On the sidelines of the Digital Readiness Retreat 2024, the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) launched the UAE Design System 2.0 (DLS 2.0) for Federal Government websites, with the support of the Higher Committee for Government Digital Transformation.
Following its launch, DLS 2.0 was readily adopted by several government entities, and is open for use by semi-governmental entities and other government departments at a national level. Notably, it is accessible to anyone aiming to adhere to the industry’s best practices in website development.
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Briefing Workshop
The system aims to improve customer access to government information and services through user-friendly designs aligned with customer preferences and the latest advancements.
To ensure adequate onboarding, TDRA organized a workshop involving various government entities to explain the principles and implementation methods of the system, emphasizing essential visual design elements and guidelines to enhance usability.
Workshop participants included directors of corporate communications and IT departments responsible for digital identity, design, and assets, as well as IT project managers focusing on website development and related tasks.
Leadership and Excellence
Marking the inception of a new era in the federal government's digital presence, H.E. Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future, and Chairwoman of the Higher Committee for Government Digital Transformation, said, “The UAE Design System 2.0 contributes to achieving a forward ecosystem in line with the goals of ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision, by adopting the concepts of dynamism, agility, and future foresight.”
H.E. Eng. Majed Sultan Al Mesmar, TDRA Director General, said, “Streamlining efforts and coordinating actions among government entities stand as main drivers of digital transformation success in the UAE. Within this framework emerges DLS 2.0, anchored in the principle of customer-centricity. By prioritizing user needs, the system aims to streamline navigation and enhance accessibility to vital information and services on government websites.”
As explained by H.E. Eng. Al Mesmar, the development of this system has involved incorporating insights from leading global expertise and gathering feedback from customers and visitors to government websites through digital participation. Moreover, they conducted an analysis of user behavior during website visits to better understand their interactions and preferences when seeking information and services.
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Simplicity and Creativity
H.E. Eng. Mohammad Al Zarooni, TDRA Deputy Director General for the Information and Digital Government Sector, said, “The system rests on two fundamental pillars: simplicity and creativity. It prioritizes ease of use and seamless access to necessary information and services, alongside adaptability and flexibility principles.”
H.E. Eng. Zarooni emphasized that this new system’s goal is to foster a cohesive digital experience across ministries, federal entities, and initiatives, enhancing user satisfaction.
Implementing the new system across government entities will greatly enhance efficiency by providing reusable components for website development, resulting in significant time and cost savings. This approach aligns with the principle of zero government bureaucracy and saves customers’ time. The system also promotes transparency and community participation through digital channels, encouraging active customer engagement with a user-friendly interface.
One of its primary advantages is ensuring a consistent visual identity based on the UAE federal brand, thereby fostering customer confidence. The system's adaptability to design trends and emerging technologies reduces the risk of obsolescence and minimizes the need for complete website rebuilds. DLS 2.0 also aligns with global best practices and local requirements, adhering to the World Wide Web Consortium's (W3C) digital accessibility standards (WCAG 2.2 AA).
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