Airport in Dubai Assists Children with Autism via Structured Journey at DXB Terminal
Dubai International Airport (DXB) has taken a significant step towards promoting inclusive travel across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by hosting a travel simulation for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The event, which took place during the UAE Year of the Community, is part of a broader push towards inclusivity in travel experiences.
The simulation, held in collaboration with the Ta'alouf Programme by Al Jalila Foundation, offered a structured walkthrough of key airport processes, including check-in, passport control, and boarding. The goal was to reduce travel anxiety and create a more familiar, supportive environment for participating children.
DXB's support for travelers with ASD extends beyond this event. The airport has earned the Certified Autism Center (CAC) designation from IBCCES, making it the first international airport worldwide to receive this certification. This reflects its commitment to creating an autism-friendly travel environment.
The key elements of DXB’s support include guided travel simulations, community partnerships, inclusive infrastructure, and trained personnel. The simulations, conducted under the UAE’s Year of the Community, allow children and their families to experience airport procedures in a calm, structured environment. This hands-on familiarization helps reduce anxiety and builds confidence for real travel experiences.
Dubai Airports' collaboration with the Ta'alouf Programme underscores its holistic approach to inclusive travel. The Ta'alouf Programme, launched 13 years ago, equips families and educators with tools to support children with autism, Down syndrome, and other developmental challenges. It fosters their integration into society by transforming challenges into growth opportunities.
Beyond physical infrastructure, DXB emphasizes staff training, wayfinding support, and designated calm spaces to accommodate passengers with visible and invisible disabilities. Trained Guest Experience Ambassadors, volunteers, frontline staff, and the oneDXB community (a network of airport stakeholders) create a supportive, empathetic environment tailored to the needs of children with autism and their caregivers.
Leadership at Dubai Airports highlights that accessibility extends beyond facilities to how individual needs are met with care and understanding. This collaborative effort between airport authorities, NGOs, families, and the government aligns with national policies to empower people of determination and promote inclusive public spaces across the UAE.
Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Airports, emphasized the importance of empathy in accessibility. He praised the collaboration between the Ta'alouf Programme and Dubai Airports, stating, "Our partnership reflects our commitment to making travel more inclusive across the UAE."
Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, also praised the collaboration, saying, "This initiative not only eases travel stress for these families but also advances societal integration and empowerment for people of determination throughout the UAE."
In summary, DXB’s approach combines certification, specialized simulations, community partnerships, inclusive infrastructure, and trained personnel to support children with autism spectrum disorder and foster a more inclusive travel experience. This initiative sets a global benchmark for accessible airport travel and reflects DXB's role in advancing inclusive travel and community engagement.
- The Dubai International Airport's travel simulation for children with autism spectrum disorder, in collaboration with the Ta'alouf Programme by Al Jalila Foundation, was part of a broader push towards inclusivity in travel experiences during the UAE Year of the Community.
- DXB's support for travelers with ASD includes guided travel simulations, community partnerships, and trained personnel, aiming to reduce travel anxiety and create a more familiar, supportive environment for participating children.
- The Ta'alouf Programme, a 13-year-old initiative, equips families and educators with tools to support children with autism, Down syndrome, and other developmental challenges, fostering their integration into society by transforming challenges into growth opportunities.
- Dubai Airports' concrete steps towards an inclusive travel environment, such as the certification as a Certified Autism Center (CAC) and the creation of designated calm spaces, aim to accommodate passengers with visible and invisible disabilities, promoting a supportive and empathetic lifestyle.
