Abu Dhabi has launched the “Sahl” Accessibility Assessment System, an initiative from the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) in partnership with various government entities and private sector organizations. This system aims to enhance accessibility to facilities, establishments, and public spaces throughout the emirate, thereby creating a more inclusive environment for People of Determination.

DMT is dedicated to collaborating with both government and private sector partners to achieve significant milestones that contribute to an integrated and sustainable society, in line with the UAE’s “Year of Community” objectives. The “Sahl” system is designed to establish a comprehensive framework for accessible buildings and infrastructure, ensuring mobility for residents and visitors, particularly for People of Determination, senior citizens, and individuals with temporary impairments, such as parents with young children. This initiative aims to foster a sustainable urban environment that enhances social cohesion and community integration.

The project will first assess accessibility for People of Determination and senior citizens through a pilot phase on Yas Island. This phase will test the “Sahl Accessibility Assessment Framework,” which is a key component of the “Comprehensive Access” pillar of Abu Dhabi’s Strategy for People of Determination. Through detailed assessments of facilities and public spaces, the initiative seeks to inform future planning and development phases of an inclusive city, ensuring that all projects reflect the real experiences of users.

Dr. Saif Sultan Al Nasseri, Acting Undersecretary of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, emphasized the importance of the Sahl system, stating that it represents a key advancement in their efforts to improve mobility and foster inclusivity within the emirate. He reaffirmed DMT’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all community members by enabling seamless access to public spaces and facilities.

Initially, the Sahl system will be mandatory for new projects after a successful one-year pilot phase. It will later expand to existing buildings, which will be evaluated and certified across three categories: Sahl Community Certification for residential areas, Sahl Public Places Certification for public spaces, and Sahl Buildings Certification for commercial and government facilities. Each category will be assessed at four levels—Qualified, Adaptable, Inclusive, and Exemplary—to ensure clear standards for barrier-free mobility.

The system will be integrated into all aspects of project design, construction, and operation. DMT will oversee compliance during the design phase, confirm accurate implementation during construction, and conduct operational reviews every five years, issuing certifications based on these assessments.

To enhance accessibility through real-world insights, the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi (DCD) recently carried out a Customer Experience Assessment Journey with People of Determination and senior citizens across various facilities and services on Yas Island. This assessment aligns with a collaborative effort between DCD and Aldar Properties to develop an inclusive living environment. The study specifically focuses on individuals with physical disabilities, autism, visual and hearing impairments, and intellectual disabilities, evaluating access to key services on Yas Island, including public transportation, hospitality, retail, and fitness facilities.

By pinpointing areas needing improvement, the assessment aims to better accommodate People of Determination and senior citizens. The initiative prioritizes feedback from beneficiaries to analyze real-life challenges and formulate targeted recommendations for improving accessibility and inclusion.