Dubai Airports appoints Strategic Accessibility Advisors

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Paul Griffiths Paul Griffiths is an Influencer

Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Airports

Accessibility is about empathy, listening, and learning from those with lived experience. That is why I am pleased to welcome Jessica Smith OAM PLY, Fatma Aljassim, and the Watson Family (Nick Watson and Tia Watson) as Dubai Airports’ first Strategic Accessibility Advisors. Each brings a unique perspective – from lived experience with disability, to advocacy, to championing inclusion on global platforms. Their insights will be invaluable as we shape #DXB’s journey to becoming the world’s most #accessible and inclusive airport – advising on guest touchpoints, guiding awareness campaigns, and working with our teams to embed accessibility into everything we do. With more than 1.5 billion people worldwide living with some form of hearing, visual, mobility, or cognitive impairment, the need for meaningful change is clear. This milestone reflects our commitment to ensure every guest at DXB feels confident, supported, and truly welcome.

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Jessica Smith OAM PLY

Head of Strategic Partnerships | Paralympian | Global Speaker | Thought Leader | Reframing Disability & Leadership | Accessibility

2w

Thank you so much Paul Griffiths, I’m honoured to step into this role alongside Fatma, Nick, Delphine, Rio and Tia. To have my voice and lived experience recognised at the table means so much —not just for me personally, but for the many people whose journeys are shaped by accessibility every day. Together with Dubai Airports, I’m excited to help co-create an experience where every traveller feels supported, confident, and welcome.

Zahira Pillay

Cabin Crew | VIP & Commercial Aviation | Rising Talent | OR Tambo–Based, Globally Available

2w

Milestones like this turn intention into impact. DXB is showing the world how inclusion in aviation should feel. #AccessibilityLeadership

Arushi Agrawal

Lifecycle operations in-charge |Product owner | Language enthusiast| ex-Baker Hughes

2w

Paul Griffiths Wheelchair lounge of Emirates is one of the biggest I have seen so far. However it needs to expanded more. approximately 100+ wheelchair assistance passengers were sitting in that space in T3. Absence of tables was noted, it was very noisy and just 3 washrooms which demanded more cleaning staff.

Shegun Olusanya

Seasoned global IT transformation leader | Building resilient environments across the globe | I help organisations turn Service into strategic advantage….. enabling boards to achieve sustainable growth at scale.

2w

Thanks for sharing this post Paul. This is an inspiring milestone for Dubai Airports and the wider aviation industry. Welcoming advisors with lived experience and global advocacy insight demonstrates true commitment to accessibility and inclusion. The impact of their guidance will be felt by millions of guests, ensuring that travel is easier, more welcoming, and more equitable for everyone. Looking forward to seeing DXB lead by example.

Well done on taking this critical step Paul Griffiths and on ensuring that Dubai Airports continues to lead in accessibility. This is very much about empathy, listening, and learning, and there's no better way than doing so from those with lived experience.

Amal Harb

CMO | Brand Growth & Development Strategist | GCC Market Expert | Hospitality & Tourism Innovator | Mentor & Storyteller

2w

A brilliant initiative! Involving people with lived experience is the only way to truly get accessibility right.

Zahi Saba

Operations & Hospitality Executive | F&B | Leadership | Driving Growth, Guest Experience & Global F&B Expansion

1w

Truly inspiring leadership, Paul. Embedding accessibility at a strategic level — guided by those with lived experience — is a strong example of how inclusion should be led from the top. A great step forward for DXB and the aviation sector globally.

Chahira El Hicheri

Leadership & Service Excellence Specialist | Purser at Emirates | Hospitality Expert | Team Coaching & Training | Brand Ambassador

2w

Dubai truly sets the standard , always providing the best support and constantly striving to get better and better.

Ana Bjelogrlic

Senior Analyst at Hoick | Turning text data into insights

2w

Impressive to see DXB embedding inclusion at the heart of its strategy. These voices will be invaluable.

Helvin Baby

Aircraft Technical Operations | Logistics & Warehousing Leader | AMOS ERP Specialist | Aviation Supply Chain & Procurement | Tooling & Inventory Optimization Expert

2w

Great initiative by Dubai Airports. Bringing in advisors with lived experience is the right step to ensure accessibility goes beyond compliance and truly reflects empathy, inclusion, and understanding. Looking forward to seeing the positive impact this will create for every guest passing through DXB

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