Sharifa Yateem Center renews autism certification in Abu Dhabi

Sharifa Yateem Center for Rehabilitation in Abu Dhabi renewed its Certified Autism Center designation from IBCCES, underscoring staff training, individualized care and accessibility for autistic people and those with developmental differences. The renewal also adds the center to IBCCES’ accessibility tools for families seeking certified services.

Why it matters: - The renewal signals continued investment in autism-informed care in Abu Dhabi. - Families seeking rehabilitation services can use the designation as a signal that staff have completed autism-specific training. - The center’s listing on IBCCES tools may make it easier for people with disabilities to find certified, sensory-aware locations.

What happened: - Sharifa Yateem Center for Rehabilitation renewed its Certified Autism Center™ designation from IBCCES on Aug. 18, 2026. - The center is in Shakhbout City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. - IBCCES said the renewal recognizes the center’s continued focus on autism support, professional training and a supportive environment for autistic individuals and people with developmental, behavioral, communication and learning differences.

The details: - At least 80% of staff completed autism-specific training as part of the renewal process. - The training covers evidence-based strategies for clinical care, therapy, communication, behavior support, sensory regulation, family engagement and individualized intervention planning. - The center’s multidisciplinary team includes Clinical Psychologists, Board Certified Behavior Analysts, Behavior Therapists, Speech and Language Pathologists and Occupational Therapists. - Sharifa Yateem Center for Rehabilitation offers Applied Behavior Analysis, Clinical Psychology, Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, parent coaching, school consultation, social skills training, vocational readiness, community integration and life skills programs. - The facility includes therapy rooms, ABA teaching areas, psychology consultation rooms, speech and language therapy suites, occupational therapy facilities, sensory integration spaces, parent meeting rooms and areas for functional skill development and social interaction. - Accessibility features include a wheelchair-accessible entrance, accessible parking, accessible restrooms, spacious hallways and therapy rooms, quiet low-distraction therapy spaces, visual schedules, communication supports and sensory regulation equipment. - Sharifa Yateem Center for Rehabilitation is now featured on the IBCCES Accessibility App, a free tool that provides guidance on certified locations, sensory-friendly spaces and tailored recommendations. - IBCCES also offers AccessibilityCertified.com and AutismTravel.com, which list certified locations and professionals.

Between the lines: - The renewal reflects a broader push in the UAE to expand specialized, accessible services for autistic people and families. - The certification also serves as a marketing signal, but the operational impact is the staff training, review process and ongoing renewal requirements behind it. - IBCCES positions its certifications as a long-term standard across healthcare, education, public safety, travel and corporate sectors.

What’s next: - The center will continue operating under the CAC designation and the renewal requirements tied to IBCCES certification. - Families using IBCCES directories and the Accessibility App may increasingly encounter the center as a certified option for autism and rehabilitation services. - Sharifa Yateem Center for Rehabilitation says it will keep focusing on individualized support that respects each person’s communication, sensory, behavioral and developmental needs.

The bottom line: - The renewal reinforces Sharifa Yateem Center for Rehabilitation’s role as a certified autism-support provider in Abu Dhabi, with training and accessibility at the center of its care model.