Latest news with #CertifiedAutismDestination
Time of India
04-08-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UAE: Dubai closes in on top-three global tourism rank with 9.88 million visitors in first half of 2025
TL;DR: Dubai welcomed 9.88 million international visitors in the first half of 2025, a 6% increase over H1 2024. welcomed 9.88 million in the first half of 2025, a 6% increase over H1 2024. The surge is anchored in air connectivity, strong hotel performance, global business and leisure events, and recognitions like Certified Autism Destination™ status. Strategic partnerships in hospitality, visa facilitation, and a year‑round mix of MICE, culture, and retail initiatives continue to draw diverse audiences. Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has announced that 9.88 million international overnight visitors arrived in the city between January and June 2025, pushing the destination further toward its goal of ranking among the world's top three tourist hubs. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This also surpasses the 18.72 million total in 2024, which itself represented a 9% annual growth. Average hotel occupancy stood at 80.6%, with 22.24 million room nights sold, a 4% year-over-year rise. Hospitality metrics such as average daily rate (ADR) and revenue per available room (RevPAR) also saw solid gains, ADR rose 5%, RevPAR up 7%. Connectivity & global access Dubai International Airport (DXB) handled a record 46 million passengers during the first six months of 2025, solidifying its position as the world's busiest international airport. India remains the top visitor market, underscoring strong bilateral connectivity. The smoothness of ground operations and baggage services was cited as a key factor in handling the surge, even amid regional airspace disruptions. DXB projected a total of 96 million annual passengers and is set to reach 100 million by 2026. Why visitors choose Dubai Exceptional Infrastructure & Attractions From Ain Dubai, the world's tallest observation wheel, to the immersive Museum of the Future, and sprawling retail hubs like The Dubai Mall, Dubai combines futuristic design and cultural storytelling in its iconic experiences. Diverse Global Recognition & Safety Dubai earned titles such as Certified Autism Destination™ and ranked high in safety surveys, including being named the world's best city for solo female travellers in a 62-city study. Events, Festivals & MICE Calendar A calendar filled with retail spectacles like Dubai Shopping Festival, global conferences, expos like GITEX, and sporting events ensures year-round draws and visitor engagement. Culinary & Leisure Appeal From Michelin-starred restaurants to creative culinary tours in Old Dubai's souks, Dubai offers experiences across the spectrum—luxury to local flavour. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Strategic Partnerships & Accessibility DET's partnerships with Marriott, Hyatt, and Premier Inn, alongside new hotel openings like Mandarin Oriental, Ciel Dubai, and ZUHHA Island, have expanded accommodation options. Also, visa-on-arrival expansions for key markets support demand growth. Western Europe is Dubai's largest source market (~22%), followed by CIS/Eastern Europe and South Asia (~15% each). GCC, MENA, NE Asia, the Americas, and Africa also contributed significantly, reflecting Dubai's global appeal. Broader economic impact Tourism continues to underpin Dubai's economic expansion, contributing over 12% to GDP and supporting millions of jobs. In 2024, international spending in tourism topped USD 179.8 billion, while domestic travel contributed another USD 205 billion as per Khaleej Times. With hotel expansion underway, adding over 11,300 rooms by 2027 and creating 15,000 new jobs, Dubai is cementing its hospitality edge. Dubai's tourism trajectory remains robust, 9.88 million visitors in H1 2025 underscores its global draw. A perfect blend of world-class infrastructure, diverse attractions, international connectivity, and a strategic events calendar continues to make Dubai a magnet for travellers of all kinds. From high-end luxury to experiential travel, the city's growing appeal reflects its commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and sustainability.
CairoScene
30-04-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
Dubai Becomes First Certified Autism Destination in Eastern Hemisphere
Over 300 hotels and 15 attractions in Dubai are now Certified Autism Centers, including Atlantis and Expo City. Dubai has become the first destination in the Eastern Hemisphere to earn the Certified Autism Destination (CAD) designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), setting a regional benchmark for inclusive and accessible travel. Spearheaded by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, the initiative reflects a city-wide effort to ensure accessible experiences for autistic travellers and those with sensory needs. Over 70,000 people across Dubai's tourism and hospitality sectors have completed IBCCES training, with more than 300 hotels involved and 15 key attractions, including Expo City Dubai, Atlantis The Palm, The Green Planet, and LEGOLAND Dubai Resort, now designated as Certified Autism Centers. The two-year certification process extends beyond on-the-ground facilities. Emirates became the world's first Autism Certified Airline in 2024, and Dubai International Airport (DXB) achieved the same status in 2023, ensuring support from arrival to departure. Travellers can now access sensory guides, trained staff, and search certified experiences through IBCCES' accessibility app — marking a meaningful step forward in positioning Dubai as a destination for all.
Dubai Eye
28-04-2025
- Business
- Dubai Eye
Dubai becomes autism-certified destination
Dubai has officially gained the recognition as an autism-certified destination, underscoring citywide efforts to make tourism more accessible and inclusive for all. The certification by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) pegs Dubai as the first city in the Eastern Hemisphere to gain the title. The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) collaborated with IBCCES to facilitate comprehensive autism and sensory awareness training for the city's tourist-facing workforce. In just over two years, the city has marked significant progress in inclusivity, with over 70,000 individuals receiving autism and sensory awareness training. It extends to the hospitality sector, where more than 300 hotels are actively engaged in a training and certification process, aiming to provide comfortable and inclusive experiences for guests with autism and sensory sensitivities. Additionally, more than 15 attractions, along with several beaches and parks, have earned IBCCES certifications, reinforcing the city's commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. Myron Pincomb, IBCCES Board Chairman and CEO, highlighted that the "achievement represents a significant step in ensuring that all visitors, including autistic people and individuals with sensory needs, can explore and experience everything Dubai has to offer with confidence and ease". It comes days after Emirates Airline got the recognition of the world's first Autism-Certified Airline, after successfully training over 30,000 cabin crew and ground staff in autism awareness and support. In December 2023, Dubai International (DXB) was recognised as the first international airport to earn the Certified Autism Centre designation. Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said, "As the first and last impression of the city for millions of travellers, we embrace our responsibility to create a welcoming, accessible, and inclusive environment for all." Support from attractions and landmarks throughout the city has also been paramount to achieving the Certified Autism Destination status, with Expo City Dubai and a number of attractions under Dubai Holding Entertainment obtaining the recognition over the last year.
Gulf Today
10-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Dubai Airports trains 45,000 employees 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). 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 per cent 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. WAM
Arabian Business
10-04-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Dubai Airports expands Autism training for 45,000 staff
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.
