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- Initiative developed in partnership with Saudi Aramco and the King Salman Center for Disability Research
- Facility equipped with adjustable lighting, sound, color and tactile elements
DAMMAM: A new sensory room opened at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam to support travelers with disabilities and the elderly on Sunday.
The initiative was developed in partnership with Saudi Aramco and the King Salman Center for Disability Research and aims to improve the airport鈥檚 inclusivity.
The facility, located in the departure terminal, is equipped with adjustable lighting, sound, color and tactile elements to create a calming and controlled environment for travelers with autism spectrum disorder, sensory sensitivities or developmental conditions.
It serves both children and adults and is managed by a multidisciplinary team trained in behavioral and sensory support.
The move follows the success of a similar facility at Riyadh鈥檚 King Khalid International Airport, opened in 2021.
Prince Sultan bin Salman attended the inauguration ceremony of the sensory room. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)
Parents attending the opening event welcomed the initiative as a long-awaited step toward inclusive travel. In interviews with Arab News, they described the sensory room as transformative for families of children with special needs.
鈥淔or the first time, I can travel with my son without fearing a sensory overload,鈥� said Rana Al-Qahtani, the mother of a child with autism. 鈥淭his space gives families like ours peace of mind.鈥�
Another parent, Faisal Al-Mutairi, told Arab News that the new facility sends 鈥渁 message that our children belong in every public space. Seeing this at an international airport makes us feel truly seen.鈥�
Prince Sultan bin Salman inaugurated the new facility, praising it as 鈥渁 model of collaboration that reflects 黑料社区鈥檚 humanitarian commitment.鈥�
He noted that a similar facility will soon open at Jeddah鈥檚 King Abdulaziz International Airport.
鈥淭he Kingdom continues to invest in specialized programs that empower individuals and ensure they enjoy equal access to public facilities,鈥� he said.
Saudi Aramco鈥檚 executive vice president for human resources and corporate services, Nabil Al-Jama鈥�, said: 鈥淎ramco remains committed to supporting national initiatives that strengthen community cohesion and promote social inclusion.
鈥淭hese sensory rooms embody our belief that accessibility and empathy must guide development.鈥�
Dammam Airports Co. chief executive, Mohammed Al-Hassani, said: 鈥淭he sensory room reflects our long-term commitment to building an inclusive airport environment that welcomes all segments of society. It is about comfort, dignity and equality in travel.鈥�
Kholoud Al-Shaya, adviser to Prince Sultan and director of the project, said the decision to expand the initiative followed feedback from families who used the Riyadh facility.
鈥淭he positive emotional and behavioral impact we witnessed over the past four years confirmed that inclusive design is not optional 鈥� it is essential. We鈥檙e proud to see this concept take root in more Saudi airports,鈥� she said.
Beyond the sensory room, Dammam Airports Co. announced the signing of development contracts worth SR500 million ($133.3 million) and three strategic agreements with civil-society organizations to promote sustainability, recycling and the training and empowerment of persons with disabilities.
The agreements reinforce the company鈥檚 role in advancing the Vision 2030 goals of quality of life, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.