Innovative Policy 2018 on Accessibility
Universal Accessibility Strategy for the whole of Dubai
Laws and regulations involved: |
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Responsible Body: | Government of the Emirate of Dubai |
Country of Implementation | United Arab Emirates |
PROBLEMS TARGETED
According to local estimates there are up to 136,600 people with disabilities living in Dubai, approximately 5 per cent of the total population. The Government of Dubai is aware of its obligation to accommodate the diverse needs of all its citizens, and has expressed its intention to make the city fully accessible by 2020 (when it will also host EXPO, a worldwide conference and exhibition).
SOLUTION, INNOVATION, AND IMPACT
The Government of Dubai decided to cooperate with GAATES to develop and implement the DUASAP. GAATES first focused on identification of the current gaps in terms of accessibility, as well as on managerial and implementation challenges and the technical capacity to ensure compliance with existing and new accessibility regulations. The Dubai Universal Accessibility strategy is based on five strategic focus areas:
- Development of a comprehensive legal Framework
- Governance and enforcement
- Retrofitting
- Capacity-building
- Awareness-raising
Each of the five strategic objectives have specified and detailed targets, defined responsibilities, and a designated timeline. All processes are broken down into clusters, and each cluster has a designated accessibility focal point, consisting of an existing department or position.
OUTLOOK, TRANSFERABILITY AND FUNDING
In May 2017, The Higher Committee for the Protection of Rights of Persons with Disability officially enacted the Dubai Universal Design Code (DUDC) as the mandatory standards for universal accessibility requirements across all jurisdictions in Dubai Emirate. The Dubai Municipality’s Buildings Department and the Roads and Transport Authority have been mandated to oversee the full enforcement of the DUDC in all newly authorized projects and procurements in both public and private sectors. Based on new accessibility bylaws, the two authorities are now eligible to sanction penalties and revoke permits in case on non-compliance with the new code.
A bi-annual report will be raised to the Higher Committee indicating compliance performance and achieved levels of accessibility in various sectors. Specific key performance indicators (KPIs) are developed, based on the five specific DUASAP objectives.