Dubai’s key move on autism

Dubai initiates measures to get designated as the first-ever Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) outside the US to enhance its accessibility for visitors from all over the world to next level.

TT Bureau

Dubai is taking steps to enhance the destination’s accessibility and inclusion for travellers from all over the world to the next level. The Dubai Economy and Tourism department is spearheading a movement with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to designate it as the first-ever Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) outside the United States. The first phase of this initiative means all Dubai attractions, hospitality and entertainment organisations will have access to specialized autism-specific training designed to enhance staff knowledge, understanding and strategies for communication, guest experience and safety to better serve and accommodate people of determination. With one in six people having sensory needs and rising global autism diagnosis rates, there is an overwhelming need for more accessibility options in the travel and entertainment industry.

Through the training and eventual certification with IBCCES, Dubai’s leading entertainment, hospitality and travel facilities will become essential entities to furthering the initiative and create an accessible destination for people of determination.

“We want to ensure that all visitors have the best possible experience when visiting Dubai. We are proud to partner with IBCCES to provide staff training to equip Dubai’s hospitality and entrainment teams with the tools and training needed to better serve people of determination, including those who are autistic or sensory-sensitive,” said Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce.