Abu Dhabi
Zayed Authority for People of Determination announced that both the Abu Dhabi Autism Center and Al Ain Autism Center, affiliated with the Authority, have been awarded the Certified Autism Center (CAC) accreditation by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), under a five-year strategic agreement.
In a qualitative achievement that reflects its commitment to institutional excellence and the adoption of global best practices, and as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life for People of Determination and their families, Zayed Authority for People of Determination announced that both the Abu Dhabi Autism Center and Al Ain Autism Center, affiliated with the Authority, have been awarded the Certified Autism Center (CAC) accreditation by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), under a five-year strategic agreement.
International Accreditation Confirming Institutional Readiness
This accreditation is considered one of the most prominent international recognitions in the field of autism, granted to institutions that demonstrate comprehensive institutional readiness. This goes beyond service delivery to encompass an advanced system that includes qualified professional staff, high-quality programs and interventions, service environment standards, family engagement mechanisms, and a commitment to continuous development and evidence-based practices.
This achievement represents a strategic transformation in autism services, reinforcing the Authority’s direction toward building a fully integrated institutional model based on quality and sustainability. It enhances the quality of life for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families through supportive environments and flexible operational models that respond to individual differences and align with the latest global practices.
Al Humaidan: A Transformational Shift Toward a Comprehensive Global System
H.E. Abdullah Abdul Aali Al Humaidan, Director General of Zayed Authority for People of Determination, emphasized that this achievement marks a pivotal milestone in the development of autism services, stating:
“The accreditation of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain Autism Centers reflect our strategic commitment to transitioning from service provision to building a comprehensive system rooted in quality, professionalism, and international standards—ensuring the delivery of advanced specialized services that create a real and sustainable impact in the lives of People of Determination and their families.”
He added that the high qualification rates of staff at both centers, along with the awarding of hundreds of specialized professional certifications, reflect a genuine investment in human capital and confirm the centers’ readiness to deliver services aligned with the highest global standards. He also noted that this achievement would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of the teams.
H.E. further praised the fruitful collaboration with IBCCES, affirming that this partnership represents a successful model of integration between national institutions and international entities, and contributes to strengthening the UAE’s position as a leading model in empowering People of Determination and advancing specialized services.
IBCCES: Strengthening Inclusive Care in the UAE
For his part, Myron Pincomb, CEO and Board Chairman of IBCCES, stated:
“We are proud to partner with Zayed Authority for People of Determination – Al Ain Autism Center and Abu Dhabi Autism Center – in achieving this important milestone that enhances the comprehensive care ecosystem in the United Arab Emirates.”
He added:
“Through this accreditation, both centers enhance operational excellence, elevate workforce readiness, and contribute to building a more consistent and supportive environment for individuals with autism and sensory needs. This commitment reflects a forward-looking approach that strengthens community trust, improves the overall care experience, and sets a strong benchmark for accessibility and service quality across the region.”
Investment in Talent to Enhance Quality of Life
According to IBCCES standards, obtaining CAC accreditation requires meeting strict criteria, including training and certifying at least 80% of direct staff, delivering specialized programs for individuals with autism, undergoing regular on-site evaluations, and adhering to continuous improvement methodologies.
Both Abu Dhabi and Al Ain Autism Centers successfully achieved advanced readiness levels, with staff qualification rates ranging between 80% and 100%, reflecting a high level of professional competence and institutional discipline.
As part of this approach, the Authority implemented a comprehensive capacity-building program, resulting in staff obtaining 721 accredited professional certifications, including:
291 Autism Certificate (AC)
210 Certified Autism Specialist (CAS)
220 Student Mental Health Certificate (SMHC)
This significant investment in professional competencies reflects the Authority’s commitment to enhancing specialized performance, directly improving assessment quality, individualized planning, intervention methods, and family engagement.
This accreditation is not merely symbolic, but rather an institutional framework that fosters a culture of continuous improvement through reviewing procedures, measuring performance, and developing programs—ensuring a comprehensive and sustainable experience for beneficiaries while strengthening the confidence of families and the wider community.
The accreditation further enhances the institutional standing of Zayed Authority for People of Determination both locally and internationally, supporting its ability to build strategic partnerships, attract global expertise, and present an advanced Emirati model in autism services based on quality, innovation, and international standards.
Page Last Update: 07 April 2026