Dubai Airports has announced the next phase of its accessibility strategy, a renewed 10-year commitment to transform both Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) into the world’s most accessible and inclusive airports by 2035.
The long-term plan focuses on maintaining strong foundations, enhancing the customer experience across all touchpoints, and positioning DXB and DWC as global leaders in inclusive travel. The strategy aligns with international best practice, the UAE’s commitment to the rights of People of Determination (PoD), and Dubai’s vision to be a disability-friendly city.
“Our commitment to accessibility is not just a promise; it is a core pillar of our mission to deliver a world-class travel experience for every single guest,” said Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer, Dubai Airports. “By working closely with our partners and, most importantly and for the first time, with the wider People of Determination community, we are transforming the entire airport journey and setting a new global standard for accessible travel.”
The next phase is launched in tandem with a new public awareness campaign, co-created with People of Determination and brought to life with the support of oneDXB partners, showcasing their lived experiences at DXB. Anchored in the pledge ‘DXB for All’, the campaign brings to life six powerful stories of PoD navigating the world’s busiest airport, from a child’s sensory sensitivities as they journey through a bustling terminal with their mother, to a deaf guest’s reliance on employees’ sign language skills, to tactile guidance for a guest with a visual impairment, and interactions between airport employees and guests with mobility challenges.
“By co-creating this campaign with People of Determination, we are ensuring their voices shape how we design, operate and connect as an airport, not only with our guests, but the wider community we serve,” Al Joker added.
Dubai Airports provides a range of services to support travellers with both visible and hidden needs. These include the Travel Planner, an online visual guide to help guests prepare for their journey, and the Sunflower Lanyard, a discreet identifier that provides access to priority lanes and an autism-friendly route through the airport. Additional offerings include complimentary two-hour parking, dedicated taxis, wheelchair services, hearing loops installed across more than 520 touchpoints, and the quiet, sensory-friendly Assisted Travel Lounge in Terminal 2.
