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ToggleDubai is up to something special, again. The busy Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport are getting some major upgrades – as part of Dubai’s master plan to enhance accessibility and passenger comfort. Dubai is on a mission to build itself the most accessible airports by 2035. Isn’t it incredible?
These significant Dubai Airports accessibility upgrades are based on a long-term plan meant to enhance the guest experience across all touchpoints and position both airports in Dubai as global leaders in accessibility. The UAE is committed to the rights of People of Determination (PoD) and seeks to make Dubai a disability-friendly city.
Key accessibility upgrades at Dubai International and Al Maktoum International
Dubai Airports unveils the next phase of its 10-year accessibility strategy, aiming to make DXB and DWC the world’s most inclusive airports by 2035. The plan enhances the guest experience, aligns with global best practices, supports People of Determination, and advances Dubai’s… pic.twitter.com/e8GWaKVFqw
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) October 6, 2025
Dubai Airports leading global standards in accessibility? Definitely. Both Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport feature a range of useful options. These include the Travel Planner, an online visual guide to help passengers prepare for their journey.
You can also find complimentary DXB parking for 2 hours, dedicated taxis, hearing loops installed across more than 520 touchpoints, and a quiet and sensory-friendly Assisted Travel Lounge in Terminal 2 of Dubai International (DXB).
DXB is expected to surpass the golden number of 100 million annual passengers soon, before hitting its maximum capacity of 115 million people by the end of 2031. By 2032, all operations at Dubai International are going to transition to Al Maktoum International to gradually accommodate 150 million passengers, before expanding to 260 million soon. Dubai seeks to turn Al Maktoum International into the largest capacity airport by the next decade.
What accessibility assistance does Emirates offer at Dubai International Airport (DXB)?
Fly with confidence! We’ve just launched a new Accessible & Inclusive Travel Hub on https://t.co/OYEv1ySEEt for people with accessible travel requirements, new onboard sensory products, and process enhancements across the inflight and on-ground experience. https://t.co/4AoaCN9U0i pic.twitter.com/qYNsZZq7cc
— Emirates (@emirates) October 8, 2025
Big changes to Emirates accessibility upgrades? Yes. One of the largest international airlines, Emirates, has announced a range of benefits for its passengers – in an effort to become the most accessible airline and turn Emirates Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB) into one of the most accessible airports globally.
1. Emirates Accessible and Inclusive Travel Hub
Enjoy a smooth, safe and comfortable journey using Emirates travel assistance and medical services. Meant to reduce travel anxiety, the Emirates Accessible and Inclusive Travel Hub on emirates.com is designed to contain all the details one might need for accessible travel.
You can find thoughtful and accessibility-friendly navigation. Customers can explore sections by disability, including Visual Impairment, Hidden Disabilities, Hearing Impairment and more. You can also look at specific parts of the journey, such as Before Your Flight, Departure From Dubai, Onboard Your Flight and more. Passengers can also search by specific requirements, such as Explore Dubai Airport (DXB) Map and Sensory Guides. Isn’t it incredible?
2. Emirates Sensory Products and Fidget Toys 30,000 feet in the sky

Yes! Starting next month, passengers of all ages and in all cabin classes can access Emirates Sensory Products and Fidget Toys. These items help overstimulated systems get calm and rebalance. You can find a tactile stress reliever designed in the style of an aircraft, a branded aircraft rubber popper and a couple of types of Emirates fidget cubes. These items are given to passengers struggling onboard, including nervous flyers if appropriate.
3. Emirates accessibility upgrades for inflight entertainment
Emirates inflight entertainment (ice) has been significantly improved. The airline is currently offering more than 600 films featuring closed captions and 200 films featuring audio description. This is extremely useful for visually impaired passengers.
To enhance relaxation and reduce travel anxiety, Emirates is also offering channels that include meditations and soothing sounds. You can also get benefits on the inflight entertainment system. Check Emirates for more details.
4. Emirates mattress hood in Business Class to minimise disruptions?

Is this possible? It is. The meticulously designed Emirates mattress hood in Business Class is a key part of the airline’s accessibility upgrades. The mattress gets a built in hood that attaches the mattress to the seat more firmly. Imagine a fitted sheet! More comfort and less disruptions.
5. Emirates smart corridor? Barrier-free travel at Dubai Airport (DXB)

Boarding a flight from or landing at Emirates Terminal 3 in Dubai International Airport (DXB). This terminal has an Emirates smart corridor that features a barrier-free design and biometrics to permit smooth, independent movement.
The cameras are going to operate as per your requirements! Yes. This area of the Dubai Airport features flexible camera coverage, meaning that the cameras can self-adjust to heights and angles. This is a major improvement for passengers facing mobility issues.
6. Emirates self-service check-in kiosks at Dubai International Airport
The airline has also made significant improvements to its self-service check-in kiosks at Dubai International Airport (DXB). You can find text to speech functionality, improved touchscreen usability, a headphone jack for mobility and sight challenges and, most importantly, the ability to self-adjust to accommodate the passengers’ height.
The aforementioned Dubai Airports accessibility upgrades at Dubai International and Al Maktoum International are meant to make your journey more comfortable. The airports are on a mission to become the most accessible airports by 2035, something that Dubai is quite capable of achieving – especially considering its deepening focus on enhancing its tourism offerings.