The heart of Dubai Airports’ strategy is its comprehensive, IBCCES-accredited training program. This initiative extends beyond airport staff to include critical partners such as Dubai Police, Customs, ambulance services, airlines, and concessionaires. Employees receive training in:
- Sensory awareness
- Effective communication
- Anxiety-reduction techniques
The aim is to foster a culture of understanding and proactive support, ensuring that every traveler, regardless of their needs, feels seen, respected, and included.
Specialized Guest Experience Ambassadors
At key touchpoints throughout DXB and DWC, specially trained Guest Experience Ambassadors—easily identifiable by their Sunflower pins—provide dedicated assistance to autistic travelers and their families. The Sunflower symbol, recognized internationally as a marker for hidden disabilities, also features prominently throughout the terminals to raise awareness and promote inclusion.
Autism-Friendly Services and Facilities
Dubai Airports has introduced a suite of autism-friendly services, including:
- Sunflower Lanyard: A discreet identifier for travelers with hidden disabilities, granting access to priority lanes and autism-friendly routes through check-in, passport control, security, and boarding.
- DXB Travel Planner: An online visual guide to help families prepare for their journey.
- Assisted Travel Lounge: A sensory-friendly, quiet space in Terminal 2 designed for travelers needing a calm environment.
- Complimentary Two-Hour Parking, Dedicated Taxis, and Wheelchair Services: To further ease the journey for travelers with additional needs.
Community Engagement and Awareness
Throughout Autism Acceptance Month, DXB’s Smart Gates are illuminated in blue, and sunflower symbols are displayed across the airport to show solidarity with the autism community. Dubai Airports also runs campaigns inviting parents of autistic children to share their travel experiences and advice, fostering greater empathy and practical support among travelers and staff.
Leadership Perspective
Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer at Dubai Airports, emphasized the importance of people-first inclusion:
“True inclusion starts with people. By investing and increasing specialist training by 36% year-on-year, we are embedding a culture of understanding and proactive support across our airports … to ensure that every guest, regardless of their individual needs, feels supported and included.”
A Model for the World
Dubai’s approach is holistic, combining physical infrastructure improvements with a deep investment in human understanding and community engagement. As airports globally seek to become more accessible, Dubai’s model—anchored in certification, training, and meaningful support—sets a new industry standard for neurodiversity and accessible travel.
Dubai Airports’ enhanced autism services and training not only make travel easier for autistic and sensory-sensitive guests but also serve as a blueprint for global best practices in inclusive air travel.
Citations
- https://media.dubaiairports.ae/dubai-airports-redefines-accessible-travel-and-enhances-autism-services-and-training/
- https://www.travelagewest.com/Travel/Africa-Middle-East/dubai-airports-autism-training
- https://www.luxuriousmagazine.com/dubai-airports-autism-awareness-month/
- https://www.emirates.com/media-centre/emirates-set-to-become-the-worlds-first-autism-certified-airline/
