emirates7 - Dubai Airports has significantly expanded its autism-inclusive training programme, equipping 45,000 employees—including those from its broader airport network of partners and stakeholders—with the skills needed to support autistic and sensory-sensitive travellers at both Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC).
This initiative is part of Dubai’s overarching vision to become a Certified Autism Destination (CAD), and supports DXB’s status as the world’s first international airport to receive the Certified Autism Centre (CAC) designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). DXB is also recognised by the Dubai Autism Centre (DAC) as an Autism-Certified facility.
The training expansion reflects Dubai Airports’ ongoing efforts to a welcoming and accessible travel experience for individuals with specific needs. According to Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Airports, "True inclusion begins with people." He noted that by increasing specialist training by 36% annually, the organisation is nurturing a culture of empathy and proactive support across its airport operations.
Al Joker also highlighted the vital role DXB and DWC play as global entry points to Dubai, shaping how millions experience the city. He emphasised the responsibility to ensure every traveller, regardless of their individual needs, feels included and cared for.
The IBCCES-accredited training programme has been implemented across both airports, involving frontline staff from various key partners such as Dubai Police, the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDIFA), Dubai Customs, dnata, Dubai Duty Free, Dubai Ambulance Services, Dubai Taxi Company, Emirates, flydubai, and other airlines and retailers. The aim is to deliver a consistent, supportive experience for neurodiverse guests throughout their journey.
Staff are trained in sensory sensitivity, effective communication, and strategies to reduce stress and anxiety, enabling them to better assist and engage with autistic individuals. Specially trained Guest Experience Ambassadors—easily recognised by their Sunflower pins—are stationed at crucial points within both airports to offer dedicated assistance to autistic travellers and their families.
In observance of Autism Acceptance Month, DXB's Smart Gates, managed by GDIFA, are illuminated in blue to support for the autism community. The use of Sunflower symbols, which globally represent hidden disabilities, is also visible throughout the terminals to increase awareness.
Dubai Airports also offers a variety of services tailored for guests with hidden disabilities, including the DXB Travel Planner—a visual online guide to help families prepare for their journey—alongside the Sunflower Lanyard, which grants access to priority lanes and a streamlined, autism-friendly route through key airport stages like check-in, immigration, and boarding.
Additional amenities include two hours of free parking, dedicated taxi options, wheelchair services, and the Assisted Travel Lounge in Terminal 2—a quiet, sensory-friendly space. These features reflect DXB’s commitment to inclusive travel and accessibility for all.
This initiative is part of Dubai’s overarching vision to become a Certified Autism Destination (CAD), and supports DXB’s status as the world’s first international airport to receive the Certified Autism Centre (CAC) designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). DXB is also recognised by the Dubai Autism Centre (DAC) as an Autism-Certified facility.
The training expansion reflects Dubai Airports’ ongoing efforts to a welcoming and accessible travel experience for individuals with specific needs. According to Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Airports, "True inclusion begins with people." He noted that by increasing specialist training by 36% annually, the organisation is nurturing a culture of empathy and proactive support across its airport operations.
Al Joker also highlighted the vital role DXB and DWC play as global entry points to Dubai, shaping how millions experience the city. He emphasised the responsibility to ensure every traveller, regardless of their individual needs, feels included and cared for.
The IBCCES-accredited training programme has been implemented across both airports, involving frontline staff from various key partners such as Dubai Police, the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDIFA), Dubai Customs, dnata, Dubai Duty Free, Dubai Ambulance Services, Dubai Taxi Company, Emirates, flydubai, and other airlines and retailers. The aim is to deliver a consistent, supportive experience for neurodiverse guests throughout their journey.
Staff are trained in sensory sensitivity, effective communication, and strategies to reduce stress and anxiety, enabling them to better assist and engage with autistic individuals. Specially trained Guest Experience Ambassadors—easily recognised by their Sunflower pins—are stationed at crucial points within both airports to offer dedicated assistance to autistic travellers and their families.
In observance of Autism Acceptance Month, DXB's Smart Gates, managed by GDIFA, are illuminated in blue to support for the autism community. The use of Sunflower symbols, which globally represent hidden disabilities, is also visible throughout the terminals to increase awareness.
Dubai Airports also offers a variety of services tailored for guests with hidden disabilities, including the DXB Travel Planner—a visual online guide to help families prepare for their journey—alongside the Sunflower Lanyard, which grants access to priority lanes and a streamlined, autism-friendly route through key airport stages like check-in, immigration, and boarding.
Additional amenities include two hours of free parking, dedicated taxi options, wheelchair services, and the Assisted Travel Lounge in Terminal 2—a quiet, sensory-friendly space. These features reflect DXB’s commitment to inclusive travel and accessibility for all.