Dubai Progresses in Bid to Be Eastern Hemisphere’s First Certified Autism Destination

The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) is excited to declare that Dubai has reached a significant milestone by becoming the first Certified Autism Destination in the Eastern Hemisphere. Achieved within a little over a year, this achievement underscores Dubai’s dedication to inclusivity and autism awareness, coinciding with Autism Acceptance Month in April.

This commitment is evident through several notable accomplishments:

• A total of 14,006 personnel within Dubai’s tourism sector have successfully completed extensive autism and sensory awareness training via the Dubai Way platform.
• Over 380 hotels are actively pursuing certification to become Certified Autism Centers (CAC), aiming to provide comfortable and accommodating experiences for autistic visitors.
• Additionally, over 30 locations in Dubai have attained IBCCES certifications. Among these are:

Aventura Park, Atlantis Aquaventure, Green Planet Dubai, Motiongate, The H Dubai Hotel, VIDA Dubai Marina Hotel, VIDA Creek Harbour Hotel, VIDA Emirates Hills, The ADDRESS Dubai Mall (previously Fountain Views), The ADDRESS Downtown, ADDRESS Beach Resort, The ADDRESS Grand Creek Harbour, The Address Sky View, woo-hoo! Children’s Museum, Dubai International Airport, Palace Downtown, Armani Dubai Hotel, Play DXB, EMAAR Adventure Park, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Dubai Ice Rink, Kidzania Dubai, Kidzania Abu-Dhabi, Atlantis The Palm, Atlantis The Royal, Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, Expo City Dubai, Reel Cinemas Dubai, Pullman Dubai Creek City Centre Hotel, Hotel Boulevard, The Heritage Hotel, JW Marriott Hotel Marina, Kempinski The Boulevard, and Kempinski Central Avenue, Emirates City-Check In locations in DIFC, Ajman, Port Rashid, and Dubai Harbour.

“Dubai’s rapid progress is a shining example for destinations worldwide,” said Myron Pincomb, Board Chairman of IBCCES. “Typically, achieving Certified Autism Destination status would take a city three years and Dubai’s record-breaking pace reflects the strong community support and leadership from its key partners. For us, this is just the beginning, and we’re brimming with excitement for another year of teamwork, eager to see Dubai achieve Certified Autism Destination status by working closely together.”

A pivotal element of Dubai’s success is the DCT’s Autism and Sensory Awareness training program available on the Dubai Way platform, which commenced on World Autism Awareness Day in 2023. This program reflects the collaborative initiative between IBCCES, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), and the Dubai College of Tourism (DCT).

With the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasting a record-breaking year for global tourism in 2024, destinations that emphasize accessibility, such as Dubai, are expected to see significant benefits. Dubai’s proactive approach and significant advancements in becoming a Certified Autism Destination provide a model for the industry, enhancing their appeal to the autistic community and broadening their tourist demographic. This strategy not only caters to specific needs but also promotes a more inclusive travel future where everyone is encouraged to explore the globe.

For over two decades, IBCCES has led in providing cognitive disorder training and certification across healthcare, education, and corporate sectors globally. It is the sole global credentialing board that offers specialized training and certification from experts and autistic advocates. IBCCES also supports AutismTravel.com, a complimentary online resource that connects families with certified travel options, further resources, and community support, ensuring each listed destination meets the Certified Autism Center (CAC) criteria.

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