Dammam airport’s sensory room sets new standard for inclusive travel in Saudi Arabia
Dammam — King Fahd International Airport in Dammam has taken a major step toward inclusive and accessible travel with the opening of a new sensory room designed to support passengers with disabilities, autism, and sensory sensitivities.
Developed in collaboration with Saudi Aramco and the King Salman Center for Disability Research, the facility represents Saudi Arabia’s growing commitment to improving travel experiences for all.
Located within the airport’s departure terminal, the sensory room provides a calming and carefully controlled environment that helps reduce sensory overload for travelers.
The space is equipped with adjustable lighting, sound, color, and tactile elements, all tailored to meet individual needs. It serves both children and adults, ensuring that travelers of all ages can find comfort and stability before boarding their flights.
The facility is operated by a multidisciplinary team trained in behavioral and sensory support, reflecting a thoughtful approach that goes beyond infrastructure to prioritize emotional and psychological well-being.
The initiative builds on the success of a similar sensory room launched at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport in 2021, which has received wide praise from families and accessibility advocates.
At the inauguration ceremony, Prince Sultan bin Salman — a long-time advocate for disability inclusion — praised the project as a symbol of compassion and collaboration. “This sensory room represents a model of partnership that reflects Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian values,” he said. “The Kingdom continues to invest in programs that empower individuals and ensure they enjoy equal access to public spaces.”
Prince Sultan also announced that a similar facility will soon open at Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport, signaling a nationwide push toward creating more inclusive travel infrastructure.
Parents who attended the event expressed heartfelt gratitude. Rana Al-Qahtani, mother of a child with autism, described the initiative as life-changing. “For the first time, I can travel with my son without fearing sensory overload,” she said. “This space gives families like ours peace of mind.”
Another parent, Faisal Al-Mutairi, said the new room “sends a message that our children belong everywhere.” He added: “Seeing this at an international airport makes us feel truly seen and respected.”
The initiative was equally praised by corporate partners. Nabil Al-Jama’, executive vice president for Human Resources and Corporate Services at Saudi Aramco, said: “Aramco is proud to support initiatives that foster inclusion and social harmony. These sensory rooms remind us that accessibility and empathy must guide development.”
From the airport’s perspective, Dammam Airports Co. CEO Mohammed Al-Hassani emphasized that inclusivity lies at the heart of the company’s mission.
“The sensory room reflects our long-term commitment to ensuring comfort, dignity, and equality in travel,” he said. “This initiative aligns with Vision 2030’s Quality of Life Program, which seeks to enhance accessibility in public facilities across the Kingdom.”
Kholoud Al-Shaya, adviser to Prince Sultan and director of the project, explained that the decision to expand the initiative came after overwhelmingly positive feedback from families using the Riyadh facility.
“The emotional and behavioral improvements we witnessed over the past four years prove that inclusive design is not optional — it’s essential,” she said.
Beyond the sensory room, Dammam Airports Co. has announced SR500 million ($133 million) worth of new development contracts and three strategic agreements with civil-society organizations to promote sustainability, recycling, and the training and empowerment of persons with disabilities.
These agreements further reinforce the company’s role in advancing the broader Vision 2030 goals of community engagement, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility.
The opening of the sensory room at Dammam airport marks a turning point in Saudi Arabia’s journey toward inclusive travel. It not only demonstrates the Kingdom’s commitment to accessibility but also serves as a model for other international airports to follow.
By blending innovation with compassion, and policy with purpose, Saudi Arabia is redefining what it means to travel with dignity — one inclusive step at a time.
