Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Dubai Airports is redefining inclusive travel in the UAE with a groundbreaking initiative designed to support children with autism and their families ahead of the busy summer season. In collaboration with the Al Jalila Foundation’s Ta’alouf Programme, a guided travel simulation was hosted at Dubai International Airport (DXB), offering a calm, step-by-step walkthrough of the airport journey. This thoughtful experience addresses the sensory and emotional challenges faced by neurodiverse children, helping them build confidence and familiarity in an otherwise overwhelming environment—marking a significant stride toward more accessible and compassionate UAE travel for all.

As the UAE prepares for a surge in travel during the upcoming summer holidays, Dubai Airports has taken a heartwarming and strategic step toward inclusivity. In a remarkable collaboration with Al Jalila Foundation’s Ta’alouf Programme, a specially designed guided travel simulation was conducted at Dubai International Airport (DXB) for children on the autism spectrum. This groundbreaking initiative forms a vital part of the UAE’s Year of the Community campaign, boldly championing inclusive travel by easing airport experiences and empowering families of people of determination to navigate their journeys with greater confidence, comfort, and dignity.

The initiative is rooted in a deep understanding of the unique challenges that children with autism face when navigating busy, unpredictable environments like airports. By walking them through the travel process step by step—before they actually travel—this experience helps reduce anxiety, sensory overload, and the fear of unfamiliar surroundings. The simulation gave children and their families the opportunity to rehearse every aspect of the airport journey, from check-in and passport control to security screening and boarding, all within a calm, structured, and welcoming environment.

The program was carefully executed by trained Guest Experience Ambassadors and supported by members of the oneDXB community, including airport staff, volunteers, and caregivers. Their collective efforts ensured that participants received one-on-one support throughout the walkthrough. This not only helped the children become accustomed to the airport’s procedures and layout but also equipped families with practical knowledge to better manage the travel experience.

At the heart of the initiative is the Ta’alouf Programme, launched over a decade ago by the Al Jalila Foundation. This comprehensive support framework empowers educators and families of children with autism, Down syndrome, and other developmental challenges by providing training, tools, and emotional support. The programme’s mission is to enable the full inclusion of people of determination into society by recognizing their potential and transforming their challenges into opportunities.

In the context of air travel, Ta’alouf’s mission takes on a new dimension. For many families, traveling with a child who has autism can be an overwhelming task. Loud noises, long queues, unfamiliar security procedures, and the fast-paced nature of airports can all be distressing triggers. By offering this simulation, Dubai Airports and the Ta’alouf Programme have given these families a vital head start—allowing them to gain confidence and familiarity long before their travel dates.

This initiative powerfully reflects the spirit of the UAE’s Year of the Community, championing a nationwide commitment to unity, inclusion, and shared responsibility—where every individual, regardless of ability, is embraced and empowered within the fabric of society. The participation of the oneDXB community—a collaboration of all airport stakeholders focused on enhancing the passenger journey—reflects the power of joint action. From ground handlers and check-in staff to security personnel and volunteers, everyone involved played a role in ensuring a successful experience for the participating families.

The travel walkthrough is much more than a learning experience; it is a powerful gesture of support that breaks down social and logistical barriers. It shows a proactive approach in understanding the sensory sensitivities and behavioral responses of children with autism, who often feel overwhelmed by crowded and noisy spaces.

Unfamiliar environments can be overwhelming for children with autism, often triggering heightened anxiety and sensory distress that make even everyday experiences feel daunting. This is especially true in a bustling hub like DXB, where thousands of passengers move through multiple security and boarding zones daily. The simulation helped mitigate this stress by offering slow-paced transitions through each stage, accompanied by clear explanations and visual cues.

The hands-on exposure allowed participants to observe how baggage check-in works, what it feels like to walk through a security checkpoint, and what to expect at the boarding gate. These experiences helped the children learn to associate the airport environment with predictability and safety rather than confusion and discomfort.

Equally important was the empowerment of parents and caregivers. The simulation provided them with an opportunity to identify potential stress points and learn strategies to address them effectively. They could observe their child’s reactions in real-time, ask questions, and receive expert advice on how to plan ahead—whether by requesting special assistance or bringing comfort items such as headphones and sensory toys.

By the end of the session, many families expressed relief and gratitude, noting how much more confident they felt about flying. For some, this was the first time their child had been exposed to an airport environment. The experience transformed what was once a daunting unknown into a manageable, even exciting, opportunity.

Dubai Airports’ approach is being hailed as a model that other global airports could emulate. In an age where inclusivity is becoming a central pillar of service excellence, this initiative stands out not only for its compassion but also for its practicality. It represents a forward-thinking model that marries operational efficiency with social responsibility.

By designing the airport experience around the needs of all passengers—including those who are often overlooked—the UAE continues to reinforce its commitment to building a more accessible and compassionate society. As more families look to travel during the summer season, initiatives like this will play a critical role in ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey.

Dubai Airports has made it clear that this travel simulation is not a one-off initiative but part of an ongoing commitment to people of determination. Future sessions and enhancements are expected, as feedback from participating families and airport staff will help refine and expand the programme.

Dubai Airports has launched an inclusive travel simulation to support children with autism, helping them navigate the airport environment with confidence ahead of the busy UAE summer travel season. The initiative aims to reduce anxiety by offering a calm, hands-on experience tailored to their unique sensory and emotional needs.

As airports around the world grapple with increasing passenger numbers and rising expectations, Dubai sets a strong example of how inclusivity can be woven into every stage of the travel journey. Through education, collaboration, and innovation, they are turning air travel into a welcoming experience for every traveler—regardless of their abilities.

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