How Dubai Is Evolving To Welcome Travellers With Special Needs

Dubai, one of the hottest and most welcoming travel destinations in the world, has made remarkable strides in ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for travellers with disabilities, often referred to as ¡®people of determination¡¯ in the UAE. From airport services to hotels, attractions, and transportation, Dubai has implemented various initiatives to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience for all visitors.

Travellers with disabilities can avail themselves of dedicated services right from Dubai International Airport (DXB), where special assistance is provided from the moment of arrival. Passengers can request wheelchairs and receive assistance during check-in and boarding.

According to Dubai¡¯s Department Of Economy and Tourism, the city welcomed 14.36M overnight visitors in Jan - Dec 2022, with the highest number of international guests from India at 1.8M. This year, till July, the city saw 9.83M overnight visitors in Jan - Jul 2023, with the highest number of international guests from India at 1.4M.

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Ashiya Abdul Nazar, Director of Akbar Group of Companies, which owns Akbar Travels, noted that Dubai has set a new benchmark for exceeding tourists¡¯ expectations. She said, ¡°They (Dubai authorities) have standardised various processes, such as guidelines for accessible architecture, pathways, signage, and transportation facilities, making it easier for people with disabilities to navigate and enjoy the city."

¡°Dubai's inclusive policies have significantly increased tourism footfall and bolstered its positive reputation, attracting tourists through word of mouth. This has empowered travel agencies and tour operators to offer special packages to cater to tourists' needs,¡± she added.

The city is in a continuous process to evolve itself according to different needs of the people. Since the tourism industry is vital for the city¡¯s economy, the planners don¡¯t want to miss any chance to lure the visitors.

The Emirate also offers a wide range of hotels equipped to accommodate guests with restricted mobility and special needs. These hotels provide spacious rooms, accessible bathrooms with roll-in showers, and step-free access to various facilities such as lobbies, restaurants, and pool decks.

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Saheer Kizhakkam Kunnath, the UAE Sales Head at Alhind Tours & Travels, said that the inclusive approach by the Dubai government is a strong statement that humanity stands as a top priority among the others. ¡°The famed Arabian hospitality is evident from the moment of arrival at Dubai International Airport, where they ensure that everyone has access to their facilities upon arrival. Travellers with special needs can bypass the queues at immigration and check-in counters, and there are also dedicated lounges for people of determination,¡± he said.

¡°The airports are also equipped with specialised ambulifts for passengers who have difficulty navigating aircraft steps when flights land or depart at a distance from the main concourse,¡± he added.

Saheer noted the initiatives launched by the Dubai government to help and empower people of determination, including training programmes aimed at creating a universally welcoming ambiance across all touchpoints in the city, will greatly benefit tour operators in the emirates. ¡°It is obvious that such a warm and welcoming nation will attract more visitors which benefits the tour operators in a big way. There are operators around the world who specialise in ¡°People of determination¡± packages to different parts of the world. It will be an understatement to mention that Dubai occupies the top slot.¡±

Fazil Firoos, founder of GoNow Tourism, a travel agency based in Dubai, also echoed similar views. ¡°Kite Beach, for instance, stands as a prime example of Dubai¡¯s commitment to inclusivity. It was the first beach in Dubai to introduce a disability access ramp and accessible bathroom stalls. Additionally, it features a parking lot with flat access to the beach area, smooth pathways along the beach, and seating areas with accessible paths, ensuring that wheelchair users can fully enjoy the beach experience,¡± he said.

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Firoos also mentioned that Dubai¡¯s transportation system is designed to cater to the needs of travellers with disabilities. ¡°The Dubai Taxi Corporation offers a dedicated ¡°People of Determination Taxi¡± service, which can be booked in advance. Wheelchair users will find lift access available at all metro station levels and dedicated spaces on trains, making it easy to explore the city using public transportation.¡±

¡°Given the significance of accessible travel, it comes as no surprise that Dubai serves as a shining example in this regard. We frequently receive inquiries from travellers in search of accessible options, and Dubai consistently emerges as the top choice for travellers with special needs. Dubai¡¯s unwavering commitment to offering accessible pathways, facilities, and experiences is truly unparalleled,¡± added Firoos.

Dubai boasts a range of accessible attractions, including the iconic Burj Khalifa. The entrance to Burj Khalifa, located in Dubai Mall, offers flat, smooth, and spacious pathways, ensuring easy access for all visitors. Wheelchair users can access the ticket area and the ¡°At The Top¡± viewing deck, where they can enjoy breathtaking views of the city. Other accessible attractions in Dubai include: Kite Beach, The Dubai Fountain, Dubai Frame, Dubai Miracle Garden, and Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.