Latest news with #Ta'aloufProgramme
Gulf Today
a day ago
- Gulf Today
Autistic children simulate travel joys at Dubai International Airport
Dubai Airports hosted a guided travel simulation at Dubai International Airport (DXB) for children with autism spectrum disorder enrolled in the Ta'alouf Programme, run by Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health. The initiative aimed to build confidence and ease travel readiness for children and their families. Launched 13 years ago, the Ta'alouf Programme equips families and educators of people of determination with the skills to address children's behavioural, psychological and educational needs. It supports the integration of individuals with conditions such as autism, Down syndrome and developmental delays into society by transforming challenges into opportunities for growth. The experience was held in partnership with oneDXB community members, caregivers, volunteers and airport staff, in line with the UAE Year of the Community and Dubai Airports' ongoing efforts to enhance inclusivity. Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Airports, said the initiative demonstrated the power of collaboration and the importance of empathy in delivering accessible travel experiences. 'Accessibility goes beyond infrastructure. It's about meeting individual needs with care and understanding,' he said. Dubai International Airport officials pose for a group photo with the children. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, thanked Dubai Airports for supporting families of people of determination. He noted that the initiative aligns with the UAE's national policy to empower people of determination and reflects DXB's commitment to inclusive travel. The simulation offered children a calm, structured environment supported by trained Guest Experience Ambassadors. Participants navigated key airport touchpoints — from check-in and passport control to boarding gates — at their own pace, reducing anxiety and building familiarity. The children had a wonderful experience at the event. WAM This initiative is part of Dubai Airports' wider strategy to enhance accessibility for all. Through its We All Meet the World Differently campaign, the airport continues to implement inclusive practices and employee training to support travellers with both visible and invisible challenges. Dubai International Airport is the first international airport globally to receive the Certified Autism Center designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), underscoring Dubai's leadership in inclusive travel. WAM
Dubai Eye
a day ago
- Dubai Eye
Dubai International hosts simulation for children with autism disorders
A guided travel simulation for children with autism spectrum disorders was held at Dubai International Airport, in an effort to ease travel readiness for children and their families. The simulation offered children a calm, structured environment, as they navigated key airport touchpoints, from check-in and passport control to boarding gates, allowing them to build familiarity to reduce anxiety. The practice session was conducted under the Ta'alouf Programme, which equips families and educators of people of determination with the skills to address children's behavioural, psychological and educational needs. It supports the integration of individuals with conditions such as autism, Down syndrome and developmental delays into society by transforming challenges into opportunities for growth. Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Airports, said the initiative demonstrated the power of collaboration and the importance of empathy in delivering accessible travel experiences. 'Accessibility goes beyond infrastructure. It's about meeting individual needs with care and understanding,' he said. This initiative is part of Dubai Airports' wider strategy to enhance accessibility for all. Dubai International Airport is the first international airport globally to receive the Certified Autism Center designation from an international credentialing body.
Daily Tribune
2 days ago
- Daily Tribune
Dubai Airport hosts Autism drill
TDT | Manama Dubai International Airport opened its terminals for a different kind of journey this week. A guided travel simulation helped children with autism spectrum disorder and their families navigate the airport experience with greater ease and confidence. Organised under the UAE's Year of the Community and in partnership with Al Jalila Foundation's Ta'alouf Programme, the initiative gave young participants a real-time walkthrough of airport procedures from check-in to security screening and boarding gates. The goal was to reduce anxiety, build familiarity, and prepare families for future travel. Support at every step The event was facilitated by trained Guest Experience Ambassadors and supported by members of the oneDXB community, a network of airport stakeholders focused on passenger care. Caregivers, volunteers, and frontline staff created a calm and structured setting that allowed children to explore the terminal environment on their own terms. 'The impact we can make when we work together is real,' said Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Airports. 'Accessibility is not only about infrastructure but how we respond to individual needs with empathy and care.' Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, said the simulation supports national efforts to integrate people of determination into public life and make travel more inclusive. He said the initiative helps families travel with confidence and peace of mind. From policy to practice The Ta'alouf Programme, now in its 13th year, equips families and educators with tools to support children with autism, Down syndrome, and other developmental conditions. At the airport, children were able to ask questions, familiarise themselves with the environment, and take their time adapting to each stage of the journey. The simulation reflects Dubai Airports' broader strategy to make travel more inclusive through its 'We All Meet the World Differently' campaign, which emphasises support for both visible and invisible disabilities. DXB was the first international airport to receive the Certified Autism Center designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). Inclusive travel on the rise Dubai Airports has introduced several accessibility initiatives in recent years including staff training, calm spaces, and wayfinding support for people of determination. The travel simulation is part of an ongoing effort to ensure that families with neurodivergent children feel prepared and supported throughout their travel journey. With the UAE continuing to prioritise social inclusion and family empowerment under its national policy for people of determination, Dubai's flagship airport is reinforcing its role as a leader in building not just smart cities but compassionate ones.
TAG 91.1
2 days ago
- TAG 91.1
Dubai International hosts simulation for children with autism disorders
A guided travel simulation for children with autism spectrum disorders was held at Dubai International Airport, in an effort to ease travel readiness for children and their families. The simulation offered children a calm, structured environment, as they navigated key airport touchpoints, from check-in and passport control to boarding gates, allowing them to build familiarity to reduce anxiety. The practice session was conducted under the Ta'alouf Programme, which equips families and educators of people of determination with the skills to address children's behavioural, psychological and educational needs. It supports the integration of individuals with conditions such as autism, Down syndrome and developmental delays into society by transforming challenges into opportunities for growth. Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Airports, said the initiative demonstrated the power of collaboration and the importance of empathy in delivering accessible travel experiences. 'Accessibility goes beyond infrastructure. It's about meeting individual needs with care and understanding,' he said. This initiative is part of Dubai Airports' wider strategy to enhance accessibility for all. Dubai International Airport is the first international airport globally to receive the Certified Autism Center designation from an international credentialing body.
Mid East Info
2 days ago
- Health
- Mid East Info
Dubai Airports hosts guided travel simulation experience for children with autism spectrum disorder under Al Jalila Foundation's Ta'alouf Programme
UAE Year of Community-inspired initiative prepares young people for realities of travel Dubai, UAE,July 2025: Dubai Airports organized a guided travel simulation experience at Dubai International Airport (DXB) for a group of children with autism spectrum disorder enrolled in the Ta'alouf Programme. The programme is run by Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health. The experience aimed to boost the children's self-confidence and prepare them and their families to travel with ease and peace of mind. The Ta'alouf Programme, which Al Jalila Foundation launched 13 years ago, serves as a vital pillar in empowering families of people of determination and educators. It equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to understand children's behavioural, psychological and educational needs. The programme supports the integration of people of determination into society, particularly for those facing challenges such as autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, mental delays and others. It focuses on unlocking their potential and turning challenges into opportunities for skill building. The initiative was carried out in collaboration with teams from the oneDXB community, (a network of stakeholders involved in the operations and passenger experience at Dubai International Airport), caregivers, volunteers and airport front-line staff. It aligns with the goals of the UAE Year of the Community and reflects a shared belief in the importance of collective action to create a more inclusive and supportive travel experience for families of people of determination. Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Airports, said: 'This initiative shows the real impact we can make when we work together. Accessibility is not only about physical infrastructure, but also about how we respond to individual needs with empathy and care. A supportive airport environment can make all the difference for a child of determination and their caregivers.' Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, expressed his gratitude to Dubai Airports for partnering on this initiative, which supports people of determination, and their families prepare for airport travel with confidence and ease. He said this step aligns with the UAE's national policy to empower people of determination and integrate them into society and public life, while also reflecting DXB's efforts to enhance accessibility and ease travel experiences for all. The travel simulation experience is one of several initiatives implemented by Dubai Airports to enhance the travel journey for people of determination and their caregivers. It is part of the airport's commitment to providing a more inclusive and accessible travel environment. The experience was conducted with the support of trained Guest Experience Ambassadors in a calm and organized setting. This helped participants from Al Jalila Foundation feel more at ease while navigating the airport and preparing for future travel. During the simulation, families had the opportunity to explore different areas of the airport and ask questions. This helped them build a sense of familiarity and confidence, making future travel experiences less stressful and more positive. Many people of determination, especially those with autism spectrum disorder, face unique challenges when traveling through airports. These include unfamiliar procedures, sensory stimuli and crowded environments. The simulation experience helps children, and their families become familiar with each stage of the travel journey, from arriving at the airport and completing check-in, passport control and security screening, to reaching the boarding gates and arrival halls. This step-by-step exposure gives them the time they need to adapt at each phase of the process. This initiative is part of Dubai Airports' strategy to make travel easier and more inclusive for everyone. Through its We All Meet the World Differently campaign, Dubai Airports adopts inclusive practices and provides continuous training for employees to ensure support for travellers with both visible and invisible challenges at every stage of their journey, from arrival to boarding. Dubai International Airport is the first international airport in the world to be awarded the Certified Autism Center (CAC) designation by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). These achievements reflect Dubai Airports' commitment to supporting neurodivergent travellers and their families and to reinforcing Dubai's position as one of the most inclusive and accessible cities in the world. The travel simulation experience is one of several initiatives implemented by Dubai Airports to improve the travel experience for people of determination and their caregivers. About Dubai Airports: Dubai Airports operates both of Dubai's airports, Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum International (DWC). As an integrator, Dubai Airports works to balance the interests of all stakeholders to maintain aviation growth, protect operational resilience and ensure that service providers collaborate to provide a safe and secure service and improve customer experience whilst maintaining a sustainable business. In 2024, DXB welcomed a total of 92.3 million guests, the highest annual traffic in its history. DXB is ranked as the world's number one airport by international passenger numbers for 2023, as announced by the Airports Council International (ACI). DWC embodies Dubai's vision for the future of aviation. With expansion plans announced in May 2024, involving a record investment of US$35b, DWC aims to reshape the aviation landscape. Over the next decade, DWC will accommodate 150m passengers annually, eventually expanding to 260m passengers and 12m tonnes of cargo. With five runways, futuristic design and seamless intermodal connectivity, DWC aims to revolutionise global air travel, setting new standards for efficiency and passenger experience for the next 50 years. High-resolution images of DXB are available here: Media Library For recent updates, refer to our official social media platforms on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter or hashtags: #DubaiAirports #DXB #DubaiWorldCentral.
