Dubai has earned the distinction of being the first Certified Autism Destination in the Eastern Hemisphere, marking a significant milestone in the city’s mission to make tourism more inclusive and accessible for all. This recognition supports the focus of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 on talent development, social inclusion, and enhancing quality of life, aligning with the UAE’s Year of Community.
The certification, granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), follows a citywide initiative led by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Efforts included staff training, sensory guides, and hidden disability lanyards at various tourist locations, hotels, and airports, making the city more accessible for visitors with autism and sensory needs.
As part of this initiative, over 70,000 individuals have undergone autism and sensory awareness training, and more than 300 hotels and 15 attractions have been certified. Dubai International Airport (DXB) also became the first airport to receive the Certified Autism Center designation, alongside Emirates, which is now the world’s first autism-certified airline. 
Expo City Dubai and other attractions like Motiongate Dubai and The Green Planet have also contributed to the city’s new status, ensuring more inclusive experiences for visitors. The free IBCCES Accessibility App supports this achievement by offering real-time guidance on sensory-friendly spaces.
Becoming a Certified Autism Center in 2024 was a milestone in our people-centric strategy to create an inclusive culture and environment for all who visit, live,, and work in Expo City, and we look forward to further collaborations and success stories as we progress on this journey.”
Dubai Holding Entertainment, which offers a range of leisure and entertainment options across Dubai, has several attractions that have obtained the Certified Autism Center status, including Motiongate Dubai and The Green Planet. The group has outlined a range of plans for more of its destinations to achieve the certification.
Alanood Al Hashemi, Vice President of Organizational Culture and Impact at Dubai Holding Entertainment, said, “We are proud of Dubai Holding Entertainment’s contribution to Dubai’s recognition as a Certified Autism Destination. We are committed to making ongoing efforts to ensure our parks are accessible and enjoyed by as many people as possible, whether they are residents of Dubai or tourists. We look forward to welcoming families from around the world to experience our exceptional and inclusive entertainment spaces here in Dubai.”
To further support inclusivity efforts, all certified locations in Dubai are being featured on the IBCCES Accessibility App, which is free to download. This app provides travelers with real-time guidance on certified destinations, sensory-friendly spaces, and tailored recommendations.
