Canadian University Dubai provides accessible facilities for people with disabilities across its campus. The University is committed to ensuring that all students, staff, and visitors with disabilities have equal access to academic, administrative, and recreational spaces. This page outlines the accessible facilities and support services available.
| Facility Type | Number | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accessible Washrooms | 9 | HUB Building (5), SoM Building (4) | Designed with grab rails, maneuvering space, and user-friendly fixtures |
| Accessible Parking | 20 | Near building entrances | Designated bays for People of Determination |
| Wheelchairs | 5 | HUB Clinic (2), HUB Reception (1), SoM Clinic (2) | Available for temporary assistance |
| Ramps and Step-Free Access | Multiple | All building entrances and internal routes | Provide barrier-free movement |
| Elevators | Multiple | Both campus buildings | Connect classrooms, offices, library, and student services |
| Evacuation Chairs | Multiple | HUB Building | For emergency preparedness |
| Accessible Toilets | 9 | Both buildings | See detailed list below |
| Wide Corridors | Throughout | Both buildings | Accessible circulation routes |
People of Determination
Canadian University Dubai is committed to fostering an inclusive and barrier-free learning environment where every individual is empowered to reach their maximum potential. As one of the first universities in the UAE to welcome students with special educational needs, we provide a comprehensive support ecosystem that includes individualized academic accommodations, assistive technology, and dedicated counseling services.
Disability Support Office
Targeted Supports for Students of Determination
Commitment to Accessibility for People of Determination
Disability Support Office
Disability Support Office
Ms. Simran Siddiqui
Ms. Simran Siddiqui heads the counselling office and oversees the EDI and Disability Support offices in CUD. Together with Student Affairs and Human Resources, Ms. Simran ensures all matters of EDI and disability support is properly addressed at all management levels.
Schedule an appointment, call, or visit us. We're here to support you.
Equitable Opportunities for Staff
Our commitment to inclusion extends beyond the classroom to every member of our workforce. CUD provides a supportive professional environment for staff members of determination, ensuring that our recruitment and employment practices are accessible and equitable. We provide the necessary workplace accommodations and physical infrastructure, including designated parking, specialized elevators, and accessible facilities across our campus, to ensure that all employees can contribute their expertise in a safe and accommodating setting.
Targeted Supports for Students of Determination
CUD maintains dedicated support for students with disabilities (“students of determination”). We are committed to fostering an inclusive and safe learning environment for students of determination and students with disabilities.
Students who have a documented physical, psychological, learning or other challenge are eligible for academic accommodations, determined on a case-by-case basis. These accommodations can include extra time on exams, assistive technology, specialized learning resources, note-taking support or access to a distraction-reduced environment. CUD’s approach is individualized and confidential: staff work closely with each student to accommodate their individual needs and ensure they have equal opportunity to reach their maximum potential.
Beyond accommodations, CUD offers formal support programs: as one alumni interview notes, CUD was “among the first universities in the UAE to welcome students with special educational needs”, and has “supported more than 100 determined students” through scholarships, one-on-one tutoring, and a dedicated counselor to provide academic and pastoral care. These combined services — from admission scholarships to learning support and counseling — demonstrate CUD’s institutional commitment to reducing barriers for disabled students.
Number of Students of Determination Enrolled in CUD (2022–2026)
Enrollment by academic year: 85 in 2022–23, 96 in 2023–24, 110 in 2024–25 (peak), and 109 in 2025–26. CUD has seen a steady increase in enrolled students of determination, with a slight decrease seen in 2025–26.
| Academic Year | Students of Determination Enrolled |
|---|---|
| 2022–23 | 85 |
| 2023–24 | 96 |
| 2024–25 | 110 |
| 2025–26 | 109 |
CUD has seen a steady increase in enrolled students of determination, reflecting the University's commitment to accessible facilities and inclusive support services.
Scholarships for Students of Determination
We at Canadian University Dubai pledge to provide an inclusive learning environment and to support the cognitive, emotional and creative development of students with disabilities. Special needs may be justified by physical or other disabilities. Students eligible for a Special Needs Scholarship will benefit from a tuition reduction of up to 40%.
For more information, visit www.cud.ac.ae/scholarships or get in touch with scholarship@cud.ac.ae.
Career Placements
CUD Career Services remains committed to fostering an inclusive professional environment by bridging the gap between students of determination and the global workforce through targeted partnerships and specialized recruitment initiatives. By collaborating with organizations like I Am Inclusive—a leading recruitment agency for people of determination—the office ensures that students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) have direct access to inclusive employers during key events like the CUD Career Fair. While the previously planned Social Enterprise Seminar has been postponed due to regional challenges, the office continues to prioritize these vital connections through alternative engagement strategies. These efforts are further bolstered by the ongoing recruitment of specialized SEN coordination staff, ensuring that every student receives personalized career guidance and accommodation.
While the university is actively scaling its placement tracking for students of determination through these new partnerships, the specific headcount of hired students with disabilities is currently being consolidated as part of the 2026 employability reporting cycle. Moving forward, the implementation of automated platforms will allow for more granular tracking of these success stories to better reflect CUD’s commitment to diverse and equitable employment outcomes.
Commitment to Accessibility for People of Determination
At Canadian University Dubai (CUD), accessibility and inclusion are fundamental to creating a welcoming campus environment for all students, employees, and visitors. Our campus is designed to support People of Determination (People with Disabilities) through accessible facilities, dedicated services, and continuous improvements that promote independence, comfort, and equal participation in university life.
Inclusive Campus Services and Facilities
CUD provides a range of accessibility features across campus to ensure convenient and barrier-free movement between academic, administrative, and student spaces. These include:
- Accessible washrooms strategically located across both campus buildings
- Dedicated People of Determination parking bays close to entrances
- Wheelchairs available on-site for temporary assistance
- Step-free access and ramps to all major areas
- Elevators providing access between floors
- Wide corridors and accessible circulation routes
- Supportive reception and security teams ready to assist when needed
- Emergency preparedness measures including evacuation chairs and accessible emergency procedures
Accessible Washrooms
CUD provides 9 dedicated People of Determination washrooms across the campus, located in convenient areas within both buildings:
HUB Building – 5 Accessible Washrooms
- Ground Floor – Near Male Prayer Area
- Ground Floor – Near Fitness Center
- Ground Floor – Behind Theatre
- First Floor – Near Staff Lounge
- First Floor – Behind Library
School of Management Building – 4 Accessible Washrooms
- Ground Floor – Behind President Office (Male)
- Ground Floor – Behind President Office (Female)
- First Floor – Behind ICT Office (Male)
- First Floor – Behind ICT Office (Female)
These washrooms are designed with accessible layouts, grab rails, maneuvering space, and user-friendly fixtures to ensure safety and comfort.
Wheelchair Availability
Wheelchairs are available at key service points across campus for students, visitors, and guests requiring mobility support:
- HUB Building – Ground Floor Clinic: 2 wheelchairs
- HUB Building – Main Reception: 1 wheelchair
- SoM Building – Ground Floor Clinic: 2 wheelchairs
Our teams are available to assist with wheelchair access whenever required.
Dedicated Parking Facilities
CUD provides 20 designated parking spaces for People of Determination (People with Disabilities) within the car parking areas. These spaces are positioned for convenient access to building entrances and major pathways, helping ensure a smooth arrival experience.
Ramps and Step-Free Access
The campus is designed with accessibility in mind, offering ramps and step-free routes to support movement throughout all key areas. Ramps are available at entrances and across internal circulation points, including access to offices, classrooms, theatre areas, recruitment offices, and shared student spaces. This ensures that People of Determination (People with Disabilities) can move independently and comfortably across campus.
Elevators and Vertical Access
Both campus buildings are equipped with elevators that provide safe and convenient access between floors.
Elevators connect classrooms, offices, library areas, student services, and other facilities, ensuring seamless movement for wheelchair users and individuals with mobility needs.
Safety and Emergency Readiness
CUD is committed to inclusive safety standards. Emergency evacuation chairs are available on campus, and emergency response procedures consider the needs of People of Determination (People with Disabilities). Trained staff are available to provide assistance when required.
Evacuation chairs
Commitment to Accessibility
Canadian University Dubai continues to enhance its facilities and services to ensure an inclusive learning and working environment. Accessibility is an essential part of our sustainability and social responsibility commitment, helping create a campus where everyone can thrive.
Accessibility Audit and Compliance
Canadian University Dubai regularly reviews its campus facilities to ensure compliance with UAE accessibility standards, including the Universal Design and Accessibility in the Built Environment (MS 1184:2014) . The University's Disability Support Office conducts periodic audits of accessible facilities to identify areas for improvement and ensure that all features remain functional and available. Feedback from students and staff with disabilities is actively sought and incorporated into campus planning.
Staff with Disabilities
CUD provides accessible facilities for staff members with disabilities, including designated parking, accessible washrooms, elevators, and step-free access to all work areas. The University's recruitment and employment practices are inclusive, and reasonable accommodations are provided to ensure that all employees can contribute their expertise in a safe and accommodating environment.
References
The accessibility facilities, photo galleries and support services on this page are documented on the University's sustainability pages:
- People of Determination — https://www.cud.ac.ae/sustainability/social-responsibility/people-of-determination
- Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion @ CUD — https://www.cud.ac.ae/sustainability/social-responsibility/edi