Dubai Airports is setting a new global standard in accessible travel by expanding its autism-inclusive training programme across both Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC). With over 45,000 airport employees and partners now trained, the initiative reinforces Dubai’s ambition to become a Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD).
DXB is the world’s first international airport to receive 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 milestone is part of Dubai Airports’ mission to create a seamless and supportive journey for all travelers, particularly those with sensory sensitivities or autism.
“True inclusion starts with people,” said Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Airports. “By increasing our specialised training by 36% year-on-year, we’re ensuring that our airports reflect Dubai’s values of empathy, accessibility, and care.”
The IBCCES-accredited training covers sensory awareness, communication techniques, and strategies to reduce anxiety, and has been adopted by key stakeholders including Dubai Police, GDIFA, Customs, dnata, Dubai Duty Free, and major airlines like Emirates and flydubai.
Guest Experience Ambassadors, identifiable by their Sunflower pins, are stationed across both airports to offer personalised assistance to neurodiverse guests. In addition, DXB features Sunflower lanyards, dedicated quiet spaces, priority lanes, and the DXB Travel Planner, a visual online guide that helps families prepare for their journey.
In observance of Autism Acceptance Month, DXB’s Smart Gates are lit in blue and Sunflower symbols are displayed throughout terminals to promote awareness of hidden disabilities.
Through its ongoing “We All Meet the World Differently” campaign, Dubai Airports continues to collaborate with autism organisations, schools, and community groups to champion inclusivity and neurodiversity at every level of the airport experience.
From specialised training to thoughtful services, Dubai Airports is leading the way in making global travel truly accessible for everyone.
