Dubai Leads Global Efforts in Accessible Tourism
Dubai will host the 5th edition of the Accessible Travel and Tourism International Conference (ATTIC-2025) from October 7 to 8 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group.
The conference will focus on advancing legislation, infrastructure, and services across air, land, and sea mobility to better serve 1.3 billion People of Determination worldwide. It aims to support their right to explore the world with ease, independence, and dignity.
Speakers will include senior officials and experts from global and regional organizations such as UN Tourism, Airports Council International (ACI World), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and leaders from the tourism, transport, and hospitality sectors.
The event offers a strategic platform for decision-makers and industry professionals to exchange insights, explore best practices, and discuss how cities can evolve into accessible destinations for travelers with disabilities—a market segment that collectively spends hundreds of billions of dollars annually.
Dubai’s Vision for Inclusive Travel
Dubai continues to strengthen its position as one of the world’s most accessible cities. Its commitment to People of Determination aligns with the UAE’s vision for inclusivity across public spaces, transportation, and tourism infrastructure.
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said the conference will unite global experts to highlight Dubai’s progress in accessible tourism and inclusion.
He noted Dubai’s recognition as an Autism-Friendly City and the designation of Emirates Airlines and Dubai Airports as inclusive facilities. These achievements, he said, reflect the country’s ongoing collaboration and commitment to empowering People of Determination.
He also called for international cooperation to ensure accessible tourism for all and wished conference participants success in their mission to promote inclusive mobility.
Lessons from Dubai: A Global Benchmark
A special session titled Lessons from Dubai will feature representatives from Emirates Airlines, Dubai Airports, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and the Department of Economy and Tourism. Speakers will showcase Dubai’s accessibility milestones, from its inclusive airport services to its recognition as a global model in autism-friendly infrastructure.
Tourists with disabilities represent a fast-growing demographic seeking destinations that cater to their needs in accommodation, transportation, and attractions. In the Middle East alone, more than 50 million People of Determination present significant opportunities for the tourism sector and job creation.
Globally, they represent about 10–15 percent of society—approximately 1.3 billion people—with the number expected to rise to 2 billion by 2050.
A Platform for Collaboration and Innovation
Organized annually by Nadd Al Shiba PR & Event Management, ATTIC serves as a global forum for airlines, airport officials, hotel operators, travel agents, and destination managers to strengthen their accessibility strategies. The 2025 edition will focus on aligning industry efforts with the UAE’s vision for inclusive and sustainable tourism.
The conference will highlight accessibility across every stage of the traveler’s journey—from booking and boarding to accommodation and recreation—stressing the need for hotels, transportation systems, beaches, and entertainment venues to become fully inclusive.
The Global Momentum Behind Inclusive Tourism
Ghassan Suleiman, Secretary-General of ATTIC, emphasized that the tourism industry must now fully embrace inclusive tourism. He called for smart solutions, strong legislation, and accessible communication systems to ensure that all travelers can experience seamless and dignified mobility.
He urged collaboration among industry stakeholders to remove travel barriers and support the global movement advocating for accessibility rights.
According to the World Bank, tourism contributed 6.7 percent of the Middle East’s GDP in 2023. The European Network for Accessible Tourism estimates that more than 257 million tourists are actively searching for inclusive destinations, while the International Organization for Standardization projects accessible tourism to generate nearly €88.6 billion in revenue by 2025.
