Universal Access · Guidelines & standards
UAE law and codes as the floor. European standards as the ceiling.
We start from what UAE federal law and emirate codes require, then reach for the best of international practice. UAE requirements set the minimum every place must meet. European and international standards set the bar for our highest tier.
Two layers
What's required, and what's possible.
What's required
UAE
Federal Law No. 29 of 2006 protects the rights of People of Determination, and the National Policy for Empowering People of Determination (2017) carries it into everyday life. In Dubai, the Dubai Universal Design Code is the technical standard for buildings and public spaces. For digital services, the TDRA Web Accessibility Policy sets WCAG 2.1 AA for government websites and apps.
What's possible
Europe & ISO
EN 17210 (with technical criteria in CEN/TR 17621) and ISO 21542 set the functional benchmark for buildings; EN 301 549 and WCAG 2.2 for digital. Design for All (EN 17161) treats accessibility as the way an organisation works, which is the model for our highest tier.
Standards map
Domain by domain, floor to ceiling.
| Domain | UAE base (enforceable) | European / international enhancement |
|---|---|---|
| Built Environment | Dubai Universal Design Code · Federal Law No. 29 of 2006 | EN 17210:2021 · CEN/TR 17621 · ISO 21542:2021 |
| Mobility & Transport | Dubai Universal Design Code · Federal Law No. 29 of 2006 | EN 17210 · ISO 21542 (approach & parking) |
| Wayfinding & Communication | Dubai Universal Design Code (signage & tactile) | ISO 21542 · EN 17210 · ISO 7001 |
| Digital & ICT | TDRA Web Accessibility Policy (WCAG 2.1 AA) | EN 301 549 · WCAG 2.2 AA / AAA |
| Service & Experience | Federal Law No. 29 of 2006 · National Policy for Empowering People of Determination | EN 17161:2019 (Design for All) · EAA 2019/882 |
A note on accuracy
Standards change. Every audit records which version we used.
EN 301 549 is moving from v3.2.1 (WCAG 2.1) towards a v4 aligned with WCAG 2.2. The European Accessibility Act's obligations applied from June 2025. And UAE codes and policies are updated over time, so every audit checks the current edition.
We audit against the versions in force on the day of assessment, and write the version on the certificate.
How to read a guideline
Why it matters, before how many millimetres.
European standards describe the outcome a design has to achieve. UAE codes and ISO standards add the exact dimension. We check both: the number you can measure, and the human result it's meant to deliver.
01
The requirement
What the standard says: a ramp no steeper than 1:12, a clear door width, a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1.
02
The intent
Why it's there: a wheelchair user can go up without help; someone can walk through without turning sideways; text is readable with low vision.
03
The check
How we confirm it: measured on site, tested with assistive technology, and walked by someone who depends on it.
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