UAE: Dubai Airports has made a major advancement in promoting accessible travel by expanding its autism-inclusive training program across
Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum International (DWC). On April 10, 2025, authorities confirmed that over 45,000 employees, including those from key airport partners and stakeholders, have been trained in autism-friendly practices. This marks a 36% increase in training compared to the previous year.
The initiative is part of Dubai’s broader commitment to becoming a Certified Autism Destination and follows DXB’s historic recognition as the world’s first international airport to receive the Certified Autism Centre designation by the IBCCES, and an autism certification from the Dubai Autism Centre.
This development stems from Dubai Airports’ strategy to foster inclusion and improve support for travelers with hidden disabilities and sensory sensitivities. According to Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer, the training is a step toward genuine accessibility, which he believes starts with people, not just infrastructure.
The training program focuses on sensory awareness, communication strategies, and anxiety-reducing techniques to better accommodate neurodiverse passengers. It involves frontline staff from several major partners such as Dubai Police, Emirates, Dubai Customs, and dnata, ensuring consistency in service throughout the travel journey.
Specially trained Guest Experience Ambassadors, wearing recognizable Sunflower pins, are now stationed at various points to assist autistic travelers and their families. The Sunflower symbol, internationally recognized for hidden disabilities, is also displayed across airport terminals. During Autism Acceptance Month, DXB’s Smart Gates are lit in blue as a show of solidarity with the autism community.
To further ease the travel experience, services like the DXB Travel Planner, Sunflower Lanyards for discreet identification, dedicated lanes, and a sensory-friendly Assisted Travel Lounge in Terminal 2 have been introduced. Additional amenities such as two-hour free parking, wheelchair services, and dedicated taxis are also available.
Dubai Airports continues to collaborate with autism organizations, the Community Development Authority, and schools through its “We All Meet the World Differently” campaign, aiming to deepen public understanding of neurodiversity and make air travel more inclusive for everyone.
