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.

UAE map illustration shown on a desktop screen

Disability and digital accessibility in the UAE

As your organization develops its digital compliance strategies, here are some key statistics to be aware of:

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.