Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island is officially designed as a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), underscoring the property’s commitment to delivering elevated, guest-centered experiences that meet the needs of autistic and sensory-sensitive travellers and their families.
As part of the CAC process, IBCCES conducted an onsite accessibility review of Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, providing recommendations designed to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen staff readiness, reduce service barriers, and increase guest satisfaction across the entire guest experience. The property also completed IBCCES’ autism-specific training program, equipping team members with the tools and confidence to better understand, support, and communicate with every guest who visits.
“This certification strengthens our commitment to ensuring every guest feels comfortable and supported at Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island. With enhanced training and awareness, our team is better prepared to welcome autistic and sensory-sensitive travellers and create a great experience for all. It’s a meaningful step that will benefit our guests today and strengthen our service for the long term,” says Nader Halim, Cluster General Manager for Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, The WBTM Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton™, and DoubleTree by Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island Residences.
“Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island is demonstrating a remarkable commitment to create meaningful, confidence-building experiences for autistic and sensory-sensitive guests,” says Myron Pincomb, IBCCES CEO and board chairman. “This investment not only empowers their staff but also supports the long-term goal of fostering community trust and establishing the property as a destination that truly understands and anticipates guest needs.”
For more than two decades, IBCCES has been a leader in providing autism, sensory and neurodiversity training and certification for professionals worldwide, including those in healthcare, education, public safety, travel, and corporate sectors. As the only credentialing board offering these programs, IBCCES provides training from subject matter experts and autistic self-advocates, along with long-term support, continuous learning, onsite reviews, and renewal requirements to ensure continued growth and lasting impact.
Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island is also featured on the IBCCES Accessibility App™, which is free to download. This app provides individuals with a variety of disabilities real-time guidance on certified destinations, sensory-friendly spaces, and tailored recommendations. By connecting users to accessible locations worldwide, the app helps ensure seamless, enjoyable experiences for everyone.
IBCCES also provides access to resources such as AccessibiltyCertified.com and AutismTravel.com, free online tools for families that list certified locations and professionals. Each organization listed on the site has met IBCCES certification requirements.
About Hilton Hotels & Resorts
For over a century, Hilton Hotels & Resorts has set the benchmark for hospitality around the globe, connecting people, cultures and communities. Offering striking design and vibrant communal spaces—from buzzing lobbies to lively bars, best-in-class restaurants, and iconic gatherings— Hilton Hotels & Resorts is the place to see and be seen in the world’s most sought-after destinations. With more than 600 hotels across six continents, Hilton Hotels & Resorts is where the world comes together, and travelers are masterfully hosted with expertise and care. Experience a legendary stay at Hilton Hotels & Resorts by booking at hiltonhotels.com or through the industry leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Hilton Hotels & Resorts at stories.hilton.com/hhr, and follow the brand on Facebook, X and Instagram.
About IBCCES
Delivering the global standard for training and certification in the fields of autism, neurodiversity, and accessibility – IBCCES provides a series of certification programs that empower professionals to be leaders in their field and improve the outcomes for the individuals they serve. For over two decades, IBCCES has been a global leader, setting the industry standard in autism and cognitive differences training. IBCCES works in over 111 countries and provides training in 8 languages, and its programs have been recognized around the world as the leading benchmark in training and certification.
In addition to individual certification programs, IBCCES partners with cities, destinations, and organizations on initiatives like the Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) and Autism Certified City™ (ACC), ensuring autistic and sensory-sensitive residents and visitors feel welcomed and safe. Destinations that achieve the CAD designation have completed a specialized program that ensures a multitude of recreation, hospitality and entertainment organizations have completed an autism and sensory-sensitivity training, certification and IBCCES facilities review process. The ACC designation expands on that program and includes IBCCES training and certification for the public safety, education, healthcare and workplace sectors.
IBCCES also created the Accessibility App, AutismTravel.com, and AccessibilityCertified.com – free resources for individuals with a variety of neurodiversities and disabilities, listing certified locations and connecting individuals to other resources and each other.