Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach 2 has received a Gold Accessibility Certification from the World Disability Union. The beach now features the Middle East’s first beach sensory room alongside a range of accessibility upgrades for People of Determination.
The recognition follows a six-month improvement programme led by Dubai Municipality to make the beach more inclusive, comfortable, and accessible for all visitors.
Dubai continues to strengthen its position as one of the world’s most inclusive cities. This time, the spotlight is on Jumeirah Beach 2, which has become Dubai’s first beach to earn the prestigious Gold Accessibility Certification from the World Disability Union.
The achievement was announced by Dubai Municipality and marks a major milestone in the emirate’s efforts to create public spaces that can be enjoyed by everyone, including People of Determination. One of the standout additions is the launch of the Middle East’s first beach sensory room, a dedicated facility designed to support visitors with autism and sensory sensitivities.
The certification reflects Dubai’s wider vision of improving accessibility across public facilities while enhancing quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
#DubaiMunicipality has announced that Jumeirah Beach 2 has been awarded the Gold Accessibility Certification by the World Disability Union, becoming Dubai’s first beach to receive the prestigious accreditation.
— ????? ??? | Dubai Municipality (@DMunicipality) June 29, 2026
The achievement recognises Dubai Municipality’s commitment to… pic.twitter.com/ag3cXykczR
What Makes Jumeirah Beach 2 Different?
The Gold Accessibility Certification was awarded after a comprehensive six-month enhancement programme carried out by Dubai Municipality.
The initiative focused on improving physical infrastructure, visitor services, staff training, and accessibility solutions throughout the beach.
Today, visitors will find a wide range of features designed to support independent and comfortable beach access.
These include:
- Dedicated parking spaces for People of Determination
- Accessible walkways and ramps
- Accessible toilets and shower facilities
- Wheelchair charging stations
- Golf cart transportation services
- Inclusive children’s play areas
- Free beach chairs and umbrellas
- A dedicated swimming platform
- Floating wheelchairs that allow safe access to the sea
These additions ensure that people with varying mobility and accessibility needs can enjoy a day at the beach with greater ease and confidence.
What Is the Middle East’s First Beach Sensory Room?
Perhaps the most unique feature introduced at Jumeirah Beach 2 is the new sensory room.
Designed specifically for visitors with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and sensory sensitivities, the facility offers a calm and controlled environment away from external stimulation.
For many individuals, crowded public spaces can sometimes become overwhelming due to noise, movement, and environmental factors. The sensory room provides a quiet space where visitors can regulate their sensory experience before, during, or after spending time at the beach.
While sensory rooms are increasingly common in airports, schools, and healthcare facilities worldwide, introducing one directly at a beach is a first for the Middle East.
The addition reflects Dubai Municipality’s growing focus on inclusive urban planning that considers different physical, emotional, and sensory needs.
Accessibility Goes Beyond Infrastructure
Dubai Municipality has stressed that accessibility is not only about ramps and facilities.
As part of the project, approximately 150 frontline and operational staff members received specialised training to better support People of Determination.
The training covered:
- Assisting visitors with mobility challenges
- Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Supporting individuals with sensory sensitivities
- Inclusive customer service practices
- Safe operation of accessibility equipment
- Emergency response procedures
This human-centred approach ensures that visitors receive practical support alongside physical accessibility features.
By combining infrastructure improvements with staff education, Dubai is creating a more welcoming experience for everyone visiting public spaces.
How Does This Fit Into Dubai’s Wider Accessibility Goals?
The development aligns closely with Dubai’s long-term ambition to become one of the world’s most accessible and liveable cities.
According to Dubai Municipality, the certification supports broader efforts to develop inclusive public beaches across the emirate. It also complements national initiatives aimed at empowering People of Determination and ensuring equal access to public services and recreational spaces.
The UAE Government has consistently prioritised accessibility through policies that encourage inclusive design across transportation networks, public facilities, educational institutions, and tourism attractions.
Dubai’s commitment to inclusion has also been highlighted through initiatives supported by the Dubai Government and the Dubai Media Office, which continue to promote accessibility standards across the city.
As Dubai welcomes millions of visitors annually, accessible tourism is becoming an increasingly important part of the emirate’s growth strategy. Facilities like those introduced at Jumeirah Beach 2 help position Dubai as a destination that caters to diverse visitor needs while maintaining international standards.
Why This Matters for Residents and Visitors?
For many families, accessibility can determine whether a destination is truly enjoyable.
The upgrades at Jumeirah Beach 2 mean that more residents, tourists, and People of Determination can access the beach independently and comfortably.
Parents of children with sensory sensitivities now have a dedicated support facility available on-site. Individuals with mobility challenges can benefit from specialised equipment and improved pathways. Families can spend time together without worrying about accessibility barriers.
Beyond recreation, initiatives like this help strengthen social inclusion by ensuring that public spaces are designed for everyone.
It is another example of how Dubai continues to invest in community wellbeing while raising standards for accessibility across the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Gold Accessibility Certification awarded to Jumeirah Beach 2?
A: The certification was awarded by the World Disability Union and recognises public spaces that meet international accessibility standards for People of Determination and individuals with diverse accessibility needs.
Q: What is a beach sensory room?
A: A beach sensory room is a dedicated space designed to help people with Autism Spectrum Disorder and sensory sensitivities manage sensory stimulation in a calm and controlled environment.
Q: Where is the sensory room located?
A: The sensory room is located at Jumeirah Beach 2 in Dubai and is the first facility of its kind at a beach anywhere in the Middle East.
Q: What accessibility features are available at Jumeirah Beach 2?
A: Features include accessible pathways, ramps, parking spaces, toilets, showers, floating wheelchairs, wheelchair charging stations, golf cart transport, and inclusive play areas.
Q: Who can use the facilities at Jumeirah Beach 2?
A: The facilities are designed primarily to support People of Determination, visitors with mobility challenges, and individuals with sensory sensitivities, while remaining accessible to all beachgoers.
The transformation of Jumeirah Beach 2 highlights Dubai’s growing commitment to creating inclusive public spaces for everyone. From accessible infrastructure to the Middle East’s first beach sensory room, the beach now sets a new benchmark for accessibility across the region.
As Dubai continues investing in quality-of-life initiatives, projects like this demonstrate how thoughtful design can make public spaces more welcoming, comfortable, and enjoyable for all members of society.
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- Jumeirah Beach 2 Gold certification
- Middle East’s First Beach Sensory Room
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- What Makes Jumeirah Beach 2 Different?
