Dubai Airports Collaborates With Community Development Authority To Improve Accessibility For All Travellers

Dubai Airports and the Community Development Authority (CDA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the AccessAbilities Expo. This agreement aims to enhance services for travellers with both visible and hidden disabilities at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC). The collaboration seeks to promote inclusivity in air travel, setting new standards for accessibility within the aviation industry.

The MoU was formalised by Jamal Al Hai, Deputy CEO of Dubai Airports, and Miatha Al Shamsi, CEO of the Community Empowerment Sector at CDA. The signing took place in the presence of Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director-General of CDA, along with senior representatives from both organisations and the aviation community. This partnership will focus on identifying key needs and implementing effective solutions using CDA's expertise.

Jamal Al Hai highlighted the importance of this collaboration, stating, "Partnering with the Community Development Authority is vital to our mission of making our airports more inclusive. Their insights will help us meet specific needs, setting a new benchmark for how airports can support all passengers. This MoU represents a shared commitment to breaking down barriers and shaping a future where air travel is accessible to everyone."

Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid expressed pride in working with Dubai Airports at the AccessAbilities Expo. She said, "We are proud to collaborate with Dubai Airports at the AccessAbilities Expo to enhance the experience for people of determination. This partnership reflects our commitment to inclusivity, ensuring Dubai is a city where everyone can thrive. Through this MoU, we aim to provide essential support and create solutions that make air travel more accessible and enjoyable for people of determination. Together, we are setting a new standard for ensuring that all individuals can travel with dignity and ease."

As part of their agreement, Dubai Airports will implement CDA’s recommendations to improve services. This includes adopting the Sanad communication platform, which connects individuals with hearing disabilities to sign language specialists via video calls. The integration will involve procuring necessary equipment and training staff to ensure smooth communication.

Moreover, Dubai Airports will align its processes with CDA’s systems to safeguard the rights of people of determination. This involves linking their system to a customer service platform for prompt responses to any concerns raised by travellers.

Supporting People of Determination

The partnership also supports integrating the Sanad Smart Card, offering tailored privileges for people with disabilities. Dubai Airports will assist in building a database for designing targeted programmes while encouraging broader stakeholder participation.

A joint annual calendar of events will be curated by Dubai Airports and CDA. These free activities will be organised in collaboration with other centres supporting people of determination.

Ongoing Initiatives at DXB

Dubai Airports has already introduced several initiatives supporting people of determination. These include the Sunflower Lanyard programme that discreetly identifies guests with hidden disabilities, granting them access to priority lanes and an autism-friendly route.

A pre-travel planner provides a visual guide easing navigation through airports. Additionally, bespoke training programmes for 33,000 staff members improve understanding of visible and non-visible disabilities.

Further support includes complimentary parking spaces, dedicated taxis, wheelchair services, and specialised assistance at customs checkpoints within DXB.

This strategic partnership between Dubai Airports and CDA aims not only at improving accessibility but also fostering long-term social change within aviation. By sharing resources and knowledge effectively, they hope DXB and DWC become welcoming environments for every traveller.

With inputs from WAM