Dubai Airport Opens New Lounge with Stress Relief Area

Dubai International Airport (DXB) has just unveiled a brand-new lounge in Terminal 2, and it's not just any lounge—it's the world's first specially designed lounge for people of determination. With its spacious layout and unique features, this lounge aims to create a welcoming environment for travelers with various needs.

A Purpose-Built Oasis

Located in Terminal 2, this lounge is thoughtfully designed to cater to individuals with autism, visual disabilities, and impaired hearing, among others. It’s spacious enough to accommodate wheelchairs, making it accessible to all. As soon as you enter, you'll notice the calming ambiance, with interiors that reflect the modern spirit of Dubai.

One standout feature is the contrasting surfaces that aid movement for those with visual impairments. Seating arrangements are strategically placed close to staff members, ensuring that those with hearing impairments can easily communicate without any barriers.

A Quiet Stress Relief Area

Perhaps the most notable feature of this lounge is its dedicated 'stress relief area,' specially designed for individuals with autism. This serene sanctuary offers a peaceful escape from the bustling airport environment, allowing these travelers to relax before their flights. Additionally, there's a designated area for unaccompanied minors, ensuring that young travelers feel safe and comfortable.

A Collaborative Effort

The creation of this innovative lounge is the result of a collaboration between Dubai Airports and dnata, the lounge’s operator. This project is part of a multi-million-dirham initiative that aims to roll out similar lounges in other terminals across the airport.

Majid Al Joker, the Chief Operating Officer at Dubai Airports, emphasizes the importance of this facility. “This lounge reflects our unwavering commitment to making Dubai International a welcoming place for all travelers,” he states. “This new facility is a step in our ongoing drive to ensure a seamless travel experience for all guests, regardless of their individual needs.”

The new Assisted Travel Lounge at @DXB Terminal 2 Departures is now open! 🌻
It's a space designed to enhance the travel experience for our guests with disabilities.

You can access it by requesting a DPNA code when booking with your airline or wearing a sunflower lanyard, which… pic.twitter.com/5eJmZtuvs9

— DXB (@DXB) September 26, 2024

Inclusive Strategies for All

This new lounge is just one aspect of Dubai Airports’ broader strategy to support people of determination. The airport has implemented the 'Sunflower Ribbon Programme,' which allows guests of determination to be discreetly identified and assisted throughout their journey. This includes priority access for travel procedures, passport control, security checkpoints, and boarding.

Moreover, Dubai Airports has initiated a training program for staff to address invisible challenges, ensuring that all travelers receive the support they need. Additional amenities include free parking for two hours, dedicated taxis, and wheelchair services.

Recognized for Accessibility

In 2022, DXB earned accreditation from the Airports Council International (ACI) under the Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation Programme. This initiative recognizes global airports dedicated to making travel accessible for all passengers. Additionally, the airport has received the ‘Autism Friendly’ certification from the Dubai Autism Centre and has become the first international airport to achieve the ‘Autism Accredited Centre’ (CAC) designation.