Emirates achieves Certified Autism Center designation for all Dubai check-in facilities

Emirates has obtained Certified Autism Center designation for all its check-in facilities in Dubai, including check-in at Emirates City and the travel shop at DIFC, Emirates cruise check-in at Port Rashid and the port from Dubai, check-in at Emirates City in Ajman and the exclusive hub at Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB).

This achievement aligns with Dubai’s commitment to accessible travel and coincides with World Autism Awareness Day on April 2.

The certification, granted by the International Board for Credentials and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) ensures that everyone Emirates The facilities in Dubai have taken a significant step towards making travel more inclusive and accessible for neurodiverse customers, meeting the necessary criteria for a comfortable and supported travel experience.

As part of the designation, Emirates Employees received specialized autism and sensory awareness training to help them assist autistic travelers and those with sensory sensitivities. Comprehensive facility audits were conducted to evaluate sensory inputs in public areas, such as sound levels, lighting, and potential sights and smells. This information was used to create sensory guides, allowing travelers to make informed decisions and choose environments that suited their needs and preferences.

This achievement adds to the recent recognition of Dubai International Airport as the first international airport to obtain the designation of IBCCES and aligns with Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) vision of becoming the first Certified Autism Destination (CAD) in the Middle East.

Emirates City Check-Ins in Dubai offer a seamless and stress-free pre-airport experience in convenient, easily accessible locations, where Emirates Customers can check-in for flights up to 24 hours in advance, drop off luggage four to 24 hours before departure, and choose between agent-assisted check-in, robot-assisted check-in, or self-service kiosks. allowing for a more relaxed travel experience.

Mohammed H. Mattar, Emirates DSVP Airport Servicescommented,

“As a global airline, Emirates is committed to providing a seamless travel experience for everyone. We recognize the challenges customers with autism and sensory sensitivities face in airport environments. That’s why we have proactively partnered with DET and IBCCES Dubai to certify all our check-in locations in UAE cities. “This initiative is a crucial step forward in our ongoing mission to make travel inclusive and accessible for all.”

Myron Pincomb, president of the board of directors of IBCCES, commented,

“Emirates is known worldwide for its exceptional guest service. Checking in for a flight is one of the most stressful segments of the entire travel experience. With the completion of facilities, auditing and the addition of new sensory guides, the check-in process The procedure at Check-in facilities will be more comfortable for determined people, and especially for those with sensory challenges.”

Working together – Emirates, Department of Economy and Tourism and Dubai airports in collaboration with the Directorate General of Residency and Foreign Affairs, Dubai Police and Dubai Customsare making travel more inclusive and accessible for all, reflecting Dubai’s commitment to becoming a leading destination for travelers with diverse needs.

IBCCES also created AutismTravel.com, a free online resource for families that lists certified destinations and connects families to other resources and each other. Every destination listed on the site has met CAC requirements.

News source: Emirates News Agency