Dubai Airports is making the travel experience at DXB more inclusive and accessible. They have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dubai Autism Center (DAC). The MoU will make travel easier for passengers with hidden disabilities at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC).
Dubai Airports, operator of the world’s busiest international hub, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dubai Autism Center (DAC) to further elevate the travel experience at DXB by making it more accessible and inclusive for People of Determination (POD) with hidden disabilities.
This initiative builds upon the success of the ‘We all meet the world differently’ program launched last year. It aligns with the accessibility priorities of UAE Vision 2021 and Dubai Plan 2021.
Bridging Gaps in Service Levels
Essa Al Shamsi, SVP of Terminal Operations at Dubai Airports, said: “We understand the importance of bridging gaps in service levels and enhancing facilities that guests with disabilities require to enjoy their journey to their fullest. We’re committed to continuously improving to meet and exceed guest expectations. Our partnership with the Dubai Autism Center not only demonstrates our efforts to provide an exceptional travel experience for all guests but also underscores our dedication to creating an airport environment where everyone can feel comfortable and supported.”
Mohammed Al Emadi, Director General of the Dubai Autism Center, said, “We are proud that the cooperation between the Center and Dubai Airports over more than a year has yielded fruit by creating an autism-friendly travel experience at one of the world’s most prominent airport hubs.”
Al Emadi praised Dubai Airports for their commitment to improving the travel experience for all passengers, including those with hidden disabilities. The airport has established passenger services and created an environment that meets their needs. Dubai also aims to become a more inclusive, accessible and disability-friendly city. This partnership with Dubai Airports is an essential step in that direction.
DXB: Autism-friendly Airport
DXB earned the Autism-friendly certificate in November 2022 by meeting the requirements of DAC’s Autism-Friendly Programme. They have introduced several options for travelers with autism, such as a travel planner for pre-travel preparation and an Autism Friendly Route. The latter provides a prioritized route for check-in, passport control, security checkpoints, and boarding. Travelers can easily identify specially trained Guest Experience Ambassadors and employees wearing a sunflower pin. Sunflowers are globally recognized as a symbol of hidden disabilities. These airport employees can assist them throughout their airport journey.
Essa Al Shamsi and Mohammed Al-Emadi signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at DXB’s Al Majlis VIP facility. Representatives from both organizations were present at the signing ceremony. They also planted sunflowers at the Terminal 3 departure forecourt to symbolize positivity and hope for a brighter future.