| Law No. 29/2006 | Federal law on the rights of people of determination, amended in 2009 |
|---|---|
| WCAG 2.1 AA | Accessibility level for public service websites under the national policy |
| 2024 | National Digital Accessibility Policy adopted and implemented |
| AED 100,000 | Maximum fine under Dubai Law No. 3 of 2022 |
The UAE's accessibility legal framework
Digital accessibility in the UAE rests on three instruments. Federal law sets the rights. The national policy sets the digital rules for government. Dubai adds its own emirate-level law with penalties.
Federal Law No. 29 of 2006
Law on the rights of people of determination, amended by Federal Law No. 14 of 2009.
National Digital Accessibility Policy
Adopted in 2024 and implemented by TDRA, with obligations for federal government entities.
Dubai Law No. 3 of 2022
Law on the rights of persons with disabilities in Dubai. It supersedes Dubai Law No. 2 of 2014.
Federal Law No. 29 of 2006
The law guarantees equality and non-discrimination for people of determination. A person's disability may not be a reason to deny them rights or services. The law does not set a technical standard for websites or apps.
National Digital Accessibility Policy
The policy was adopted in 2024. The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) supports its implementation. It covers people of determination and senior citizens, defined as people aged 60 or over. It applies to websites, mobile apps, digital services and service devices such as kiosks.
Who the national policy applies to
The policy binds federal government entities. The policy also identifies organisations and service providers that work with federal government entities on digital services.
- Federal ministries, authorities and institutions.
- Semi-government entities and private companies engaged in digital transactions with a government entity.
- Partners, contractors and outsourced staff involved in these digital transactions.
- Service providers that build websites, digital services, apps and systems for federal entities.
- Licensed private sector entities regulated by federal sector authorities.
Technical requirements
Annex 1 of the policy requires all public service sites to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA. It also lists features such as a text reader, sign language translation, speech recognition and image descriptions. Keyboard navigation, accessible forms and easy-to-understand content are also required.
- WCAG 2.1 Level AA
- Text reader
- Sign language
- Keyboard navigation
- Speech recognition
- Image descriptions
Accessibility statement requirements
Federal entities are required to provide a digital accessibility statement on their websites and apps. The statement must describe the accessibility level reached and list any inaccessible content. The policy also names points the statement should cover.
- Commitment to accessibility for people of determination and senior citizens.
- Standards applied, with WCAG 2.1 as a minimum.
- Support contact for users facing technical problems.
- Known limitations and the measures taken to ensure accessibility.
- Technical prerequisites, such as supported browsers.
- Compliance with applicable national and local laws.
Governance and compliance monitoring
TDRA oversees and supports implementation of the policy across federal government entities. Each federal entity must appoint a Digital Accessibility Officer and submit periodic action plans and reports. Compliance is monitored through the Digital Government Enablers Indicators. The policy itself does not set fines.
Dubai Law No. 3 of 2022
Dubai's law defines accessibility to include information and digital platforms. It gives persons with disabilities the right to access information platforms and data in accessible formats. Dubai government entities must apply inclusive design to their services.
- Accessible formats include electronic formats, audio recordings, sign language and simplified language.
- Banking services must be usable on an equal footing with others.
- Discrimination is prohibited for any natural or legal person, including refusing services a person is entitled to.
Penalties under Dubai Law No. 3 of 2022
The implementing bylaw sets the fines. A fine doubles if the same violation is repeated within one year, subject to the AED 100,000 maximum.
| Penalties under Dubai Law No. 3 of 2022 | Stage | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Report or complaint | A person with disability, their caregiver, or a witness reports the violation to the concerned entity. |
| 2 | Violation report | Nominated employees of the concerned entity act as law enforcement officers and record the breach. |
| 3 | Fine | The fine set by the implementing bylaw applies, doubled for a repeat violation within one year. |
| 4 | Additional measures | The Community Development Authority (CDA) may suspend the activity for up to six months or seek licence revocation. |
Source
- National Policy for Digital Accessibility, policy document
- TDRA, TDRA supports the implementation of National Digital Accessibility Policy (2024)
- TDRA Digital Government, National Digital Accessibility Policy
- UAE Government Portal, Federal Law No. 29 of 2006
- Dubai Supreme Legislation Committee, Law No. (3) of 2022
