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A group of fifteen deaf and hard-of-hearing tourists recently embarked on a transformative, week-long journey through Dubai, curated exclusively by Amsaan Accessible Tours (AAT). The tour, organized during Deaf Awareness Week (May 1–7), showcased Dubai's world-class attractions and highlighted the importance of inclusive travel.
Participants visited iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and the Museum of the Future while enjoying unique experiences such as a desert safari. Every aspect of the tour was designed to be fully accessible, featuring deaf guides, on-demand sign language interpreters, and a communication-friendly environment.
The tour provided visitors with opportunities to engage deeply with Dubai’s culture and heritage. For Slovenian tourist Irena B, who has faced challenges traveling due to hearing loss, this trip was a revelation.
“Traveling with Amsaan was empowering and confidence-building,” Irena shared. “The deaf guides and interpreters acted as a bridge, allowing me to fully connect with the rich history, cultural nuances, and stories of each destination.”
The accessibility measures provided reassurance and peace of mind for Irena, who emphasized how rare it is to find such tailored support while traveling.
Irena highlighted the importance of combating misconceptions about the deaf community.
“People often assume we can’t fully participate in activities like hearing individuals. This leads to our needs being overlooked or poorly supported,” she explained.
Irish tourist Karl Fox, a seasoned traveler, echoed these sentiments. Despite being born deaf, Fox embraces travel wholeheartedly. However, he noted that many agencies fail to accommodate deaf travelers.
“Unfortunately, many agencies treat us as if we don’t exist. They overlook our needs and fail to provide meaningful support,” Fox said.
Fox praised Dubai’s unmatched hospitality and AAT’s ability to meet every need.
“The kindness and understanding shown in Dubai were unparalleled,” he remarked. “Having someone reliable to rely on made the experience all the more enjoyable.”
Alexander Koltsov, CEO of Amsaan Accessible Tours, stressed the company’s commitment to inclusivity.
“Our mission is to break down barriers and empower deaf individuals to explore the world with confidence and ease. Travel should be enriching for everyone, regardless of their abilities,” Koltsov said.
This tour not only provided life-changing experiences for its participants but also showcased Dubai’s potential as a hub for accessible and inclusive tourism.
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