As daily challenges for individuals with autism spectrum disorder continue to grow, there is an urgent need to create safer and more inclusive environments for this group. The prevalence of autism can be as high as one in 31 children in certain communities worldwide, highlighting the significance of finding sustainable solutions that facilitate their integration into society.
Mohammad Al Amadi, the Director General of the Dubai Autism Center and a board member, stated that the center has been a pioneer in adopting initiatives aimed at achieving comprehensive community integration for individuals with autism. This was exemplified by the launch of the autism-friendly environment program in September 2022, which is the first initiative of its kind in the region, designed to empower institutions to adapt their environments to ensure full and effective access for people with autism to various services.
He noted, “Since its establishment in 2001, the Dubai Autism Center has been committed to raising community awareness about autism spectrum disorder through innovative campaigns and initiatives grounded in precise scientific and field standards.
This program is a true reflection of the leadership’s vision for building a more inclusive and equitable society for people of determination. The efforts extend beyond awareness to include training, technical support, and environmental assessments, ensuring that public and private services and facilities are tailored to meet the needs of this group.”
He added, “So far, the program has successfully certified 23 entities in Dubai as autism-friendly institutions after they passed a series of rigorous assessments through its practical mechanisms, which include workshops, field visits, and technical assessment consultations.”
Al Amadi affirmed that the Dubai Autism Center continually works to enhance its training and assessment tools within the program, ensuring alignment with global best practices and relevant local standards. He emphasized, “Our commitment at the Dubai Autism Center goes beyond providing educational and diagnostic services; it extends to making real institutional and community changes that ensure sustainable empowerment and integration for this group in environments characterized by understanding, respect, and flexibility.”
Dubai Airports
Fatima Tahir, Head of Strategic Projects and Government Agenda at Dubai Airports, stated, “As the primary gateway welcoming millions of visitors to Dubai every year, we recognize the responsibility to provide a travel experience that reflects the emirate’s vision of building a more inclusive society for everyone, particularly individuals of determination.”
In line with this role, we have ensured that our facilities and services meet the needs of those with invisible challenges, including those with autism.
The accreditation of Dubai Airports as an autism-friendly environment marks an important milestone in our ongoing journey to offer a seamless and safe travel experience for all, reflecting Dubai’s global leadership in inclusivity and the values of tolerance and openness that underpin the emirate.
Specialized Initiatives
She added, “Our efforts at Dubai Airports include a range of specialized initiatives and programs to support individuals with autism and their families, providing accessible travel pathways and quiet waiting rooms designed to cater to their sensory needs.
We have also implemented the Sunflower Lanyard initiative, a leading global initiative that helps our staff easily identify travelers with hidden challenges, such as autism, and provide them with proactive assistance without requiring direct requests for help. In addition, we have launched training and awareness programs for approximately 45,000 frontline staff from Dubai Airports and its strategic partners on professional and sensitive interaction with individuals with autism, alongside continuous training for guest experience ambassadors on engaging respectfully and efficiently with lanyard holders.”
Shopping Centers
Debbie Russo, General Manager of Mercato and Town Centre Jumeirah, which was accredited in April as the first autism-friendly shopping mall in the country, stated: “At Mercato, we believe that it is essential for every community member to feel welcomed and a sense of belonging. Therefore, it was only natural to collaborate with the Dubai Autism Center to contribute to creating a more inclusive and humane shopping environment. We take pride in being the first mall in Dubai to receive the autism-friendly environment accreditation.”
We enthusiastically welcomed this initiative as part of our ongoing commitment to support autism awareness campaigns over the past years.
Raising Awareness
In the realm of community awareness, Razan Qandeel, Community Awareness Coordinator at the Dubai Autism Center, emphasized that the autism-friendly environment program offers comprehensive consulting services that encompass individuals, facilities, and services. She explained that the training not only addresses physical space adjustments but also focuses on raising employee awareness and providing guidelines on how to optimally interact with individuals with autism, in addition to designing services that accommodate their characteristics and needs.
For instance, this may involve adjusting lighting or noise levels, providing quiet spaces, or using visual communication methods.
Qandeel stated, “Institutions seeking accreditation undergo comprehensive and thorough reviews by experts from the Dubai Autism Center.
Once they meet all criteria, they are awarded a certificate of accreditation as proof of their commitment to providing an autism-friendly environment. The center’s efforts do not stop there; to ensure continuous adherence to the standards, annual re-evaluations are conducted.
This periodic assessment guarantees that institutions remain dedicated to implementing best practices and adapting their environments to meet the evolving needs of individuals with autism.”