Located on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf, the City of Dubai stands out as a glittering jewel in an inhospitable desert landscape. It is a major center of government power and financial influence in the United Arab Emirates, but is still one of the seven that make up the country.

In the last decade, Dubai has grown to become the Middle East’s tourism destination. It has attracted a large foreign population. Today, only 11% of Dubai’s residents hold an Emirati passport. The city is truly “over the top,” holding many records for “biggest,” “tallest,” and “only.” Great strides have been made to ensure accessibility for many. The public transportation system is among the best in the world. The majority of attractions and sights are open to all. Sidewalks could and should be better, but the situation is improving. If Dubai is on your list, use this guide to plan your wheelchair accessible journey.

Guide Contents

Wheelchair assistance at Dubai Airport.

Airport Accessibility

Dubai International Airport is one of the world’s largest international gateways for airline passengers.

Wheelchair accessible attractions in Dubai.

Attractions & Sights

Wheelchair users have access to two cities: modern and historic Dubai, from the Burj Khalifa to Deira Creek.

Wheelchair accessible hotels in Dubai.

Hotels & Accommodations

Wheelchair accessible hotels with roll-in showers are plentiful in Dubai.

Wheelchair accessible public transport in Dubai.

Public Transportation

The Dubai Metro is one of the most accessible in the world.

Wheelchair taxis in Dubai.

Wheelchair Taxis

The number of wheelchair taxis in Dubai is growing.

Wheelchair accessibility of sidewalks in Dubai.

Sidewalk Accessibility

Dubai sidewalk accessibility is improving, but there is still much work to be done.

Travel visa requirements for visitors to the United Arab Emirates.

Visa Requirements & Safety

Dubai is one of the safest cities in the Middle East, and a popular tourist destination for foreign travelers.