Dubai, a city and emirate in the UAE, developed in the last decades into a significant and international trade hub with its economy relies on revenues from trade, tourism, aviation, real estate and financial service was awarded as first certified autism destination in the Eastern Hemisphere.
This recognition delivered by the IBCCES, the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standard, signifies Dubai's commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with autism and sensory sensitivities.
The certification process involved training for the city's tourist - facing workforce, ceritifications for numerous attractions and hotels, and the development of sensory guides.
This achievement is the result of the collective efforts of stakeholders and partners to enhance accessibility across all aspects of the visitor experience, a milestone that could significantly impact how families with autistic menbers and sensory needs travel to the Middle East.
Key initiatives included staff training programmes, expanded visitor support at attractions, and the introduction of sensory guides and hidden disability lanyards.
Over 70.000 individuals have received autism and sensory awareness training, equipping them to better serve and support visitors with autism.
More than 300 hotels have participated in the training and cerification process, to ensure a comfortable and inclusive stay for guests with autism and senory sensitivities and also 15 attractions achieved IBCCES certification.
All certified locations in Dubai are being featured on the IBCCES Accessibilty APP, which is free to download.
As part of the certification programme, DET, the Department of Economy and Tourism of Dubai collaborated with IBCCES on autism and sensory awareness training for the city's tourist - facing workforce and it included the "Dubai Way" online training platform developed by DCT, Dubai College of Tourism.
Dubai College of Tourism also continued to offer its Inclusive Service program, a self paced course that can be followed on the online Dubai Way platform which offers formation and knowledge required to provide excellent customer service to visitors and teaching applicants how best to cater and communicate with People of Determination.
The entire course is taken online through video lessons with engaging activities and periodic assessments.
CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Issam Kazim, said that Dubai's designation as Certified Autism Destination is a landmark moment.
The dedication to further elevating the experience in Dubai for all residents and visitors with accessibility is a core priority.
As additional and relevant note linked to the topic, Dubai International Airport in December 2023 was recognised as the first international airport to earn the Certified Autism Centre designation.
Link - https://www.travelmole.com/news/dubai-becomes-first-certified-autism-destination/
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Thanks a lot to read and note.