Dubai Airports Embarks on Ambitious Accessibility Journey to Transform Passenger Experience by 2035
Dubai Airports has unveiled an ambitious new phase in its accessibility strategy, which aims to establish Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) as the most accessible and inclusive airports on a global scale by the year 2035. This renewed decade-long commitment reflects the UAE’s dedication to embracing the rights and needs of People of Determination (PoD), aligning with international best practices and the broader vision of creating a disability-friendly urban environment in Dubai.
Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Airports, Majed Al Joker, emphasized the organization’s fundamental commitment to accessibility. “Our promise to enhance airport accessibility goes beyond mere sentiment; it is integral to our mission of providing a world-class travel experience to every guest,” he stated. By collaborating closely with partners across the industry and, notably for the first time, integrating input from the broader PoD community, the organization aims to redefine the airport journey and establish a new global benchmark for accessible travel.
Integral to this initiative is a new public awareness campaign, crafted in partnership with People of Determination to underscore their authentic experiences within DXB. This initiative, framed by the slogan “DXB for All,” narrates six compelling stories that illuminate the varied challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in navigating the world’s busiest airport. The narratives range from a child’s sensory sensitivities in a crowded terminal to the reliance on sign language by a deaf traveler and the tactile guidance utilized by a visually impaired passenger. These personal accounts showcase the commitment to inclusivity at the heart of the airport’s operational ethos.
The campaign builds on the foundation laid by “We All Meet the World Differently” (WAMTWD), which was first introduced in 2022. It assesses how accessibility hinges not only on infrastructural changes but also necessitates a transformative cultural shift in mindset and approach. Al Joker further noted, “By ensuring that the perspectives and voices of People of Determination shape our strategies, we can create an airport environment that connects more deeply with all who traverse our facilities.”
Among the prominent advocates featured in the campaign are notable figures, such as Emirati accessibility champion Fatma Al Jassim, Jessica Smith, an acclaimed consultant on disability inclusion and former Paralympic swimmer, and Yasmin Carey, a local mother navigating the airport experience with her son, who is on the autism spectrum. The campaign also seeks to empower voices like Layth Kamal, who has both autism and ADHD, along with Mohammed Alghafli, who advocates for the visually impaired community, and Ahmed Butti, who represents the interests of the deaf community. Their stories collectively serve to inspire a broader cultural shift towards inclusivity.
This strategic initiative is a collaborative effort, engaging partners from the extensive oneDXB community, which includes Emirates, flydubai, Dubai Police, and the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDIFA), among others. Such cooperation aims to ensure every traveler, regardless of their individual needs, enjoys a seamless and inclusive journey through the airports.
In highlighting the breadth of services available for accommodating guests with both visible and hidden disabilities, Dubai Airports has introduced several initiatives. These include the Travel Planner, a digital tool to assist travelers in preparing for their journeys, and the Sunflower Lanyard, a discreet identifier enabling users access to priority lanes and a more accommodating route through the terminals. Other supportive offerings encompass complimentary two-hour parking, dedicated taxi services, wheelchair provisions, hearing loops stationed across numerous touchpoints, and sensory-sensitive amenities available at the Assisted Travel Lounge in Terminal 2.
A Vision for Future Growth and Inclusivity
Founded to encompass the broader aspirations of Dubai’s aviation sector, Dubai Airports operates both DXB and DWC, positioning itself as a facilitator of growth and resilience for air travel. In 2024, DXB achieved record traffic, welcoming an unprecedented 92.3 million passengers, further solidifying its status as the world’s leading airport for international passenger numbers, according to the Airports Council International. Meanwhile, DWC is poised for transformative growth, with ambitious plans announced in May 2024, including a monumental billion investment, ultimately aiming to accommodate up to 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo annually.
In conclusion, Dubai Airports’ extensive accessibility strategy marks a significant step forward in creating an environment that is not only welcoming but also fully accommodating for all travelers. As the initiative unfolds over the next decade, it sets a vital precedent in the aviation industry, showcasing how a strategic focus on inclusivity can enrich the travel experience for everyone involved.
Tags: #Dubai #BusinessNews #EconomyNews