Tag Archives: World Autism Day

In an update to mark World Autism Awareness Day on 2 April, it has been announced that Dubai is on record pace towards becoming a Certified Autism Destination. Just over one year into the process, driven by Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the city is firmly on track to becoming the first Certified Autism Destination™ in the Eastern Hemisphere. As part of the accreditation process, DET, in collaboration with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), renowned leaders in autism and sensory training and certification, has initiated comprehensive autism and sensory awareness training for its tourist-facing workforce. Offered via ‘Dubai Way’, a world-class online training platform developed by Dubai College of Tourism (DCT), this training is tailored to enrich staff knowledge, deepen understanding, and refine communication strategies, all aimed at fostering a more inclusive and accommodating experience for People of Determination. In addition to its Autism and Sensory Awareness course, DCT offers Inclusive Service training on the Dubai Way platform which is a self-paced online programme that teaches applicants how best to cater and communicate with People of Determination. The programme is delivered through a series of experiential training sessions, including real-life stories, interactions and videos. In just over a year, the city has achieved the following milestones: ● More than 13,000 individuals have received autism and sensory awareness training via Dubai Way. ● More than 350 hotels commenced the training and certification process, ensuring comfortable and inclusive stays for guests with autism and sensory sensitivities. ● More than 30 locations have earned IBCCES certifications. The significant progress made so far in the accreditation process underscores Dubai’s unwavering dedication to inclusivity and accessibility for all …

Dubai Airports and Dubai Autism Centre (DAC) joined hands to mark World Autism Day with a special sunflower planting ceremony. The event, held at DAC’s gardens, aimed to raise awareness about autism and highlight Dubai Airports ongoing efforts, together with its strategic partners, to create a smooth and accessible travel experience for all guests travelling through Dubai International (DXB). This initiative also underscores their support for Dubai’s journey towards becoming an Autism-friendly destination. Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Airports, said: “We’re committed to creating an inclusive journey for every single guest, because we recognise that we all experience the world differently. Through dedicated routes, the ongoing development of new products and services, and our collaboration with Dubai Autism Centre, we’re actively working to shape a more accessible and welcoming airport experience for all”. Al Joker added: “This initiative aligns with Dubai Airports’ dedication to supporting UAE Vision 2021 and Dubai Plan 2021, which aim to establish the Emirate as the world’s leading disability-friendly city”. DXB has implemented a range of initiatives for People of Determination with visible and non-visible disabilities. These initiatives include a pre-travel planner and a dedicated accessible route through the airport. This prioritised route facilitates a smoother journey through check-in, passport control, security checkpoint, and boarding for guests wearing the internationally recognised sunflower lanyard. Mohammed Al Emadi, Director General of the Dubai Autism Centre, said: “We would like to thank Dubai Airports for joining our kids in a special sunflower planting event to mark World Autism Day. Planting sunflowers goes beyond raising awareness for autism; it’s a powerful symbol of our collective effort to build an inclusive community that embraces and empowers individuals with autism.” …