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Dubai Airports has unveiled the next phase of its accessibility strategy, reinforcing a 10-year commitment to make Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) the world’s most accessible and inclusive airports by 2035.
The strategy focuses on strengthening existing foundations, enhancing guest experiences across all touchpoints, and positioning DXB and DWC as global leaders in inclusive travel.
It aligns with international best practices, the UAE’s commitment to the rights of people of determination (PoD), and Dubai’s vision to be a disability-friendly city.
“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, COO at Dubai Airports. “By working closely with our partners 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 accompanied by a public awareness campaign co-created with People of Determination, highlighting lived experiences under the pledge “DXB for All.” The campaign features six stories illustrating the airport journey for guests with sensory sensitivities, visual impairments, hearing challenges, and mobility needs.
Dubai Airports’ new strategy builds on ‘We All Meet the World Differently’ campaign
Building on the 2022 campaign “We All Meet the World Differently”, the new initiative underscores that accessibility extends beyond infrastructure to a shift in mindset and culture, promoting empathy among employees, travelers, and the wider public.
The campaign features advocates including Emirati accessibility pioneer Fatma Al Jassim, disability inclusion consultant and former Paralympic swimmer Jessica Smith, Dubai mother Yasmin Carey and her son Ellis, who is on the autism spectrum, as well as Layth Kamal, Mohammed Alghafli, and Ahmed Butti, representing various communities of People of Determination.
The strategy is a collaborative effort with the airport’s oneDXB partners, including Emirates, flydubai, Dubai Police, GDIFA, Dubai Customs, dnata, Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, Dubai Taxi Company, Dubai Health, Dubai Duty Free, and Serco, ensuring seamless and inclusive experiences for all guests.
Current services to support travellers
Dubai Airports currently provides multiple services to support travellers with visible and hidden needs, including the Travel Planner visual guide, the Sunflower Lanyard for priority access, complimentary two-hour parking, dedicated taxis, wheelchair services, hearing loops at more than 520 touchpoints, and the sensory-friendly Assisted Travel Lounge in Terminal 2.
In 2024, DXB welcomed 92.3 million passengers, marking its highest annual traffic, and was ranked the world’s number one airport by international passenger numbers for 2023 by Airports Council International.
DWC, with a $35bn expansion plan announced in May 2024, aims to accommodate 150 million passengers annually over the next decade, eventually expanding to 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo.
Dubai Airports emphasised that the strategy represents a long-term commitment to inclusivity, combining infrastructure, services, and cultural transformation to ensure that every traveller, regardless of ability, can experience world-class travel.
