Dubai Airports has expanded its autism-inclusive training programme to 45,000 employees across the airport community, including partners and stakeholders, to improve assistance for autistic and sensory-sensitive travellers at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC).
The initiative supports Dubai’s goal of becoming a Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD).
DXB holds the distinction of being 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) and is also Autism-Certified by the Dubai Autism Centre (DAC).
The IBCCES-accredited training has been implemented across both airports, with frontline teams from Dubai Airports and key partners participating.
These partners include Dubai Police, the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai Customs, dnata, Dubai Duty Free, Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, Dubai Taxi Company, Emirates, flydubai, and other airlines and concessionaires operating from DXB.
Staff receive training in sensory awareness, effective communication, and techniques to reduce anxiety, enabling them to better support neurodiverse individuals.
Dubai Airports’ Sunflower Initiative
Dubai Airports’ Guest Experience Ambassadors, identifiable by Sunflower pins, are stationed at key points throughout both airports to provide specialised assistance.
For Autism Acceptance Month, the Smart Gates at DXB are illuminated in blue, while sunflower symbols – an international marker for hidden disabilities – are displayed across the terminals to increase awareness.
The airports offer several services for autistic travellers, including the DXB Travel Planner, an online visual guide to help guests prepare for their journey, and the Sunflower Lanyard, which identifies those with hidden disabilities and provides access to priority lanes and an autism-friendly route through the airport.
Additional services include complimentary two-hour parking, dedicated taxis, wheelchair services, and the Assisted Travel Lounge in Terminal 2, which offers a quiet, sensory-friendly space.
Dubai Airports continues to promote awareness of neurodiversity through its “We All Meet the World Differently” initiative, working alongside the Community Development Authority, autism organisations, schools, and advocacy groups.
