The Jumeirah Beach 2 Sensory Room is now open, marking a major step forward in making Dubai’s public beaches more inclusive. The purpose-built space is the first beach sensory room in the Middle East. It is designed to support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and individuals with sensory sensitivities.
The milestone comes as Jumeirah Beach 2 becomes the first beach in Dubai to receive the Gold Accessibility Certification from the World Disability Union. The recognition highlights Dubai Municipality’s commitment to creating public spaces that are welcoming and accessible to everyone, regardless of their physical or sensory needs.
A Calm Space Designed for Inclusive Beach Visits
The new sensory room offers visitors a quiet and calming environment where they can regulate their senses before, during, or after spending time at the beach. It has been specially designed to reduce sensory overload, helping children and adults who may find busy beach environments overwhelming.
The addition of the sensory room reflects a broader approach to accessibility that goes beyond physical infrastructure. In addition to the new sensory room, Jumeirah Beach 2 features accessible walkways, floating wheelchairs, dedicated swimming platforms, and other amenities that allow People of Determination to enjoy the beach more comfortably and independently.
Dubai Municipality has also invested in staff training as part of the accessibility programme. Around 150 frontline and operational employees have received specialised instruction in supporting people with mobility challenges, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and sensory sensitivities. The programme also covers inclusive customer service, safe equipment handling, and emergency response procedures.
Gold Accessibility Certification Sets a New Benchmark
According to Ibrahim Mohammad Juma, Director of the Public Beaches and Water Canals Department at Dubai Municipality, the international certification reflects the municipality’s commitment to ensuring equal access to public facilities and experiences. He said that improving quality of life begins with creating spaces where every member of the community can participate safely, independently, and with dignity.
He noted that achieving the Gold Accessibility Certification and introducing the region’s first beach sensory room within just six months demonstrates Dubai Municipality’s commitment to advancing global best practices in accessibility and wellbeing.
The certification forms part of Dubai Municipality’s wider strategy to develop more inclusive public beaches across the emirate. As Dubai continues to invest in accessible infrastructure and public services, projects like the Jumeirah Beach 2 Sensory Room reflect the city’s ongoing commitment to making public spaces more inclusive for residents and visitors alike.
