Dubai UAE works towards being a Certified Autism Destination [Image by Kate Trysh from Pixabay]Currently, Dubai in the United Arab Emirates is nearing the end of its process of becoming a Certified Autism Destination with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This designation is earned in partnership with the Dubai College of Tourism’s Autism and Sensory Awareness course. Meanwhile, it aims to prepare travel industry staff to welcome members on the autism spectrum.
Dubai prepares to become a Certified Autism Destination
Dubai in the United Arab Emirates is always at the top of its game, whether in building luxurious hotels, ultra-modern museums and artificial islands and record-breaking skyscrapers. Moreover, the emirate has plans to build the largest airport in the world and came in first place on the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards.
The Museum of the Future [Image @museumofthefuture/Instagram]Now, Dubai is getting near the end of the process of becoming a Certified Autism Destination with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). Meanwhile, this designation comes in partnership with the Dubai College of Tourism’s Autism and Sensory Awareness course. This is held to ensure that travel industry staff are prepared to welcome members on the autism spectrum.
Working on the process
Dubai, UAE [Image by Tom from Pixabay]Dubai has already been working for more than a year to achieve this program, which normally takes three years to complete. However, more than 13,000 individuals have already received the awareness training. Moreover, 350 hotels in the Emirate are participating in the training. On top of this, more than 30 locations within Dubai have already earned certifications with IBCCES. This certification forms part of the United Arab Emirates’ work towards offering greater accessibility for residents and visitors alike.
Moreover, the Emirate no longer calls the disabled people “disabled,” but rather refers to them as “people of determination.” Meanwhile, Expo 2020 Dubai, which was held in 2021 due to the pandemic, regularly offered accessibility forums. The city did so to ensure anyone on the spectrum of ability would be able to enjoy the event.
Moreover, the Dubai International Airport became the first to earn the Certified Autism Center certification by the IBCCES in December 2023.
Accessibility Guide to Dubai
Dubai International Airport to become largest in the world [Image by credondo from Pixabay]Travelers on the spectrum can find a specialized accessibility guide from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism via its website VisitDubai.com. This guide offers ways for travelers with disabilities to find airport facilities, accessible attractions in Dubai and more.
Speaking in a statement, His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said:
Dubai is committed to becoming an accessible and inclusive destination, and a key factor driving our rapid progress is the entire industry being aligned and moving together in one cohesive direction.
The significant progress towards becoming a Certified Autism Destination is a testament to the efforts of all stakeholders and partners, and will help realize the aspiration of our visionary leadership to make Dubai the best city to visit, live and work in, as part of the ambitious D33 Agenda.
Readers can learn more about Dubai’s accessibility guide here.
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