HCD Institute · United Arab Emirates

Where there are only stairs, we build a way for everyone.

We audit and certify public places, services and digital systems for accessibility and universal design. Measured against UAE law and the Dubai Universal Design Code, and raised to international standards.

Request an audit See the framework

2006The Federal Law recognising the rights of people of determination

5Domains we audit, from buildings to services 3Certification tiers, from statutory to international 7Principles of Universal Design at the core

Why we exist

Access is the law. Ease is the goal.

UAE Federal Law No. 29 of 2006 makes access a right, not a favour, and 'people of determination' is a national commitment, not a slogan. But a ramp can meet the rule and still fail the person using it. We close that gap: we audit what's built, run and published against one layered standard, and certify only what truly works for everyone.

Universal Access UAEOverview Framework Guidelines Certification Apply Universal Access — India

Federal Law 29/2006Dubai Universal Design CodeWCAG 2.1 AAEN 172107 Principles of Universal Design

Independent audits

We measure physical, digital and service assets carefully, then walk them with people of determination, so lived experience checks the numbers.

The framework

A mark that means something

Three tiers: the floor set by UAE law, universal design proven in use, and an international tier that meets Dubai's 'Accessible UNI' benchmark. Time-bound, re-audited and listed publicly.

Certification tiers

Help to get there

A certificate isn't the end. Every gap report comes with a prioritised plan, plus design and training support from HCD Institute's universal-design team.

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Who's behind it

Independent, and aligned with the codes.

Universal Access UAE is the UAE practice of The Institute of Human-Centred Design (HCD Institute), built to work hand in hand with UAE law and each emirate's accessibility codes.

We're an independent audit and advisory service. We work alongside government programmes such as Dubai Municipality's Wosool certification, and never replace statutory approval.