Dubai Airports has revealed a transformative plan to make Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) the world’s most accessible airports by 2035.
This comprehensive strategy addresses the needs of People of Determination (PoD) and positions Dubai as a global leader in inclusive travel.
What’s Driving This Change?
The accessibility initiative responds to three key factors:
- International best practices in airport accessibility
- UAE’s commitment to protecting the rights of People of Determination
- Dubai’s vision to become a disability-friendly city
Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer at Dubai Airports, emphasised the significance of this commitment: “Accessibility is a core pillar of our mission to deliver a world-class travel experience for every single guest.”
For the first time, the strategy was developed in collaboration with the People of Determination community, allowing their experiences to shape airport operations and design.
“DXB for All” Campaign Launches
The new phase introduces a public awareness campaign called “DXB for All”, created alongside People of Determination and oneDXB partners.
The campaign showcases six real stories of PoD travelling through the airport:
- A child with sensory sensitivities navigating terminals with his mother
- Deaf travellers relying on employees’ sign language skills
- Guests with visual impairments using tactile guidance
- Interactions between staff and guests with mobility challenges
This builds on the 2022 “We All Meet the World Differently” campaign, highlighting that accessibility requires both infrastructure improvements and cultural shifts.
Who’s Leading the Advocacy?
The campaign features prominent advocates including:
- Fatma Al Jassim – Emirati accessibility pioneer
- Jessica Smith – Disability inclusion consultant and former Paralympic swimmer
- Yasmin Carey and her son Ellis – Dubai-based family, Ellis is on the autism spectrum
- Layth Kamal – Lives with autism and ADHD
- Mohammed Alghafli – Advocate for the visually impaired
- Ahmed Butti – Representative of the deaf community
Current Services Available
Dubai Airports already provides several accessibility services:
Digital Tools:
- Travel Planner – Online visual guide for journey preparation
- Sunflower Lanyard programme – Discreet identifier providing access to priority lanes and autism-friendly routes
Physical Services:
- Complimentary two-hour parking
- Accessible taxi services
- Wheelchair assistance
- Hearing loops at over 520 locations throughout the airport
- Assisted Travel Lounge in Terminal 2
Partnership Approach
This initiative involves collaboration across Dubai’s aviation community, including Emirates, flydubai, Dubai Police, General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDIFA), Dubai Customs, dnata, Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services (DCAS), Dubai Health, Dubai Duty Free, and Serco.
The partnership approach creates consistency across all touchpoints of the passenger journey.
What This Means for Dubai’s Future
The 10-year strategy reinforces Dubai’s position as a forward-thinking aviation hub. By 2035, both DXB and DWC aim to set new global standards for accessible travel.
This commitment benefits not just People of Determination but creates a more comfortable experience for all passengers, including elderly travellers, families with young children, and anyone facing temporary mobility challenges.
The strategy also supports Dubai’s broader economic goals by making the city more welcoming to international visitors and residents with diverse needs. According to recent projections, Dubai’s aviation sector will create 185,000 new jobs by 2030, making accessibility initiatives increasingly important as the industry expands.
Looking Ahead
The success of this initiative depends on continuous feedback from the People of Determination community and ongoing staff training across all airport operations.
Dubai Airports plans to regularly update its services based on user feedback and emerging accessibility technologies.
As Al Maktoum International Airport develops into the world’s largest aviation hub, these accessibility standards will be built into its infrastructure from the ground up, creating a model for airports worldwide.
If you’re interested in careers supporting this mission, explore opportunities in UAE aviation jobs or discover more about working in the UAE.
Key Takeaway
Dubai Airports’ 10-year accessibility strategy represents a significant shift towards inclusive travel, developed in partnership with People of Determination to create airports that serve every passenger with dignity and independence by 2035.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “DXB for All” campaign? “DXB for All” is a public awareness campaign co-created with People of Determination that showcases six real stories of PoD navigating Dubai International Airport, highlighting both infrastructure and cultural aspects of accessibility.
What accessibility services are currently available at Dubai airports? Current services include the Travel Planner online guide, Sunflower Lanyard programme, complimentary two-hour parking, wheelchair assistance, hearing loops at 520+ locations, accessible taxis, and an Assisted Travel Lounge in Terminal 2.
When will Dubai airports become fully accessible? Dubai Airports aims to transform DXB and DWC into the world’s most accessible airports by 2035, with improvements rolling out progressively over the 10-year strategy period.
What is the Sunflower Lanyard programme? The Sunflower Lanyard is a discreet identifier that passengers with hidden disabilities can wear to access priority lanes and autism-friendly routes through the airport without having to repeatedly explain their needs.
Who was involved in creating this accessibility strategy? The strategy was developed in collaboration with the People of Determination community, oneDXB partners including airlines, government entities, service providers, and advocacy groups representing various disabilities.
Will this strategy apply to the new Al Maktoum International Airport? Yes, the accessibility strategy applies to both Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC), with accessibility standards being incorporated into DWC’s infrastructure from the beginning.
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