Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel earns Certified Autism Center status
Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel has been awarded the Certified Autism Center (CAC) designation by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).
The CAC certification acknowledges the hotel's commitment to creating an inclusive environment for autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals.
The hotel's team has received training to better understand and support autistic guests and their families.
IBCCES conducted an on-site assessment of the hotel, providing recommendations and sensory guides to help guests make informed decisions about their stay and navigate the hotel's facilities comfortably.
'Inclusivity is at the heart of our hospitality philosophy. Becoming a Certified Autism Center is a testament to our commitment to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for all our guests,' says Stefan Schmidt, complex general manager of Al Jaddaf Rotana Dubai, Arabian Park Dubai – Edge by Rotana, and Park Apartments Edge by Rotana. 'This milestone reflects our dedication to creating an environment where individuals with autism and their families feel welcome, supported, and comfortable. We look forward to continuing to enhance the experience for all our guests, ensuring that every stay is memorable and accessible.'
The certification also aligns with Dubai's broader initiative, led by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), to become a Certified Autism Destination (CAD). This designation highlights Dubai's commitment to establishing an inclusive tourism landscape with numerous certified lodging, recreation, and entertainment options for autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals.
'Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel's achievement as a Certified Autism Center represents a significant step in Dubai's journey towards greater accessibility,' says Myron Pincomb, CEO and board chairman of IBCCES. 'By prioritising inclusivity, the hotel not only enhances its reputation as a leading hospitality destination but also ensures that every guest, regardless of their sensory needs, can enjoy a welcoming and supportive environment.' -TradeArabia News Service
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Trade Arabia
20-05-2025
- Trade Arabia
Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, Dubai The Walk achieve CAC designation
Hilton Dubai Jumeirah and Hilton Dubai The Walk have been awarded the Certified Autism Center (CAC) designation by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This certification is part of a larger initiative by Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) to position Dubai as a Certified Autism Destination (CAD). The two beachfront properties, located in Jumeirah Beach Residence, are part of a growing network of certified destinations that champion inclusive tourism. The CAC certification process involved specialised training for team members to understand autism and sensory sensitivities, as well as a thorough onsite review by IBCCES. Both hotels offer family-friendly and accessibility-focused amenities, including accessible guest accommodations, designated disability parking, accessible restrooms, and sensory-friendly areas. They are also listed on the IBCCES Accessibility App, a free tool that helps families and individuals find certified locations worldwide. 'Achieving Certified Autism Centre status reinforces our vision to create a welcoming environment where every guest, regardless of their sensory needs, feels respected and cared for,' said Jean-Sébastien Kling, Cluster General Manager of Hilton Dubai Jumeirah and Hilton Dubai The Walk. 'We are honoured to be among the first Hilton properties in the region to receive this certification,' added Gisele Clark, Hotel Manager of Hilton Dubai The Walk. 'It's a proud moment for our teams to help set the standard for inclusive travel experiences in Dubai and beyond. We are committed to leading the way in inclusive hospitality within the Hilton portfolio.' 'By earning this designation, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah and Hilton Dubai The Walk continue to lead the way in inclusive hospitality,' said Myron Pincomb, board chairman of IBCCES. 'We are honored to support their efforts and work with visionary partners like Hilton and DET to expand access for all travelLers.'
Trade Arabia
10-04-2025
- Trade Arabia
Dubai Airports trains 45,000 staff in autism-inclusive practices
Dubai Airports has expanded its autism-inclusive training programme, equipping 45,000 employees - across the wider airport community, including partners and stakeholders - to better assist autistic and sensory-sensitive travellers navigating Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC), reported WAM. The initiative aligns with Dubai's broader ambition of becoming a Certified Autism Destination (CAD). DXB is the world's first international airport to earn the Certified Autism Centre (CAC) designation, awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) and is also Autism-Certified by the Dubai Autism Centre (DAC). The expanded training programme is part of Dubai Airports' wider strategy to ensure a supportive airport experience for guests with specific needs. Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer at Dubai Airports, said, "True inclusion starts with people. By investing and increasing specialist training by 36 percent year-on-year, we are embedding a culture of understanding and proactive support across our airports." He added that DXB and DWC are more than airports – they are Dubai's gateway to the world, shaping the first and last impressions of the city for millions of residents and visitors. "With this comes a responsibility: to ensure that every guest, regardless of their individual needs, feels supported and included." The comprehensive, IBCCES-accredited training has been rolled out across the two airports. Frontline teams from Dubai Airports and key partners including Dubai Police, the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai Customs, dnata, Dubai Duty Free, Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, and Dubai Taxi Company, Emirates, flydubai, in addition to other airlines and concessionaires operating from DXB have integrated the training into their operations, to create a consistent, supportive environment throughout the travel experience. Employees are taught sensory awareness, effective communication, and techniques to reduce anxiety to enable them to better support and connect with neurodiverse individuals. Trained Dubai Airports' Guest Experience Ambassadors, identifiable by Sunflower pins, are positioned at key touchpoints throughout DXB and DWC to provide specialised assistance and informed support to autistic guests and their families. Throughout Autism Acceptance Month, DXB's Smart Gates, operated by the General Directorate of Identity and Foreign Affairs (GDIFA), are illuminated in blue in solidarity with the autism community. Sunflowers, an international marque for hidden disabilities, are also displayed across DXB terminals to promote awareness. Dubai Airport's services include the DXB Travel Planner, an online visual guide that helps guests and families prepare for their journey in advance, and the Sunflower Lanyard, a discreet identifier for hidden disabilities that provides access to priority lanes and an autism-friendly route through check-in, passport control, security checkpoints, and boarding. Other key offerings include complimentary two-hour parking, dedicated taxis, and wheelchair services, along with the Assisted Travel Lounge in Terminal 2, a quiet, sensory-friendly space – all part of DXB's commitment to making travel accessible to everyone.
Trade Arabia
17-02-2025
- Trade Arabia
Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel earns Certified Autism Center status
Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel has been awarded the Certified Autism Center (CAC) designation by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). The CAC certification acknowledges the hotel's commitment to creating an inclusive environment for autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals. The hotel's team has received training to better understand and support autistic guests and their families. IBCCES conducted an on-site assessment of the hotel, providing recommendations and sensory guides to help guests make informed decisions about their stay and navigate the hotel's facilities comfortably. 'Inclusivity is at the heart of our hospitality philosophy. Becoming a Certified Autism Center is a testament to our commitment to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for all our guests,' says Stefan Schmidt, complex general manager of Al Jaddaf Rotana Dubai, Arabian Park Dubai – Edge by Rotana, and Park Apartments Edge by Rotana. 'This milestone reflects our dedication to creating an environment where individuals with autism and their families feel welcome, supported, and comfortable. We look forward to continuing to enhance the experience for all our guests, ensuring that every stay is memorable and accessible.' The certification also aligns with Dubai's broader initiative, led by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), to become a Certified Autism Destination (CAD). This designation highlights Dubai's commitment to establishing an inclusive tourism landscape with numerous certified lodging, recreation, and entertainment options for autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals. 'Al Jaddaf Rotana Suite Hotel's achievement as a Certified Autism Center represents a significant step in Dubai's journey towards greater accessibility,' says Myron Pincomb, CEO and board chairman of IBCCES. 'By prioritising inclusivity, the hotel not only enhances its reputation as a leading hospitality destination but also ensures that every guest, regardless of their sensory needs, can enjoy a welcoming and supportive environment.' -TradeArabia News Service
