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DubaI has officially been recognized as the first Certified Autism Destination™ in the Eastern Hemisphere, marking a significant step in the city’s ongoing efforts to ensure accessible and inclusive tourism experiences for all visitors, including families and individuals from around the world. This prestigious designation, awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), underscores Dubai’s commitment to providing a seamless and supportive travel experience for those with autism and sensory sensitivities.  

This achievement aligns with the key priorities of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, championing social inclusion and quality of life, as well as the UAE Year of Community, which emphasizes creating inclusive spaces for everyone. The journey to becoming a Certified Autism Destination™ was spearheaded by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), with the collective efforts of key stakeholders and partners across the city’s tourism ecosystem.

For families dreaming of exploring the wonders of the Middle East, Dubai’s new status offers peace of mind. From the moment you arrive at Dubai International Airport (DXB), recognized as the first international airport to earn the Certified Autism Center™ designation, to navigating hotels and attractions, significant efforts have been made to create a welcoming and understanding environment. Over 45,000 employees across the airport community have received specialized training to support travelers with hidden disabilities, including autism and sensory sensitivities.

Imagine exploring Dubai’s iconic landmarks and vibrant attractions with the aid of custom sensory guides, designed to help you plan your visit according to your family’s specific needs. Picture the ease of utilizing hidden disability lanyards for discreet support when needed. These are tangible benefits that directly enhance the travel experience for visitors. More than 300 hotels in Dubai have undergone training and certification processes to ensure comfortable and inclusive stays, while over 15 attractions, including beaches and parks, have earned IBCCES certifications.

The “Dubai Way” online training platform, developed by the Dubai College of Tourism (DCT), a part of DET, has been instrumental in equipping over 70,000 tourism-facing professionals with the skills and knowledge to provide exceptional service to People of Determination. This includes comprehensive autism and sensory awareness training, fostering a culture of empathy and understanding throughout the city.

His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), commented, “Dubai’s designation as a Certified Autism Destination is a landmark moment, reflecting our deep commitment to enhancing accessibility for all our visitors. We recognize the importance of ensuring that families and individuals from around the world can experience the best of Dubai with comfort and confidence. This achievement is a testament to the collaborative spirit of our partners across the aviation, hospitality, and attractions sectors.”

Dubai International (DXB) CEO Paul Griffiths added, “As the first and last impression of the city for millions of travellers, we take our responsibility to create an inclusive environment seriously. This milestone in Dubai’s journey to becoming a Certified Autism Destination reinforces our unwavering commitment to ensuring a seamless and supportive travel experience for every guest, regardless of their needs.”

Emirates has also played a crucial role, becoming the world’s first Autism Certified Airline™ with over 30,000 on-ground staff and cabin crew trained to support autistic customers. Adel Al Redha, Deputy President and Chief Operations Officer at Emirates, stated, “These significant achievements help build a strong foundation for Dubai to be celebrated as the first certified autism destination in the eastern hemisphere – giving travellers confidence that their journey to and from our iconic city will be supported.”

Attractions like Expo City Dubai, now a Certified Autism Center™, and Dubai Holding Entertainment destinations such as Motiongate Dubai and The Green Planet, further contribute to the city’s inclusive offerings. Alanood Al Hashemi, Vice President of Organisational Culture and Impact at Dubai Holding Entertainment, said, “We are proud to contribute to Dubai’s recognition as a Certified Autism Destination and look forward to welcoming families from around the world to our inclusive entertainment spaces.”

To further support inclusivity, all certified locations in Dubai are featured on the IBCCES Accessibility App, providing travellers with real-time guidance on sensory-friendly spaces and tailored recommendations.

Families and travel professionals interested in learning more about Dubai’s accessible tourism offerings are encouraged to visit: visitdubai.com/accessibility to plan their next Middle Eastern adventure with confidence.

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you are unable to pay for a product or service, simply because the seller is only accepting cash and all the money you have is either in your mobile money wallet or bank?  

With the popularity of digital money in Kenya, it is not uncommon to hear someone say, “I can’t remember the last time I touched physical money,” and this could well be a sentiment you identify with yourself. The ease of moving money between banks and mobile wallets and the ready availability of merchants accepting various forms of digital payments have in some cases made it unnecessary for people to need physical currency.

Yet, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Across Kenya, from vibrant urban centers to quieter rural areas, many businesses still operate primarily, if not exclusively, in cash. Think of Nairobi’s vibrant Eastleigh, where cash is often the preferred way to pay for clothing and household goods. Even businesses that embrace digital payments frequently handle significant amounts of cash.

Why the enduring appeal of physical money? For many Kenyans, cash offers a tangible sense of control and privacy. It’s a tool for budgeting and managing expenses effectively, allowing individuals to track their spending without leaving a digital trail. This preference highlights a crucial aspect often overlooked in the digital-first narrative.

While Kenya’s mobile money transactions soared to an impressive Kes 8.7 trillion in 2024, a 9.4% increase from the previous year, looking at cash circulation provides a vital counterpoint. The volume of cash in circulation reached Kes 333.8 billion in June 2024, a significant 5.6% rise compared to the previous year, according to the Central Bank of Kenya. This increase, driven by more withdrawals than deposits, suggests a growing demand for physical currency. This could be linked to Kenyans seeking ways to manage rising living costs by minimizing transaction fees, highlighting cash’s critical role in accessibility and financial inclusion, especially in rural areas and cash-based businesses.

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) further underscored the importance of cash by introducing a new series of banknotes in 2024. Featuring enhanced security and modern designs, these notes, bearing the signatures of key financial leaders, symbolize stability and confidence in the Kenyan economy. This commitment to a secure cash system demonstrates that the preference for cash is not just about necessity, but a conscious choice for many.

Consider the vibrant markets like Gikomba and Toi. These cash-heavy hubs often deal in large volumes and operate outside traditional banking hours, opening early and closing late. Recognizing this persistent demand, the banking sector is innovating to provide secure cash management solutions. Banks like Equity Bank are increasingly investing in self-service banking technologies, particularly Cash Deposit Machines (CDMs). These machines offer customers the convenience and flexibility of depositing cash safely and at their own convenience, outside the constraints of traditional banking hours.

Take Jesse, a trader in Gikomba market. His business thrives on cash transactions and operates well beyond the typical 9-to-5 banking schedule. For Jesse, CDMs offer a secure, transaction-free way to deposit his earnings at any time.

While specific data on CDM adoption in Kenya for 2025 is still emerging, the growing need for accessible banking solutions suggests that cash will remain a vital component of the financial landscape. Even as digital payments gain momentum, the banking sector is acknowledging and accommodating the enduring preference for cash. It continues to be a critical element of the Kenyan economy, supporting businesses, promoting financial inclusion, and providing a sense of security, stability, trust, and control for a significant portion of the population.

By Celestine Achi | Accra, Ghana| As the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) marks its golden jubilee with grand celebrations in Accra, Ghana, a pivotal and emotionally charged conversation has taken center stage: the push for reparations for colonial-era injustices and the return of looted African artifacts. Amidst the fanfare, African leaders are signaling a shift towards addressing historical wrongs as a foundation for future development.

During an interview at the ECOWAS 50th Anniversary launch, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, Ambassador Musa Sani Nuhu, reaffirmed the regional bloc’s alignment with the African Union’s 2025 theme—heritage restoration and reparative justice.

“I think you’ll recall that the African Union’s theme for the year is in line with these issues, and ECOWAS is part of the African Union,” said Ambassador Nuhu. “ECOWAS supported that theme to be the central focus for 2025.”

He highlighted that ECOWAS has already begun operationalizing this agenda, most notably through the appointment of President Patrice Talon of Benin as the regional champion for the recovery of cultural artifacts looted during the colonial period.

“These items were taken from the region during colonialism. So, of course, ECOWAS is very much on course on this issue,” he added.

When asked whether reparations for colonial injustices should be a central issue for Africa, Ambassador Nuhu was unequivocal:

“Yes, of course. It’s something that is on the table and is being discussed. Such discussions usually begin at the technical level before moving to ministerial discussions and finally to the heads of state. Right now, it is being examined at the technical level.”

His remarks were echoed by Ambassador Josephine Nkrumah, ECOWAS Ambassador to Liberia, who confirmed that the conversation is advancing steadily through the proper institutional frameworks.

“Should reparations for those injustices be a central agenda for Africa? Yes, of course,” Nkrumah said. “It’s something which is on the table, which is being digested at the technical level… I’m sure by the time it reaches the highest level, it will be endorsed.”

A Continental Movement Gathers Momentum

The dialogue on reparations and restitution comes at a time when civil society movements across Africa—and in the diaspora—are ramping up pressure on governments to secure reparative justice for the scars of colonialism, slavery, and cultural erasure. The restitution of artifacts is not only seen as symbolic but also as a vital step in healing the historical wounds inflicted on African societies.

Countries such as Germany, France, and the United Kingdom have begun returning cultural treasures to nations including Nigeria and Benin. These acts, though incremental, have reignited debate on broader reparations—including financial compensation, systemic redress, and education reform.

The Rising Call for Repatriation: A Growing Concern Across Africa

The issue of reparations has become an increasingly pressing concern within African society. Reports from various media outlets suggest that the total value of reparations being discussed could amount to as much as $50 trillion.

Amplifying this message through art and activism, Guinean artist Elie Kamano has released a powerful new anthem titled “Africa Without Africans.” The single resonates deeply with the African Union’s 2025 theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.”

Through evocative lyrics, the song recounts the immense suffering endured during the colonial era and calls on African leaders to take bold action in restoring historical justice. Kamano urges authorities to demand the return of what was unjustly taken from the continent, framing music as a rallying cry for a continent still healing from centuries of exploitation.

ECOWAS at 50: A Symbol of Unity and Future Ambitions

The reparations agenda found a powerful stage at the ECOWAS 50th Anniversary celebration, themed “Stronger Together for a Brighter Future”. Held at the Accra International Conference Center, the event drew leaders and dignitaries from across West Africa, including Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, Liberian President Joseph Boakai, and ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray.

President Mahama acknowledged Africa’s shared challenges—political instability, economic inequality, and climate threats—and called for collective solutions rooted in justice and inclusion.

“We must respond not with isolation but with understanding and a willingness to engage,” he said, announcing 1,000 scholarships for students across the subregion as a symbol of pan-African unity and youth empowerment.

Dr. Touray reinforced ECOWAS’ role as a unifying force:

“ECOWAS is not just a regional bloc—it is a symbol of hope, unity, and resilience for West Africa.”

Cultural Renaissance and Restorative Justice

One of the most striking moments of the ceremony came with a theatrical performance titled “Reclaiming Our Destiny”, a dramatic retelling of the glory and wisdom of the ancient empires of Mali, Songhai, and Ghana. The play urged contemporary African leaders to honor their legacy by standing up for justice, culture, and the aspirations of their people.

The unveiling of the ECOWAS at 50 logo, depicting golden rays symbolizing unity and growth, rounded off the day’s events with a hopeful message of regional renewal.

Analysis: A Turning Point for African Leadership?

The renewed emphasis on reparations by ECOWAS represents a notable evolution in the regional bloc’s policy discourse—from economic cooperation to cultural and historical redress. While progress may still be at the technical discussion phase, the political will being demonstrated at the highest levels signals a growing readiness to confront uncomfortable truths.

By prioritizing reparations and heritage recovery, ECOWAS is not merely addressing the past—it is anchoring Africa’s future development on a foundation of justice, dignity, and cultural sovereignty.

As Ambassador Nuhu stated, “By the time it reaches the highest level, it will be endorsed along that line.”

The next 50 years of ECOWAS may well be defined not just by economic integration—but by moral leadership and historical accountability. And that could prove to be the true golden legacy of West Africa’s most enduring regional institution.