UAE Year of Community-inspired Initiative Prepares Young People for Realities of Travel
Dubai Airports recently hosted a guided travel simulation at Dubai International Airport (DXB), designed for children with autism spectrum disorder enrolled in the Ta’alouf Programme by Al Jalila Foundation. The initiative aimed to boost travel confidence among children and their families, ensuring smoother, less stressful journeys through one of the world’s busiest airports.
Creating a Supportive Journey for Children with Autism
The Ta’alouf Programme, launched 13 years ago, empowers families and educators to better support children of determination. It equips them with the psychological, behavioural, and educational tools needed to help these children thrive. The programme addresses challenges faced by individuals with autism, Down syndrome, and developmental delays, transforming these challenges into opportunities for growth.
In Collaboration for a More Inclusive Future
Organised in partnership with the oneDXB community—a collaborative network at the heart of DXB’s operations—this simulation was supported by caregivers, volunteers, and frontline staff. It aligns with the UAE Year of the Community and reflects a united vision to enhance inclusive airport travel through empathy, training, and action.
Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Airports, remarked:
“This initiative shows the real impact we can make when we work together. Accessibility is not only about physical infrastructure, but also about how we respond to individual needs with empathy and care. A supportive airport environment can make all the difference for a child of determination and their caregivers.”
Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, expressed his gratitude to Dubai Airports for partnering on this initiative, which supports people of determination, and their families prepare for airport travel with confidence and ease. He said this step aligns with the UAE’s national policy to empower people of determination and integrate them into society and public life, while also reflecting DXB’s efforts to enhance accessibility and ease travel experiences for all.
Building Familiarity, Confidence and Ease
The simulation was carried out in a calm, supportive environment, with the help of trained Guest Experience Ambassadors. Families explored different airport areas—from check-in and passport control to boarding gates—fostering familiarity with each stage of the travel journey.
This structured, step-by-step exposure helps reduce anxiety by allowing children to process sensory input and procedures in a gradual, reassuring way. It also provided families a platform to ask questions and learn how to best support their children during real travel experiences.
The travel simulation experience is one of several initiatives implemented by Dubai Airports to enhance the travel journey for people of determination and their caregivers. It is part of the airport’s commitment to providing a more inclusive and accessible travel environment.
A Landmark in Inclusive Airport Travel
This initiative is part of Dubai Airports’ larger campaign, We All Meet the World Differently, which promotes inclusive practices and equips staff to support travellers with visible and invisible challenges. DXB is the first international airport to receive the Certified Autism Center (CAC) designation, a recognition of its pioneering efforts in neurodivergent support.
Dubai Airports’ commitment to accessible travel continues to reshape the aviation industry—proving that airports can be empowering, empathetic spaces for all.
For more information about Dubai Airports’ inclusive airport travel initiatives, please visit:
About Dubai Airports
- Dubai Airports operates both of Dubai’s airports, Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum International (DWC).
- As an integrator, Dubai Airports works to balance the interests of all stakeholders to maintain aviation growth, protect operational resilience and ensure that service providers collaborate to provide a safe and secure service and improve customer experience whilst maintaining a sustainable business.
- In 2024, DXB welcomed a total of 92.3 million guests, the highest annual traffic in its history.
- DXB is ranked as the world’s number one airport by international passenger numbers for 2023, as announced by the Airports Council International (ACI).
- DWC embodies Dubai’s vision for the future of aviation. With expansion plans announced in May 2024, involving a record investment of US$35b, DWC aims to reshape the aviation landscape.
- Over the next decade, DWC will accommodate 150m passengers annually, eventually expanding to 260m passengers and 12m tonnes of cargo.
- With five runways, futuristic design and seamless intermodal connectivity, DWC aims to revolutionise global air travel, setting new standards for efficiency and passenger experience for the next 50 years.
- For recent updates, refer to our official social media platforms on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter or hashtags: #DubaiAirports #DXB #DubaiWorldCentral.