UAE’s accessibility laws
Understand the UAE’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 of determination.
What are the UAE’s digital accessibility laws?
The UAE Disability Act (Federal Law No. 14 of 2009) is a cornerstone of the UAE’s efforts to ensure equal access to digital services for people of determination.
The Dubai Universal Design Code mandates WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance for digital platforms, aligning with global standards while setting regional benchmarks for accessibility.
Disability and digital accessibility in the UAE
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Nearly 16,000 people of determination live in the UAE.
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99% internet penetration reflects the UAE’s highly connected population.
Why digital accessibility is right for your organization
The benefits of offering accessible products and services are wide-ranging and include:
Equality and inclusion
Accessibility ensures everyone, including people of determination, can fully engage with your digital platforms, supporting the UAE’s vision of an inclusive society by 2030.
Trust and loyalty
Prioritizing accessibility demonstrates your commitment to users and aligns with the UAE’s National Policy for Empowering People of Determination, strengthening your brand reputation.
Innovation and competitiveness
Meeting WCAG 2.1 standards positions your organization at the forefront of the UAE’s smart city transformation, giving you an edge in sectors such as tourism, finance, and government services.
The risks of non-compliance
Failure to comply with the UAE Disability Act and the Dubai Universal Design Code can have serious consequences for your organization, including:
Fines
Violations may result in penalties of up to AED 200,000, with higher fines for repeat offenses.
Lawsuits
Non-compliance can lead to legal action from individuals and advocacy groups, potentially damaging your reputation and finances.
Loss of business
Inaccessible platforms exclude millions of users and may disqualify you from government contracts or tourism-sector opportunities.
Choose Deque for digital accessibility in Australia
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
The UAE Disability Act (2009) ensures equal access to digital services, while the Dubai Universal Design Code mandates WCAG 2.1 AA compliance for websites and apps.
Yes. Both public and private sectors must comply. Non-compliance can result in fines, lawsuits, and exclusion from key markets.
Aligning with WCAG web content accessibility guidelines ensures that your digital content is inclusive, user-friendly, and compliant with global standards. It also helps you reach a wider audience and build a stronger, more trusted brand.