Dubai’s Atlantis Aquaventure becomes the first waterpark in the Middle East to earn the IBCCES Certified Autism Center™ designation

Atlantis Aquaventure

The world’s largest waterpark continues to prioritise guest experience and enhance accessibility for autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors

Atlantis Aquaventure, the world’s largest waterpark, proudly announces that it has earned the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This certification marks the first-ever for a waterpark in the Middle East and reflects the team’s unwavering commitment to providing exceptional experiences to guests with diverse needs and ensuring an inclusive environment for all.

Atlantis Aquaventure

The CAC designation is awarded to organisations that complete a training and review process to better understand and assist autistic and sensory-sensitive guests and other persons of determination. In collaboration with IBCCES, Atlantis Aquaventure staff underwent extensive training to better understand the spectrum of potential guest needs. More than 80% of the guest-facing Marine and Waterpark colleagues were trained in Autism & Sensory Awareness (ASA). In addition, a total of 960 Atlantis colleagues are certified by IBCCES in one of four programmes: Autism & Sensory Awareness, Autism Certificate Training, Autism Certificate Training – Aquatics, or the Autism Certificate. 

Additional training highlights include:

  • 246 frontline colleagues underwent a training on Autism & Sensory Awareness that enables them to better understand the needs and signs of sensory difficulties 
  • 621 Lifeguards completed Autism Certificate Training – Aquatics 
  • 93 guest-facing Team Leaders, Assistant Managers and Managers completed a 4-hour Autism Training Certificate that included methods of managing sensory overload

In order to help autistic and sensory-sensitive guests and their families plan a visit and navigate the waterpark, Atlantis Aquaventure also re-designed all in-park signage to include IBCCES sensory ratings for 24 attractions. This enables guests to understand the sensory intensity for each slide or attraction, such as noise level, lighting, and water temperature, so informed decisions can be made prior to entering an area. In addition, the team has created two designated Quiet Zones in Atlantis Aquaventure, which have lower sensory stimulus, for those who might feel overwhelmed during their visit. A Quiet Room will also become available later this year.

Atlantis Aquaventure3We are incredibly proud to become the first waterpark in the Middle East to receive the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation,” said Kelly Timmins, Director of Marine Animal Operations and Sustainability, Atlantis Dubai. “Partnering with IBCCES emphasises our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility and is part of our long-term Corporate Social Responsibility strategy under the Atlantis Atlas Project, with initiatives focused on supporting people and the planet on our journey to becoming a sustainable tourism business. We look forward to welcoming all guests to Atlantis Aquaventure for an enjoyable and memorable experience.”

Atlantis Aquaventure

IBCCES is thrilled to partner with Aquaventure to help support the team’s long-term goals of accessibility and inclusion. Everyone deserves to make memories and feel welcomed when they travel to new destinations,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES Board Chairman. “Working with industry leaders like Atlantis Aquaventure – Dubai will make a huge impact in the region and around the globe to create more inclusive spaces.”

Atlantis Aquaventure4The CAC designation process began in 2022 as part of the Atlantis Atlas Project – Atlantis Dubai’s commitment to do business in ways that are good for both people and planet. The project has a fully comprehensive strategy in place to drive both environmental and social initiatives, focusing on Responsible Operations, Conservation & Animal Welfare, Education & Awareness, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The collaboration with IBCCES is one of several programmes to drive the destination’s CSR strategy. 

By completing the CAC programme, Atlantis Aquaventure is leading the way as part of a wider Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) initiative to achieve the Certified Autism Destination (CAD) designation in Dubai, which IBCCES awards to communities with a multitude of trained and certified lodging, recreation, and entertainment options. Once achieved, this designation would mark the first CAD in the Eastern Hemisphere.

This World Autism Awareness Day, on Sunday 2nd April, Atlantis Aquaventure invites persons of determination to enjoy complimentary access to the waterpark and experience the improved changes under its Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation. Waterpark tickets will be available for a guest and one caregiver by presenting a valid Person of Determination ID Card at the Atlantis Aquaventure ticketing plaza.

Atlantis, The Palm and Atlantis The Royal guests enjoy complimentary, daily access to Atlantis Aquaventure as part of their stay while day visitors can purchase a ticket to the world’s largest waterpark from just AED 299. For more information, please visit https://www.atlantis.com/dubai/atlantis-aquaventure/aquaventure-waterpark.

Atlantis Aquaventure

About Atlantis Aquaventure

Following an expansion in March 2021, the Middle East’s number one waterpark is now even bigger, a third bigger in fact, making Atlantis, The Palm’s waterpark one of the largest in the world. With the addition of the brand-new Trident Tower, Splashers Lagoon and Splashers Cove,  Aquaventure is now home to over 28 additional rides and attractions, bringing the total number to over 105 slides, rides and attractions across the 22.5-hectare park. With several record-breaking slides and firsts in the region, thrill-seekers can enjoy Odyssey of Terror; the world’s tallest waterslide with a Double TornadoWAVE®, Shockwave; the longest family rafting water coaster in the world, Medusa’s Lair; the first dueling PIPElineBLAST® Water Coaster slide in the region and Immortal Falls; the first Cliff jumping in the region. Guests can also enjoy 1km of private beach, motorised and non-motorised watersports and 26 marine experiences including Dolphin Bay, Sea Lion point and the shark lagoon. Atlantis Aquaventure also comprises one of the largest open-air marine habitats in the world, with more than 65,000 marine animals in lagoons and displays including The Lost Chambers Aquarium, a maze of underwater corridors and passageways providing a journey through ancient Atlantis. Voted the number one waterpark in Dubai and the Middle East and the second best in the world by TripAdvisor, it is a leader in aquatic theme parks.

About Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai

Located at the centre of the crescent of The Palm in Dubai, Atlantis, The Palm is the first entertainment resort destination in the region. Opened in September 2008, the unique ocean-themed resort features a variety of marine and entertainment attractions, as well as 22 hectares of waterpark amusement at Atlantis Aquaventure, all within a 46-hectare site. It is home to one of the biggest waterparks in the world and the one of the largest open-air marine habitats, with more than 65,000 marine animals in lagoons and displays including The Lost Chambers Aquarium, a maze of underwater corridors and passageways providing a journey through ancient Atlantis. Aquaventure Waterpark features 23.5 million litres of fresh water used to power 105 thrilling waterslides and attractions, including several world record-breaking slides, and two river rides featuring tidal waves and pools, water rapids and white-water chargers. Dolphin Bay, the unparalleled dolphin conservation and education habitat, and Sea Lion Point were created to provide guests a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn more about some of nature’s most friendly mammals. The resort boasts an impressive collection of luxury boutiques and shops as well as extensive meeting and convention facilities. Atlantis, The Palm is also known as the culinary destination in the region where guests can take their pick from a collection of 35 world-renowned restaurants including Bread Street Kitchen & Bar, Hakkasan, Nobu, Seafire Steakhouse & Bar and the award-winning underwater restaurant, Ossiano. Atlantis is also home to a buzzing nightlife scene with entertainment destination Wavehouse offering something for everyone, while WHITE Beach is the perfect place to unwind with a drink as the sun slips into the Arabian Sea.

About IBCCES

Committed to providing The Global Standard For Training and Certification in The Field of Cognitive Disorders – IBCCES provides a series of certifications that empower professionals to be leaders in their field and improve the outcomes for the individuals they serve. These programs are recognized around the world as the leading benchmark for training and certification in the areas of autism and other cognitive disorders.

Learn More About Becoming A Certified Autism Center™

Fill out the form below to learn more about our CAC Program, which includes staff certifications, training options and center certification.

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