Incentive system to help enforce Dubai accessibility code

Dubai's new accessibility will come into force by the end of year, and is aimed at creating a "barrier-free" city.

DUBAI // A code to ensure all buildings are accessible to people with special needs will come into effect by the end of the year.

The code, with incentives and penalties, will be compulsory for developers of new buildings in Dubai. Work must begin on plans to make old buildings and surrounds more disabled-friendly.

“There will be penalties for not following the code and delaying the accessibility project,” said Hussain Maseeh of the Community Development Authority, which is among the government bodies designing the draft code.

Those who have to refit old buildings and areas will be given time to plan the changes.

“Some buildings require maintenance and this will be their opportunity to change things,” Mr Maseeh said. “During the maintenance period they will have to abide by the code.

“Retrofitting will be ongoing and we are hoping it will take off immediately, so by 2020 all buildings will be retrofitted.”

Campaigns and competitions are being planned to motivate developers and institutions, such as awards for the most accessible neighbourhood or best-designed school or university. No details of penalties were available.

The guidelines are part of plans to make Dubai among the most disabled-friendly cities in the world.

The Dubai Municipality, transport agencies, developers, social groups and people with special needs are reviewing the code before it is submitted to higher authorities.

Encouraging interest in the programme will be vital for the code’s success, said Isphana Al Khatib, director of Al Noor Training Centre for People with Disabilities in Dubai.

“It is important to ensure people are on board to implement the code, as opposed a forced implementation,” Ms Al Khatib said.

“We want the community to be partners in supporting people with disabilities through the accessibility code and creating the right culture in the community is important.

“When anything is enforced, it is perceived in a different way as opposed to when you believe you are contributing to a larger cause.”

Experts said that making the city accessible required transport designs that worked for everyone, including those with disabilities, the elderly and parents with strollers.

Training will be held on the code’s requirements for engineers in private companies and government departments.

It will be offered to employees from Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, municipality and other government bodies, as well as engineers and students, said Mr Maseeh.

“This will involve all levels, from the designers to the procurement and maintenance service providers, individuals using the facilities, people with disabilities, the elderly, women with children,” he said.

“So everyone involved will be aware how to monitor and implement these changes.”