In February 2025, SIA Member Harry Watson had the incredible opportunity to travel to Dubai for an 8-night stay with three of his support workers.
As someone with a spinal cord injury C4/C5, Harry was curious to explore how accessible this exciting, cosmopolitan city would be. From seamless flights to top-notch attractions, here’s how his Dubai experience turned out to be a fantastic adventure.
The Journey
We flew from Gatwick Airport with Emirates, and right from the get-go, the journey was smooth sailing. Gatwick itself was very accessible, and I was the first to board the plane, which made the process a breeze. We flew business class, which I tend to do for long-haul flights as it makes it more comfortable for me. I know this isn’t always possible for people but if it’s something you can consider, I would recommend it as it makes the long distances so much more manageable.
After arriving in Dubai, there was a slight delay with wheelchair assistance (about an hour), but honestly, it wasn’t a huge issue in the grand scheme of things. The airport’s accessibility was otherwise good, and I had no trouble getting around. On the return flight, I was placed in an aisle chair and, while I was the last to board, the staff were attentive, and everything went smoothly.
TIP! If you’re flying with mobility needs, I’d recommend contacting the airline in advance to ensure a stress-free experience.
Accommodation
We stayed at the Hilton Jumeirah Beach, and I couldn’t have asked for a better base for my trip. The accessible room was spacious, well-equipped, and made it easy to get around. The hotel also boasted multiple lifts and wide walkways, making navigation effortless. While the room had a balcony, there was a small step leading outside that made it inaccessible to me which was a minor setback, but one that didn’t take away from the overall experience.
One of the fun surprises was the hotel’s projector showing football at night. As a die-hard Spurs fan, I couldn’t resist tuning in to catch a game or two. The energy was fantastic, and it really helped me unwind after a day of exploring. Even if you’re not a football fan, you’ll appreciate the fun vibe.
Top Attractions
Dubai’s attractions are a testament to how inclusive the city is becoming. Atlantis The Palm was a standout for me, especially the dining experience at Hakkasan, an accessible restaurant that combines luxury and convenience. The food was nothing short of exceptional, and the restaurant was thoughtfully designed to accommodate guests with mobility challenges. I highly recommend it for a special night out.
- The Dubai Mall was another highlight. Not only for its impressive size but also for its massive aquarium, which was fully accessible and absolutely captivating. If you’re an animal lover or just enjoy unique experiences, this is a must-see.
- The Burj Khalifa offered breathtaking views from the top. Thanks to fast-track access, I skipped the long lines and made it to the observation deck with ease. The view was stunning, and the lift (which is a sight itself) was smooth and accessible.
- The Museum of the Future was fascinating and accessible. Global Village was amazing. I loved experiencing the different food cultures from around the world and the vibrant atmosphere. A note to make is outside the village it is concrete and the breezy weather made it quite chilly, so take a jacket. But this was a fantastic experience and would definitely recommend it.
- For some peace and quiet, Kite Beach was perfect. This accessible, calm spot was much quieter than other beaches, making it a top choice for anyone looking to relax. It quickly became one of my favourite places in Dubai.
- Madame Tussauds was also a fun stop. The figure of The Queen was so lifelike, I couldn’t resist asking for a drink (sadly, she didn’t respond). There were some figures I didn’t recognise as they were UAE celebrities, but they were still impressive, and the attraction was completely accessible, making it easy to explore.
Getting Around
During my stay, I had the pleasure of using a private driver, and it was a fantastic way to get around. The vehicle was accessible and very comfortable. The experience made travel easy and stress-free, and I’d highly recommend it for anyone with mobility needs. Just a quick note: the driver was booked through a travel agent, and while there was a small language barrier, it didn’t interfere much with the experience. I also found that the local taxis were generally very accessible, which made getting around Dubai a breeze. Whether by private driver or taxi, I had no issues navigating the city.
Final Thoughts
Dubai is a city that’s clearly making strides in becoming more accessible and inclusive, and I was genuinely impressed. The overall accessibility was top-notch, with very few challenges. There were some minor obstacles, like steep drop curbs and the occasional blocked pathway, but nothing that couldn’t be worked around. I’d rate Dubai’s accessibility at 8/10, with room to improve in certain areas like airport staff training and a few design details. But the city’s dedication to evolving and accommodating all travellers is evident.
I would wholeheartedly recommend Dubai as a destination for anyone with mobility challenges, and I’m already looking forward to visiting again to see how the city continues to grow and improve.
This story was featured in Forward Magazine
Further information
The details of contacts who helped arrange Harry’s trip are:
Premium Care Solutions (01536 213 680) – SIA Trusted Care Partner
Travel Agent: Alison Pearson (Inclu Group) – 07739 794 177
