Dubai hotels make strong progress in digital services accessibility

Digital accessibility across Dubai’s hotels has increased to 90% in 2026 compared to 83% in 2024, said the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) citing an evaluation by the Dubai Digital Authority (DDA). 

This increase reflects the sector’s enhanced readiness to provide a more accessible and seamless experience for People of Determination.

The evaluation was conducted by DDA within a wider private-sector digital accessibility assessment, under the direction of the Higher Committee for Protection of the Rights of People of Determination, and as part of DET’s efforts to collaborate with partners to enhance the quality of the visitor experience from the research and trip-planning stage. 

The assessment covered entities across the travel and tourism sector, including Dubai hotels, with individual reports identifying specific accessibility gaps and areas for improvement for each assessed property. 

 Practical, property-level guidance 

These reports provide hotels with practical, property-level guidance to support targeted improvements across their digital touchpoints.

The findings form part of Dubai’s broader focus on embedding accessibility into the visitor experience, and follow the introduction of a dedicated Digital Accessibility training course provided to all hotels via the Dubai College of Tourism’s (DCT) Dubai Way online learning platform.

DET, in collaboration with DDA, will continue to support participating hotels in leveraging the assessment results, implementing the recommendations, and addressing areas for improvement. 

These initiatives will empower People of Determination and their families to search for accommodation, compare available options, and access the information they need to plan their stay with confidence and independence. 

Enhancing inclusivity

Shaikha Ebrahim Al Mutawa, Director of Hospitality Affairs at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, said: “In line with our leadership’s directives to establish Dubai as the world’s best city to visit, live and work in, we are working with our partners to enhance the inclusivity of the tourism experience and ensure that its services are accessible to all visitors.

“100% of hotels in Dubai are equipped to accommodate People of Determination, and the 90% compliance rate across their websites reflects the progress made in developing digital channels that take into account their needs. We will continue to support hotels in implementing the assessment recommendations and enhancing the guest experience from the very first stage of planning a visit, ensuring that the warm welcome Dubai is renowned for extends throughout every stage of the visitor journey.”

Dubai’s efforts extend beyond the development of digital channels, forming part of an integrated approach to enhancing accessibility and improving the quality of tourism services, facilities and experiences. In 2025, Dubai became the first Certified Autism Destination in the Eastern Hemisphere, following extensive collaboration involving airports, airlines, hotels, tourism attractions, transport providers and government entities.

As part of this, more than 70,000 tourism sector workers have received specialised training on autism and sensory needs, while over 300 hotels are participating in training and certification programmes designed to enhance their readiness to welcome visitors with diverse needs.—TradeArabia News Service