Dubai is a city of lights and is focused on high-rise buildings, vast shopping centers, and big dreams to become a tourist attraction center for everyone. A lot of consideration is required in order to make travel easier and comfortable for people with mobility impairments. This article is who and what decision-makers will need to know about Dubai, which are quite important for a comfortable stay there for people with disabilities.
Navigating Transportation in Dubai
Navigating a new city on wheels and particularly when in an electric wheelchair or a stroller as well as when in a fully occupied bus or train, is not an easy task. Over the years, Dubai has ensured that it has developed transport facilities that are more convenient to use.
Public Transportation Accessibility
The Dubai Metro, a modern and latest rail transport system, has the majority of its metro stations have lifts or ramps for PWDs. There are specific seats left for the wheelchair-bound clients in the carriages. Likewise, most of the RTA buses are fitted with ramps and a lower floor, and they kneel to allow for easier boarding.
Nevertheless, it is better to check the certain route and the model of the bus in advance, especially if it operates one of the routes that have been launched rather long time ago. Taxis are also available from the RTA and from private companies, although not every one of them is equipped for physically challenged passengers, but the drivers can provide cars for the disabled on request. It is advisable to book for this service prior to arriving at the shores to guarantee a slot.
Accessible Airport Transfers
DXB is one of the largest airports in the world that provides help and support to passengers with reduced mobility. These include mobility aids, physical accessibility in such areas as the restrooms, and transferring services. It is very important to alert the airline of your special requirement far enough in advance so that all of the required assistance can be arranged to receive you at the arrival and during transit within the airport.
Accommodation and Accessibility
This is why it is essential to select the most appropriate kind of lodging that meets their expectations. A good number of hotels and serviced apartments in Dubai contain facilities like ramps for easy approach, doors with adequate width, grab bars in washrooms and shower facilities for the roll-in type.
Selecting Accessible Hotels
What some guests with disabilities have reported is that often they only find out when they check in that a particular hotel or resort does not have the needed facilities or the disabled access to restaurants, pools fitness centers, etc. That is why before you book your accommodations it is recommended to ask the hotel whether your room and all the hotel amenities are accessible for disabled guests, whether are not. Do not be embarrassed to request more elaborate explanations regarding the facilities or even pictures to make sure that the facilities meet your specific needs.
Considerations for Serviced Apartments
Instead of a hotel, more space and independence can be provided that is less difficult to maneuver if one has specific mobility issues. In this case, as with hotels, it is also important to check specific requests of the apartment and possible specific features like kitchen or bathroom.
Exploring Dubai’s Attractions
Dubai has a lot of places of interest, and many places are actively pursuing the Accessibility for All initiative. Staying at each place may sometimes be tricky; therefore, ensure that you first identify if any of the places is accessible or not.
Accessible Tourist Spots
Most of the new comer tourist attraction centers like the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa (observation decks), and the Dubai Fountain are disability-friendly with ramps, elevators and barrier-free access to rest rooms.
However it can be expected that older districts of the city or tourist sights located in historical regions can be more problematic. Since the accessibility may change over time, it is advisable to contact the attraction’s websites directly for the most current information.
Navigating Public Spaces
The accessibility of sidewalks and other public places in Dubai is gradually increasing as more and more sidewalks are fitted with dropped kerbs and smoother pathways in a number of places. However, they might face some challenges when maneuvering through some of the older or what can be described as less developed parts of the areas. It is thus important to plan for your movements around the country in advance and be prepared to meet some of these challenges.
Essential Tips for Travelers with Mobility Needs
Besides transport, where to stay in and what to see in here are few tips that can make your trip to Dubai even better:
Planning and Preparation
Thorough planning is key. Ensure that you research for all available information on your accessibility needs in all areas such as flights, hotels, transportation means, and tourism activities. It is advisable to inform specific service providers prior to visiting them and ask for the necessary accommodations.
Traveling with Assistance
For your needs, it would be useful to bring a friend or family member along or make prior arrangement with services in Dubai. There are several companies that deals with personal care and assistance required for the disable people while travelling.
Health and Medical Considerations
Make sure that you have the necessary travel insurance which will accommodate for medical expenses. Take photocopies of prescription and any other equipment that may be required during the trip. It is important for you to know where the hospitals and medical centers of Dubai are.
Communication
Nevertheless, Arabic can also be useful as some people in Dubai speak English, however, knowing some basic phrases associated with assistance or direction is useful.
Be Prepared for the Climate
Dubai’s climate is hot and dry and it becomes extremely hot during the summer season which usually prevails from April to September. It is advised to drink fluids and observe some safety measures especially if you are using an electric wheelchair because heat can decrease battery capacity.
According to these factors, the physically challenged individuals are able to plan for a great trip to Dubai. As development occurs constantly, it is clear that advanced forward thinking, as well as research, will play a large role in endless progression toward easy and accommodating travel. Regarding transport as soon as they arrive, they should consider Wheelchair rental dubai to make the trip more comfortable and convenient.
