Traveling with a child or family member on the autism spectrum can be challenging. From crowded airports to loud tourist attractions, the experience can be overwhelming. However, the UAE is stepping up to create a more inclusive and autism-friendly travel environment. With sensory-friendly attractions, quiet spaces, and specialized services, the country is making travel easier for neurodivergent individuals and their families.
Airports Offering Autism Support
The journey starts at the airport, and the UAE’s major airports are taking steps to accommodate travelers with autism. Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi International Airport have introduced programs to ease travel anxiety. They provide fast-track services, sensory-friendly waiting areas, and trained staff who understand the needs of individuals with autism.
Dubai International Airport has a special ‘Autism Friendly Route,’ which allows travelers to bypass long security lines and crowded areas. Similarly, Abu Dhabi International Airport offers a sensory room where passengers can relax in a calm environment before their flights.
Hotels Catering to Neurodivergent Guests
Many hotels in the UAE are now adopting autism-friendly practices to ensure a comfortable stay. Some luxury and family-friendly resorts provide quiet rooms, noise-reducing features, and staff trained in autism awareness.
Atlantis The Palm in Dubai, for example, offers sensory-friendly rooms and flexible dining options for guests with dietary needs. The hotel’s team is trained to assist families traveling with neurodivergent children, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Theme Parks and Attractions Becoming More Inclusive
The UAE is home to world-class theme parks and attractions, and many are now ensuring they are accessible to visitors with autism.
- IMG Worlds of Adventure has introduced sensory-friendly times, where lights and sounds are reduced to create a more comfortable experience for those sensitive to sensory stimuli.
- Legoland Dubai provides ‘quiet rooms’ and a sensory guide that helps families plan their visit according to their child’s comfort level.
- Ferrari World Abu Dhabi has trained staff and designated quiet zones to help families take breaks when needed.
Shopping Malls Introducing Sensory-Friendly Hours
Shopping malls in the UAE can be overwhelming due to bright lights, music, and large crowds. To address this, several malls have introduced sensory-friendly shopping hours.
For example, The Dubai Mall and Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi have dedicated time slots where lighting is dimmed, music is turned off, and fewer people are allowed inside. This initiative ensures a more comfortable shopping experience for individuals with autism and sensory processing difficulties.
Restaurants Offering Autism-Friendly Dining
Eating out can be challenging for families with autistic individuals, but many restaurants in the UAE are becoming more accommodating. Some restaurants now offer private dining areas, visual menus, and trained staff who understand sensory sensitivities.
Cheesecake Factory and Rainforest Cafe are among the restaurants that provide autism-friendly seating arrangements and allow parents to customize meals to suit their child’s dietary needs.
Community and Government Support
The UAE government has also been actively promoting autism awareness and inclusion. Various initiatives, such as the Dubai Autism Center and the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, are working towards making public spaces more accessible.
Dubai’s “My Community” initiative aims to make the city fully inclusive for people of determination (a term used in the UAE for individuals with disabilities). Similarly, Abu Dhabi’s “Together We Are Good” program promotes accessibility and support for autistic individuals.
Final Thoughts
The UAE is making significant strides in becoming a more autism-friendly travel destination. From airports and hotels to theme parks and restaurants, the country is taking the necessary steps to ensure that individuals with autism and their families can explore and enjoy their trips stress-free.
With continued awareness and improvement, the UAE is setting an example for other travel destinations worldwide, proving that travel can be inclusive for everyone. If you’re planning a trip with a loved one on the autism spectrum, the UAE might just be the perfect destination for you.
Also read: UAE’s Vision 2031: A Bold Plan for National Growth and Development
