Dubai is on track to become a Certified Autism Destination with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). The city has been working towards this certification for over a year and has already trained over 13,000 individuals, including staff at over 350 Dubai hotels.
The certification is part of Dubai’s efforts to become the best city to visit, live, and work in, as part of the ambitious D33 Agenda.The certification process typically takes three years to complete, but Dubai has made significant progress and is nearing the end of the process.
The Dubai College of Tourism’s Autism and Sensory Awareness course has ensured that travel industry staff are prepared to welcome members of the autism spectrum. Over 30 locations within the city have already earned certifications with IBCCES.
The Expo 2020 Dubai, which was held in 2021, regularly held accessibility forums to ensure that everyone across the spectrum of ability could enjoy the event. In December 2023, the Dubai International Airport became the first international airport to earn the Certified Autism Center certification by the IBCCES.
The certification as an Autism Destination will help Dubai realize the aspiration of its visionary leadership to make the city the best place to visit, live, and work in, as part of the ambitious D33 Agenda. The certification is a testament to the efforts of all stakeholders and partners in Dubai’s tourism industry
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