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Universal Access UAE · The framework
Five domains, one lifecycle, seven principles.
Every audit reads an asset across five domains of access, runs it through a six-stage lifecycle, and scores it against the seven Principles of Universal Design. Public place design is never treated as bricks alone — it is the whole journey a person makes.
The measure
The five domains of access.
Each domain is audited against the UAE base (enforceable) and raised toward the European and international enhancement.
Domain 01
Built Environment
Approach, entrances, level access, circulation, vertical movement, sanitation, refuge and egress — the physical fabric of buildings and public spaces. UAE base: Dubai Universal Design Code 2017 · Dubai Building Code · AD Accessibility Std 2013. Enhancement: ISO 21542 · EN 17210.
Domain 02
Mobility & Transport
Accessible parking and drop-off, continuous step-free pedestrian routes, metro and bus stops, interchange, ticketing and boarding. UAE base: Dubai UDC 2017 · AD Accessibility Std 2013 · RTA guidance. Enhancement: ISO 21542 · EN 17210.
Domain 03
Wayfinding & Communication
Signage and legibility, tactile and audible guidance, colour and contrast, plain language, sign language, captioning and multi-sensory information. UAE base: Dubai UDC (signage & tactile) · AD Accessibility Std 2013. Enhancement: ISO 21542 · ISO 7001 · EN 17210.
Domain 04
Digital & ICT
Websites, apps, self-service kiosks and terminals, digital documents and public-service technology — perceivable, operable, understandable, robust. UAE base: National Digital Accessibility Policy · UAE Design System 2.0 (WCAG 2.1 AA). Enhancement: EN 301 549 · WCAG 2.2 AA.
Domain 05
Service & Experience
Staff readiness, reasonable accommodation, inclusive service journeys, assistance protocols and accessible emergency response — Design for All as process. UAE base: National Policy · People of Determination · Federal Law 29/2006. Enhancement: EN 17161 · Design for All.
The through-line
One continuous journey
A person does not experience these domains separately. An audit follows a single journey across all five — a gap in any one breaks the chain — and scores the asset as a whole, not as a checklist of parts.
Methodology
The six-stage audit lifecycle.
A defined, repeatable process — the same for a metro station, a university campus or a government portal — so that a certificate carries the same weight wherever it is awarded.
1
Register & Scope
Application, asset boundary defined, self-assessment questionnaire completed.
2
Document Review
Drawings, digital assets and policies assessed against the domain checklists.
3
On-site & User Audit
Physical measurement plus a lived-experience walkthrough with a panel of people of determination.
4
Findings & Gap Report
Scored by domain and by the 7 principles, with a prioritised remediation plan.
5
Remediation & Re-audit
A support period, then verification that gaps are genuinely closed.
6
Certify & Register
Mark awarded for a fixed validity period, listed in the public Access Registry, with periodic surveillance.
The rubric
The seven Principles of Universal Design.
Codified by Ronald Mace and the Center for Universal Design (NC State, 1997) and adopted by the Dubai Universal Design Code, the seven principles ask not only 'is it compliant?' but 'does it work, equally, for everyone?'
1
Equitable Use
Useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities; the same means for all where possible.
2
Flexibility in Use
Accommodates a wide range of preferences and abilities, and choice in method of use.
3
Simple & Intuitive
Easy to understand regardless of experience, knowledge, language or concentration.
4
Perceptible Information
Communicates effectively in multiple modes — visual, verbal, tactile — whatever the sensory ability.
5
Tolerance for Error
Minimises hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.
6
Low Physical Effort
Usable efficiently and comfortably with a minimum of fatigue.
7
Size & Space
Appropriate size and space for approach, reach, manipulation and use, whatever the body or mobility aid.
+
Verified in use
Our eighth test: every principle is confirmed by a person who relies on it, not only by a tape measure.
Next
From framework to standards.
See how each domain maps to UAE law and the emirate codes, and to the international standards that earn the highest tier.
Universal Access UAE