The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), the leading training and certification provider for cognitive disorders, proudly announces that Dubai’s Public Beaches, managed by the Dubai Public Beaches and Waterways Management under Dubai Municipality, have been awarded the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation – making them the first public beaches in the world to achieve the designation. This achievement is a part of a wider initiative led by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) to become the first Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) in the Eastern Hemisphere, a designation awarded to communities and destinations that provide a range of trained and certified accommodation, recreation, and entertainment options for autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals along with their families.
Commenting on this achievement, Eng. Ibrahim Mohammad Juma, Director of Public Beaches and Water Canals Department at Dubai Municipality, said: “The Municipality has always been keen to launch innovative initiatives that meet the aspirations and needs of different segments of society. We are delighted that Dubai Municipality’s public beaches receive the Certified Autism Center certificate, the first of its kind in the region and the world.”
Juma added: “This unprecedented achievement reflects Dubai Municipality’s commitment to enhancing the city’s status as a leading tourist and leisure destination. We will build on the momentum of this achievement by continuing to provide a safe environment and offering residents and visitors the best opportunities to enjoy the unique and exclusive experiences available at the beaches’ recreational facilities, all of which adhere to the highest international standards.”
To achieve the certification, the Dubai Public Beaches team underwent extensive training to enhance their understanding of autism. This includes specialized training in sensory awareness, communication, social skills, and creating a safe, supportive environment for autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals. More than 80% of the beach staff have completed the autism training and certification process, demonstrating their commitment to providing the highest standard of care for all visitors. IBCCES also conducted an onsite review to create sensory guides and offer additional recommendations to improve the guest experience.
As the first public beaches to achieve CAC status, this represents a significant step towards Dubai’s goal of becoming a world leader in accessible tourism and sets a new standard for inclusivity, ensuring that all families, including those with autistic children, can enjoy a safe and enriching experience.
Myron Pincomb, CEO and Board Chairman of the International Council for Accreditation Standards and Continuing Education stated: “We are excited to work with Dubai Beaches to become the first public beaches in the world to achieve the accreditation as a Certified Autism Center™.
The leadership team at Dubai Municipalities has played a key role in making sure all public beaches are accessible for everyone. Both residents and visitors can now review all of the accommodations available at the beaches in Dubai on the Accessibility App. The Accessibility App allows visitors to choose the best beach for them based on the level of accommodations offered”
IBCCES has been the leader in cognitive disorder training and certification for healthcare, education, and corporate professionals around the globe for more than 20 years. IBCCES is the only global credentialing board providing travel and entertainment organizations with training and certification from subject-matter experts and autistic self-advocates and other resources, as well as long-term support that helps them understand how to better accommodate and assist autistic or sensory-sensitive visitors and their families.
IBCCES also created AutismTravel.com, a free online resource for families that lists certified destinations and connects families to other resources and each other. Each destination listed on the site has met the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) requirements.
About IBCCES
Delivering 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.
About Dubai Municipality
Dubai Municipality was established in 1954 with just seven employees and the simple task of cleanliness of the city. The first decree setting up the Municipality was issued on February 28, 1957, under which the country’s dignitaries and merchants were appointed to the 23-member Municipal Council. The council was given limited powers, the most important being the city’s health and urban affairs and regulating construction work and beautification of the city as well as making constructive proposals to the government. After undergoing a number of developmental stages during its years of operation, Dubai Municipality has grown to be an organization with more than 12,800 employees working in 34 departments.
Dubai Municipality, through its various sectors, strives to achieve its vision of building a happy and sustainable city and its mission to plan, develop and manage an excellent city that provides the essence of success and sustainable living. The sectors of the Municipality include: Engineering and Planning, Infrastructure Services, Health, Safety and Environment, Support Services, Business Development, and Corporate Support to support its vision and mission. Dubai Municipality’s 2021 strategy was launched based on five main pillars: Creative and Pioneering Municipality in the world, Constructive Partnerships and Effective Communication, City Growth, City Excellence, and the Sustainability of the City’s Environment.
Dubai Municipality is considered one of the largest government institutions in terms of services, projects and works. It is a pioneering organization and driving force for the growth and development of Dubai Emirate.