Autistic children simulate travel joys at Dubai International Airport
The initiative aimed to build confidence and ease travel readiness for children and their families.
Launched 13 years ago, the Ta'alouf Programme equips families and educators of people of determination with the skills to address children's behavioural, psychological and educational needs. It supports the integration of individuals with conditions such as autism, Down syndrome and developmental delays into society by transforming challenges into opportunities for growth.
The experience was held in partnership with oneDXB community members, caregivers, volunteers and airport staff, in line with the UAE Year of the Community and Dubai Airports' ongoing efforts to enhance inclusivity.
Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Airports, said the initiative demonstrated the power of collaboration and the importance of empathy in delivering accessible travel experiences. 'Accessibility goes beyond infrastructure. It's about meeting individual needs with care and understanding,' he said.
Dubai International Airport officials pose for a group photo with the children.
Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, thanked Dubai Airports for supporting families of people of determination. He noted that the initiative aligns with the UAE's national policy to empower people of determination and reflects DXB's commitment to inclusive travel.
The simulation offered children a calm, structured environment supported by trained Guest Experience Ambassadors. Participants navigated key airport touchpoints — from check-in and passport control to boarding gates — at their own pace, reducing anxiety and building familiarity.
The children had a wonderful experience at the event.
WAM
This initiative is part of Dubai Airports' wider strategy to enhance accessibility for all. Through its We All Meet the World Differently campaign, the airport continues to implement inclusive practices and employee training to support travellers with both visible and invisible challenges.
Dubai International Airport is the first international airport globally to receive the Certified Autism Center designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), underscoring Dubai's leadership in inclusive travel.
WAM
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE airports drive regional air travel resilience in first half
The International Air Transport Association (Iata) reported that global air travel demand, measured by revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), increased by 2.6 per cent in June 2025 compared to the same month in the previous year. Capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), grew by 3.4 per cent, leading to a slight drop in global load factors to 84.5 per cent — a decline of 0.6 percentage points while remaining near historic highs. International RPK climbed 3.2 per cent year-on-year, with load factors dipping to 84.4 per cent, and domestic demand rose 1.6 per cent with a load factor of 84.7 per cent . Despite these global figures, demand from the Middle East contracted: RPK was down 0.2 per cent amid capacity expansion of 1.6 per cent, dropping load factor for regional carriers to roughly 78.3 per cent. On international routes, Middle East airlines saw RPK decline by 0.4 per cent with capacity up 1.1 per cent, translating into load factors around 78.7 per cent. Traffic on routes to North America fell by 7.0 per cent and to Europe by 4.4 per cent year-on-year — impacts attributed largely to recent military conflict and resulting flight disruptions. Nevertheless, the Middle Eastern aviation sector demonstrated resilience during H1 2025, largely thanks to strong performance at key UAE airports. At Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest international hub, passenger volume reached a record‑breaking 46 million in the first half, registering a 2.3 per cent increase year‑on‑year despite regional airspace turbulence. Average monthly traffic stood at approximately 7.7 million passengers, with January alone welcoming 8.5 million. April was the busiest month of the quarter, serving 8 million travellers. DXB handled roughly 222,000 flights and processed 41.8 million bags — 91 per cent delivered within 45 minutes of arrival, and baggage mishandling rates remained low at 2 per 1,000 passengers versus an industry average of 6.3. Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport (AUH) also posted strong growth, welcoming over 15.8 million passengers during H1, reflecting a significant 13.1 per cent year-on-year rise. This demonstrates the strengthening of secondary hubs across the UAE and diversification in passenger traffic sources. Industry experts say these figures reflect robust operational capabilities in the UAE and continued demand even in a challenging geopolitical environment. Aviation analyst Manoj K. John of AeroConnections, commented: 'UAE airports have shown exceptional agility. Despite regional disruptions, the ability to reroute flights, maintain high efficiency, and sustain passenger volumes underlines the maturity of their infrastructure.' Another independent consultant Shakir Kantawala of Dubai-based WingsWay added: 'DXB and AUH continue to capitalise on strong connectivity to South Asia, Europe, and emerging markets. Their diversified route networks have cushioned the impact of short‑term demand shocks.' Looking at broader Middle East demand trends, the contraction in June followed a rebound in May, when the region's international RPK growth was about 9.7 per cent year‑on‑year. The slowdown highlights the volatility introduced by regional conflict, yet regional carriers remain central to global aviation recovery with strong profit margins forecast into 2025. Willie Walsh, Iata's director general, underscored that global load factors remain healthy and predicted modest capacity expansion through August, suggesting that performance will remain close to record levels through the Northern Hemisphere summer: 'Demand growth lagged capacity expansion, yet at 84.5 per cent globally, airlines continue to operate at very high efficiency.' Middle East airlines continue to play a vital role in global aviation economics. Air transport contributes approximately $290 billion annually to the regional GDP and supports four million jobs — equivalent to one job in every 20 people in the region. Analysts said that the passenger base at Dubai airports remained strong despite temporary airspace closures between Iran and Israel. They projected that DXB would serve 96 million passengers by the end of 2025 and reach 100 million in 2026 as capacity constraints at DXB ultimately shift traffic toward Al Maktoum International Airport. DWC itself saw a 36.4 per cent surge in traffic during the period, reflecting expansion ahead of DWC becoming Dubai's main airport by 2032. While June saw cooling demand across the Middle East tied to external disruptions, UAE airports upheld growth. DXB and AUH recorded strong half-year gains, offsetting regional softness and positioning the UAE as the engine of Middle East aviation demand.
Khaleej Times
4 days ago
- Khaleej Times
Airport confessions with Paul Griffiths — What not to do at DXB
In this episode, Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, reveals what it takes to run DXB, one of the world's busiest hubs. He discusses the challenges, innovations like AI and biometrics, and how Dubai is redefining global aviation with a focus on people over infrastructure.
Hi Dubai
6 days ago
- Hi Dubai
DXB Welcomes 46 million Guests in H1 2025, Setting New Half-Year Record
Dubai International Airport (DXB) achieved a record-breaking milestone in the first half of 2025, welcoming 46 million guests — its busiest H1 to date. This reflects a 2.3% year-on-year growth, showcasing Dubai's aviation resilience despite temporary regional airspace disruptions. In Q2 alone, DXB served 22.5 million passengers, with April 2025 setting a new monthly high of 8 million guests. CEO Paul Griffiths attributed the growth to Dubai's agility, strong aviation infrastructure, and the effectiveness of its oneDXB operational model. Looking ahead, DXB is poised to reach 96 million guests by year-end, edging closer to the symbolic 100 million milestone. January was the busiest month, with 8.5 million passengers, and daily traffic averaged 254,000. The airport also managed 222,000 flights and handled 41.8 million bags, maintaining a low mishandled baggage rate of 2 per 1,000 passengers, significantly below the 2024 industry average of 6.3. Efficiency at key touchpoints remained high, with over 98% of guests clearing immigration and security within minutes. India led as DXB's largest country market with 5.9 million passengers, followed by Saudi Arabia (3.6M), the UK (3M), Pakistan (2.1M), and the US (1.6M). London topped the city destinations with 1.8 million passengers, followed by Riyadh (1.5M), Mumbai (1.2M), Jeddah and New Delhi (1.1M each), and Istanbul (982K). Cargo volumes reached just over 1 million tonnes, showing stable growth. DXB is now connected to 269 destinations in over 107 countries, supported by 92 international carriers, reinforcing its role in tourism, trade, and investment. With the Dubai Airshow 2025 and the winter event season ahead, DXB is expected to play a central role in Dubai's continued economic and aviation momentum. News Source: Emirates News Agency
