Qatar’s accessibility laws
Understand Qatar’s digital accessibility requirements and learn what your organization must do to meet them. Whether you’re in the public or private sector, Deque can help you create digital experiences that are compliant and inclusive of everyone, including people with disabilities.
What are Qatar’s digital accessibility laws and standards?
Qatar’s National e-Accessibility Policy is a cornerstone of the nation’s efforts to ensure equal access to digital services for people with disabilities. The policy requires all government digital services to comply with WCAG 2.0 standards.
As your organization develops its digital compliance strategies, here are some key statistics to be aware of:
10% of Qatari residents have a disability
With 2.68 million internet users in Qatar, there is a significant need for digital accessibility.
A mobile penetration rate of 99% highlights the need for accessible mobile experiences.
Why digital accessibility is right for your organization
The benefits of offering accessible products and services are wide-ranging and include:
Equality and inclusion
Being accessible ensures that everyone, including individuals with disabilities, can fully engage with your organization’s digital properties, supporting Qatar’s vision for an inclusive society.
Trust and loyalty
Prioritizing accessibility demonstrates your commitment to all users, building credibility and fostering long-term relationships in Qatar’s close-knit business community.
Innovation and competitiveness
Meeting WCAG 2.1 standards positions your organization at the forefront of Qatar’s digital transformation, giving you an advantage in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and tourism.
The risks of non-compliance
Failure to comply with Qatar’s National e-Accessibility Policy and WCAG standards can have serious consequences for your organization, including:
Fines
Violations may result in penalties of up to QAR 200,000, with higher fines for repeat offenses under Qatar’s accessibility regulations.
Lawsuits
Non-compliance can lead to legal action from individuals and advocacy groups, potentially damaging your reputation and finances.
Loss of business
Inaccessible platforms can exclude a large portion of your audience, leading to lost revenue and other business opportunities.
Choose Deque for digital accessibility in Qatar
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.
Frequently asked questions
What are Qatar’s digital accessibility laws?
Qatar’s National e-Accessibility Policy mandates WCAG compliance for government services, while the UNCRPD guides private-sector accessibility efforts.
Is compliance with accessibility standards mandatory in Qatar?
Yes, compliance is required for government services under the e-Accessibility Policy, while private enterprises are strongly encouraged to comply with WCAG 2.1 to align with Qatar’s national vision.
What are the benefits of WCAG compliance?
WCAG alignment ensures your digital content is inclusive, reaches more users, and positions your organization as a leader in Qatar’s digital future.
