In recognition of its efforts towards making travel more inclusive and accessible to neurodiverse customers, Emirates has been awarded a Certified Autism Center™ Designation for all of its Dubai-based check-in facilities. This includes its Emirates City Check-in & Travel Store in DIFC, Emirates Cruise Check In – Port Rashid, Emirates Cruise Check In – Dubai Harbour, and Emirates City Check-In Ajman, in addition to the Emirates’ dedicated hub in Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB).
The certification was announced in tandem with World Autism Awareness Day on 2 April. Awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) after meeting a range of specified criteria that notes the company’s significant step towards creating a more comfortable, supported, and inclusive travel experience for its neurodiverse customers, the new designation furthers both Emirates’ as well as the UAE’s commitment to accessible travel. In related news, Dubai International Airport also received recent recognition as the first international airport to earn the designation from IBCCES, aligning with the Department of Economy and Tourism’s (DET) vision of becoming the first Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) in the Middle East.
As part of the designation, Emirates employees at the various facilities underwent specialised training on autism and sensory awareness, to equip them with the understanding and skills to address needs of autistic travellers or those with sensory sensitivities, along with their families. Comprehensive facilities audits were conducted across the locations, measuring all sensory inputs in public areas such as sound levels, lighting, and potential sights and smells to develop sensory guides, empowering travellers to make informed decisions and choose the environment that best suits their needs and preferences.
