The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) recently organized the Digital Accessibility Forum, the first-of-its-kind (nationally) in Dubai city, to enhance national efforts to achieve universal digital inclusion.
The forum focused on enhancing access to digital technology and e-services across all segments of society, while ensuring the provision of the necessary infrastructure and considering the needs of different groups, including people of determination (POD) and senior citizens.
The forum discussed several vital issues, such as promoting innovation in digital service delivery, and developing digital standards that support ease of access to public- and private-sector platforms. The forum also reviewed best international practices in digital accessibility and the importance of building integrated and equal digital societies.
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Developing Digital Standards
His Excellency Eng. Mohammad Ibrahim Al Zarooni, Deputy Director General of the Information & Digital Government Sector at TDRA, affirmed in his speech during the forum that, "True digital transformation lies not only in technology, but in our ability to ensure that these technologies are available to everyone without exception. Allowing people of determination and senior citizenry full access to technology is not just a goal; it is our shared duty. This is where the Digital Accessibility Policy we launched in 2024 comes into place as a landmark in our journey towards digital inclusion.”
His Excellency added, "Digital accessibility is the foundation of successful digital transformation as we develop strategies and programs that ensure that digital services are accessible to all segments of society, regardless of their abilities or where they reside. We continue to work on improving the digital infrastructure to make sure that the UAE is a world-leading country in this respect.”
Her Excellency Hessa Tahlak, Assistant Undersecretary for the Community Development Sector at the Ministry of Community Development, said, "I would like to thank and acknowledge the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority for their great efforts in organizing the Digital Accessibility Forum. This quality milestone serves as a converging point for all authorities concerned with implementing the National Policy for Digital Accessibility, and local, international experts and speakers, to share visions, ideas, efforts and plans to ensure implementation.”
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Promoting Digital Accessibility
Her Excellency explained that the National Digital Accessibility Policy includes seven key provisions to ensure that all members of society, particularly people of determination and senior citizens, have easy access to digital services. This policy aligns with the UAE’s national vision, supported by the country's leadership, to create an inclusive, barrier-free society. The UAE government aims to achieve this by implementing policies that empower various societal groups.
Additionally, the National Policy for Empowering People of Determination, introduced by the Ministry, dedicates an entire section to accessibility, with a clear goal of ensuring people with different abilities can access information in ways suited to their needs.
The forum was attended by a panel of local and international experts in addition to several government officials and representatives of tech firms. These experts gathered to discuss various aspects of the UAE’s digital accessibility policy, along with the latest international and local trends, best practices, and experiences from organizations such as Zayed University, ESCWA, and Amazon.
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