Dubai Airports Partners with Dubai Autism Centre to Enhance Accessibility for Hidden Disabilities
Dubai Airports, the operator of the world’s busiest international airport, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Dubai Autism Centre (DAC) to enhance the travel experience for People of Determination (POD) with hidden disabilities at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC). This initiative aligns with Dubai Airports’ commitment to support UAE Vision 2021 and Dubai Plan 2021, aiming to make Dubai the world’s leading disability-friendly city. The partnership builds on the success of the ‘We all meet the world differently’ program launched last year, furthering efforts to create an inclusive and accessible airport environment. Essa Al Shamsi, SVP of Terminal Operations at Dubai Airports, emphasized the importance of providing facilities that cater to the diverse needs of guests with disabilities. The collaboration with the Dubai Autism Centre demonstrates their dedication to ensuring every traveler feels comfortable and supported throughout their journey. Mohammed Al Emadi, Director General of the Dubai Autism Centre, commended Dubai Airports for their ongoing efforts to enhance the travel experience for people of determination, aligning with the UAE government’s vision of creating a disability-friendly city in Dubai. The MoU was signed at DXB’s Al Majlis VIP facility, followed by a symbolic sunflower planting ceremony, representing positivity, hope, and a brighter future. DXB received the Autism-friendly certificate in November 2022, signifying its commitment to providing services and facilities that support accessibility for individuals with autism. This includes features like a travel planner for pre-travel preparation, an Autism-Friendly Route for streamlined check-in and security processes, and specially trained Guest Experience Ambassadors wearing sunflower pins to assist travelers throughout their airport journey.