By Rafiq Vayani
DUBAI: Dubai Duty Free’s Human Resources team has been named “Team of the Year” at the prestigious Frontier Awards, recognising its leadership in advancing inclusion and accessibility across Dubai Duty Free operations.
The award was presented on 30 September in Palm Beach, Cannes, where the Frontier Awards brought together leading figures and organisations from across the global travel retail industry.
Dubai Duty Free’s award entry highlighted the Human Resources team’s work in supporting Dubai Duty Free to become the first airport retailer in the world to achieve autism certification. The initiative involved organisation-wide awareness and training programmes designed to strengthen employees’ understanding of autism and their ability to support customers with hidden disabilities.
The programme was delivered at scale, with more than 4,800 employees completing training across frontline retail, support functions and back-office teams. Dubai Duty Free also extended its accessibility efforts through its participation at AccessAbilities Expo, providing an opportunity to engage with the wider community and highlight its commitment to inclusion.
Commenting on the award, Dubai Duty Free Managing Director, Ramesh Cidambi said, “We are proud of our Human Resources team and this well-deserved recognition at the Frontier Awards. Achieving autism certification was a significant undertaking and one that required commitment, collaboration and a shared belief in creating a more inclusive environment. Being recognised as Team of the Year is a wonderful acknowledgement of the dedication of everyone involved, and we hope our journey can inspire other organisations across the travel retail industry.”
The Human Resources team’s recognition at the Frontier Awards reflects its contribution to advancing inclusion within Dubai Duty Free and its work to strengthen accessibility across the airport retail experience.
Through initiatives such as its autism certification and ongoing support for accessibility programmes, Dubai Duty Free continues to build greater awareness, accessibility and inclusivity across its operations and create a more welcoming experience for all.
rafiq@biztoday.news
