The latest certification from the IBCCES (International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards)
makes Atlantis Aquaventure the Middle East’s first waterpark to hold the Certified Autism Center (CAC) designation. Atlantis Aquaventure, a part of Atlantis, The Palm Resort on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, is Dubai’s largest waterpark with something for everyone. And this move validates the park’s commitment to ensuring a comprehensive and friendly environment for all guests, regardless of their challenges or preferences.With the new certification, the park has set a new industry benchmark and added a significant milestone to its environmental and social initiatives. It indicates that the park has everything to support, assist, and accommodate the needs of autistic individuals. The main objective is to ensure a pleasant and easily accessible experience for guests with special needs and sensory processing disorders. It mainly reflects the endeavors of the Atlantis Atlas Project, which is Atlantis Dubai’s dedicated sustainability program launched in 2021.
To achieve the CAC designation, the park underwent a stringent training program starting in 2022. It covered key topics, including autism awareness, sensory guides, communication, and behavior management. It also completed a review process to examine whether the park’s extensive resources can provide specialized autism-related services. As part of the initiative, 80% of the facility’s workforce received widespread training to cater to guests with autism effectively.
More than 950 Atlantis staff members now carry an IBCCES certification in one of four program categories; they include 621 lifeguards with Autism Certificate Training – Aquatics, 246 vanguard members with Autism and Sensory Awareness certificates, and over 90 guest-facing leaders and managers with a special four-hour Autism Training Certificate or the Autism Certificate. These programs are widely accepted across the world as the main criteria for training and certification in the fields of cognitive impairment.
As a CAC-designated waterpark dedicated to ongoing autism support and training, Atlantis Aquaventure has upgraded its signage with sensory ratings for 24 rides and attractions. The signage mentions all relevant details about a ride or slide, such as lighting, water temperature, and noise levels, allowing guests to determine whether it suits them. There are also two quiet zones (with low sensory stimulus) and a quiet room, which serves as a calm, relaxing space for those wanting to take a break from it all.
Myron Pincomb, IBCCES Board Chairman, said, “IBCCES is thrilled to partner with Aquaventure to help support the team’s long-term goals of accessibility and inclusion. Everyone deserves to make memories and feel welcomed when they travel to new destinations.” He continued, ““Working with industry leaders like Atlantis Aquaventure – Dubai will make a huge impact in the region and around the globe to create more inclusive spaces.”
Atlantis Dubai’s Director of Conservation, Education and CSR, Kelly Timmins, was equally excited as she said, “Partnering with IBCCES emphasizes our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility and is part of our long-term Corporate Social Responsibility strategy under the Atlantis Atlas Project, with initiatives focused on supporting people and the planet on our journey to becoming a sustainable tourism business. We look forward to welcoming all guests to Atlantis Aquaventure for an enjoyable and memorable experience.”
By attaining the CAC, Atlantis Aquaventure is now at the forefront of an even more incredible drive by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) to become a Certified Autism Destination (CAD). It is another noteworthy IBCCES certification bestowed on communities with an autism-friendly infrastructure. If earned, it will be a rare and prestigious feat for Dubai, creating history as the first CAD in the Eastern Hemisphere.
