Dubai Airports launches new 10-year accessibility plan to transform DXB and DWC into the most inclusive airports globally.
DUBAI: Dubai Airports has launched the next phase of its accessibility strategy, setting a clear ambition to make Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) the most accessible airports in the world by 2035. The initiative marks a renewed 10-year commitment to redefine inclusive travel experiences for People of Determination (PoD) through a blend of design, empathy, and innovation.
Announced on 6 October, the plan will improve all guest touchpoints at both airports and ensure they meet global best practices while aligning with the UAE’s National Policy for Empowering People of Determination. It also reinforces Dubai’s broader vision to be a disability-friendly city by making accessibility a core operational pillar.
Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer at Dubai Airports, said, “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. By working closely with the PoD community, we are transforming the entire airport journey and setting a new global standard for accessible travel.”
The strategy is supported by a moving public awareness campaign titled “DXB for All”, co-created with People of Determination. The campaign highlights the lived experiences of six individuals—including Emirati accessibility advocate Fatma Al Jassim, former Paralympic swimmer Jessica Smith, and Dubai mother Yasmin Carey and her autistic son Ellis. Other stories feature guests with mobility, visual, hearing, and neurodiverse needs navigating DXB with the help of accessible services.
This new phase builds on the 2022 campaign “We All Meet the World Differently (WAMTWD)”, which introduced a cultural shift toward empathy-led service design.
Dubai Airports has also rolled out enhanced services for PoD travellers:
- The Travel Planner, an online visual guide
- Sunflower Lanyards for discreet support access
- Autism-friendly routes
- Dedicated sensory-friendly lounges
- Complimentary parking, sign language-trained staff, hearing loops, and more than 520 accessible touchpoints
The plan is a joint effort with key airport stakeholders, including Emirates, flydubai, Dubai Police, GDIFA, dnata, Dubai Taxi Company, and others, aiming to ensure a truly seamless and welcoming experience for all guests.
