Creating inclusive digital experiences across MENA (Middle East and North Africa)
Making your digital platforms accessible so they serve everyone and meet local laws and global standards requires the right tools, training, and services. Deque helps organizations across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) simplify digital accessibility to get and stay compliant.
Why does digital accessibility matter?
Build brand reputation
Build brand reputation
In today’s socially conscious world, customers value brands that prioritize inclusivity. By making your digital platforms accessible, you show your commitment to equality. This strengthens your brand’s reputation, builds trust, and fosters customer loyalty.
Gain market share
Over 50 million people in MENA have disabilities, representing a vast and underserved market. Digital accessibility helps you reach this community, grow your market share, and stay ahead of competitors who overlook this opportunity.
Reduce legal risks
Non-compliance with accessibility laws can lead to costly lawsuits and damage your brand’s credibility. By proactively addressing accessibility, you minimize legal risks and ensure smooth operations. Whether your business is based in the MENA region or you are selling to the EU, US, or beyond, laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or European Accessibility Act (EAA) may still apply.
Improve user experience for everyone
Accessible design doesn’t just benefit people with disabilities—it enhances usability for all users. Features like clear navigation, readable fonts, and keyboard-friendly interfaces create a better experience for everyone, increasing customer satisfaction and engagement.
Overview of digital accessibility regulations and laws in MENA
Countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) are advancing digital accessibility, aligning with WCAG standards, and introducing local mandates. Understanding them all is the first step to building a digital presence that is both compliant and inclusive for the long term.
Israel
Israel’s Equal Rights for Persons with Disabilities Law (1998) mandates digital accessibility for public and private sectors. The Israeli Standard (IS 5568) aligns with WCAG 2.1 AA, requiring compliance for government websites, banking, and e-commerce.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE’s Federal Law No. 29 of 2006 (Protection of People with Disabilities) requires accessible digital services. Dubai’s Digital Accessibility Policy (2020) enforces WCAG 2.1 AA for government entities, with private sector adoption growing.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s Disability Rights Law (2000) and Saudi Web Accessibility Standards (SWA) mandate WCAG 2.1 AA compliance for government and private sector digital platforms. The Saudi Vision 2030 initiative further promotes inclusion.
Qatar
Qatar’s Law No. 2 of 2004 (Rights of Persons with Disabilities) ensures digital accessibility. The Qatar Digital Government (QDG) standards align with WCAG 2.1 AA, requiring compliance for public sector websites and services.
Meet local accessibility requirements with Deque
By working with Deque’s industry experts now, you can build a plan to achieve your digital accessibility goals in every target geography.
Regional experts
Deque has offices and employees worldwide with deep knowledge of local guidelines.
Strategic consulting
Our Principal Strategy Consultants help build, run and improve the world’s largest digital accessibility programs.
Trusted and proven tools
Our axe accessibility testing tools are the defacto global standard with 875,000+ installs
MENA digital accessibility laws and standards
| Country | Applicable law | Business type | Conformance standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Israel | Equal Rights for Persons with Disabilities Law (1998) | Public and private sectors | IS 5568 (WCAG 2.1 AA) |
| UAE | Federal Law No. 29 (2006), Dubai Digital Accessibility Policy (2020) | Government (mandatory), private (encouraged) | WCAG 2.1 AA |
| Saudi Arabia | Disability Rights Law (2000), Saudi Web Accessibility Standards (SWA) | Public and private sectors | WCAG 2.1 AA |
| Qatar | Law No. 2 (2004), Qatar Digital Government Standards | Government (mandatory), private (voluntary) | WCAG 2.1 AA |
Frequently asked questions
What are Israel’s digital accessibility laws?
Yes. Israel, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar have laws requiring digital accessibility, especially for government services. Private sector adoption is growing, with UAE and Saudi Arabia leading enforcement.
Is digital accessibility mandatory in MENA?
If your business serves customers in regions such as the US or the EU, you may need to comply with their accessibility laws, such as the ADA (US), EAA (EU), or Section 508, in addition to APAC regulations. This ensures your digital platforms are accessible to all users, regardless of location, and helps you avoid legal risks while expanding your global reach.
Do I need to comply with global laws if my business is based in MENA?
Start with an accessibility audit to identify gaps and areas for improvement. From there, create a roadmap based on WCAG guidelines, train your team, and consider partnering with experts such as Deque to ensure your solutions are inclusive and compliant for the long term.
Are accessibility testing tools effective, and can they be integrated into our development process?
Accessibility testing tools are designed to make compliance easier and more efficient. They can be seamlessly integrated into your development process, helping your team catch and fix accessibility issues early on. This saves time and ensures that your digital products are inclusive from the start.
