Latest news with #AUH
Al Etihad
01-04-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
How Abu Dhabi creates a safe, empowering space for people with autism
2 Apr 2025 00:44 KIRSTIN BERNABE (ABU DHABI)From creating accessible infrastructure to setting top-notch standards for care, Abu Dhabi has always made space for people with autism.A champion of inclusivity, the emirate is among the global leaders in terms of providing support to people of determination and this has been evident in the distinctive projects and initiatives it has rolled out for this sector. Ahead of World Autism Awareness Day, marked every year on April 2, Aletihad looks into a number of projects that make the emirate a welcoming, empowering space for those on the autism spectrum. At the Airport Travelling can be exhausting for many people, but for those with autism, it is particularly challenging. At airports, the crowds, the noise, and several things happening all at once can be too overwhelming. Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport (AUH) acknowledged the struggle and did something about it: It built a Sensory Space facility. Within this space are two rooms where therapeutic techniques are at play. Lights are calming and special seats are available to help travellers relax. There are bubble tubes and interactive activities, too. The space is available free of charge, with sessions lasting 45 minutes for every booking. It is located near Gate D43 and it is open 24/ at AUH, there are trained staff members who wear sunflower pins, conveying a message that they are ready to support people with "hidden disabilities". Those who need assistance may also wear special lanyards available at the pre-check-in area. These gestures and symbols signal that help is always within reach. The AUH is "one of only three in the Middle East to have implemented a globally recognised identification system to support passengers who may require additional assistance without attracting unwanted attention", Aletihad reported earlier. In a Mall A mall is another environment that can be overstimulating for those with autism. This is why Yas Mall makes sure there's somewhere they can head to for some peace and quiet. Called The Quiet Room, this safe space allows children and adults on the spectrum to block out all the noise and mall collaborated with the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination (ZHO) so that its "visitors with autism have an exclusive place to feel at ease when the world becomes a bit too big or boisterous for comfort", it said on its website. The Quiet Room is located on Yas Mall's Level G, next to The Male Prayer Hall. An Interactive Showroom To build empathy and raise awareness, a unique initiative in the capital shows people what it's like to have autism. In its Al Bahia headquarters, the ZHO has opened the Middle East's first interactive showroom for assistive technology. Among its key features is the Autism Virtual Reality Experience, which allows individuals to experience the sensory challenges faced by those on the spectrum. Elevated Autism Care Besides these public services, Abu Dhabi authorities are also ensuring that high standards of care are maintained for people of determination. In September 2024, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) released comprehensive guidelines to elevate autism care in the department's new Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Guidelines for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is primarily aimed at setting the stage for improved access to ABA therapy. "ABA is a kind of research-based behavior therapy for people with autism and other developmental disorders. Its goal is to see an increase in positive behaviours and a decrease in negative behaviours," the DoH explained in a statement. The guide is designed to enhance the collaboration between healthcare and education professionals and deliver holistic care for those with ASD."By ensuring that ABA services are standarised and accessible, we reaffirm our commitment to building a resilient and inclusive healthcare system where collaboration between healthcare and education thrives to enhance the health and well-being of all community members," Dr. Rashed Obaid Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of Healthcare Workforce Planning at the DoH, said in a previous statement. "Abu Dhabi is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that ensures equitable access for people of determination, empowering them to reach their full potential," he said.
Arabian Business
06-02-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Abu Dhabi airports welcomed over 29m passengers last year
Abu Dhabi Airports, operator of the emirate's five commercial airports, announced its results for 2024, showcasing significant growth and reaffirming its position as a leading global aviation hub. The company facilitated 29.4m passengers through its airports, a 28.1 per cent increase compared to the 22.9m passengers in 2023, driven by network expansion, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to delivering a world-class passenger experience. Zayed International Airport (AUH) served as the primary catalyst of this growth, connecting travellers to an expanded network of more than 125 destinations with 29 new routes launched during 2024. Abu Dhabi Airports growth AUH welcomed the addition of eight new airlines to its network, including: British Airways Air Astana Aegean Airlines US Bangla Airlines Akasa Air Hainan Airlines Flynas Turkmenistan Airlines The expanded connectivity is further reflected in a 10 per cent increase in aircraft movements across the five airports, from 226,362 in 2023 to 249,747 in 2024, highlighting a significant demand from key markets such as the UK, India, Qatar, and Egypt. It further solidifies the emirate's global connectivity and its appeal to travellers worldwide. Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports said: '2024 was a highly successful year for Abu Dhabi Airports, marked by record-breaking passenger traffic, significant cargo growth, and the successful completion of key infrastructure projects. 'These achievements highlight our commitment to delivering a world-class travel experience and strengthening Abu Dhabi's position as a leading global aviation hub. 'We are deeply grateful for the support of our stakeholders and airline partners, this strong performance positions us for continued progress and reinforces our contribution to Abu Dhabi's economic diversification'. Abu Dhabi Airports drove substantial growth in cargo traffic, handling 678,990 tonnes in 2024, a 21 per cent increase compared to 560,434 tonnes in 2023. The surge in cargo volume highlights Abu Dhabi's growing prominence as a global logistics centre facilitating international trade, driven by investments in cutting-edge infrastructure and advanced technologies. Abu Dhabi Airports continued its investment in key infrastructure projects and passenger-centric initiatives throughout 2024, further enhancing operational efficiency and the overall passenger experience at Zayed International Airport. These investments included the successful completion of the Northern Runway Rehabilitation Project, ensuring continued operational resilience. Furthermore, the inauguration of the new US Customs and Border Protection (US CBP) facility enhanced convenience for passengers travelling to the US. The introduction of biometric touchpoints, including check-in desks, self-service baggage-drop, and e-gates, has streamlined the passenger journey and increased speed and efficiency. The Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone (ADAFZ) underwent a period of significant expansion in 2024, driving forward the emirate's ambitious economic diversification strategy. This was evidenced by a series of key developments, including the groundbreaking for a new AED85m ($23.1m) warehousing facility in Al Falah District, established through a strategic partnership with MSM Logistic. This project was specifically designed to enhance trade and stimulate economic development within the emirate. Reinforcing ADAFZ's commitment to growth was the signing of a Musataha Agreement with Radius Group, paving the way for the development of AED320m ($87.1m) -worth of best-in-class warehouses, also in Al Falah District. These initiatives, along with ongoing projects such as the construction of the state-of-the-art East Midfield Cargo Terminal (EMCT), not only transformed the logistics landscape but also reinforced Abu Dhabi's position as a leading business and investment hub.
Gulf News
05-02-2025
- Business
- Gulf News
Abu Dhabi Airports hits record 29 million passengers in 2024
Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Airports, the operator of the UAE capital's five major commercial airports, has announced a significant milestone in its 2024 performance, reporting over 29 million passengers, marking a 28.1 per cent increase compared to the previous year. The growth was driven by Zayed International Airport (AUH), which saw the launch of 29 new routes, connecting passengers to more than 125 destinations. AUH welcomed eight new airlines to its network last year, including British Airways, Air Astana, Aegean Airlines, US Bangla Airlines, Akasa Air, Hainan Airlines, Flynas, and Turkmenistan Airlines. This resulted in a 10 per cent increase in aircraft movements across the five airports, from 226,362 in 2023 to 249,747 in 2024, driven by strong demand from key markets such as the UK, India, Qatar, and Egypt. Elena Sorlini, CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, said, '2024 was a highly successful year for Abu Dhabi Airports, marked by record-breaking passenger traffic, significant cargo growth, and the successful completion of key infrastructure projects.' She added, 'These achievements highlight our commitment to delivering a world-class travel experience and strengthening Abu Dhabi's position as a leading global aviation hub. We are deeply grateful for the support of our stakeholders and airline partners, this strong performance positions us for continued progress and reinforces our contribution to Abu Dhabi's economic diversification.' In addition to passenger growth, Abu Dhabi Airports saw a 21 per cent increase in cargo traffic, handling 678,990 tonnes in 2024. Sign up for the Daily Briefing Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox
