Image Credit: Dubai Municipality
October 6, 2025 Dubai is taking another major step toward becoming one of the world’s most inclusive cities. Dubai Municipality has unveiled a new interactive digital map highlighting more than 16,000 facilities and public spaces equipped with features designed for People of Determination (PoD).
Unveiled during the AccessAbilities Expo 2025, the initiative reflects the emirate’s ongoing commitment to universal accessibility and smart city innovation.
Accessibility at Your Fingertips
Maitha Al Nuaimi, Director of the GIS Department at Dubai Municipality, told Gulf News that the project is powered by a digital platform integrated into the municipality’s mapping website, dubaihere.ae.
“We have a section called ‘Dubai Accessible’ where users can easily view businesses, government offices, private entities, and public spaces across the city that include accessibility features,” Al Nuaimi explained.
The map allows users to zoom in and explore details of accessible facilities from entrances and ramps to restrooms and elevators enhancing convenience for both residents and visitors.
Part of Dubai’s Digital Transformation Drive
According to Al Nuaimi, the platform forms a key part of Dubai’s digital transformation strategy, improving service efficiency and emergency response capabilities while reinforcing the city’s status as a regional leader in inclusive urban development.
The initiative builds on Dubai’s 2021 Building Code, which made accessibility compliance mandatory for all new developments. “Every building constructed after 2021 is required to include accessibility features as per the Dubai Building Code,” she said.
Comprehensive Building Standards
Elham Al Saffar, Senior Green Building Engineer at Dubai Municipality, elaborated on the detailed accessibility criteria.
“The Dubai Building Code covers everything from entrances, internal pathways, and corridors to elevators, ramps, and restrooms,” she said. “Each component is reviewed to ensure compliance, whether the structure is new or existing.”
The 16,000 accessible environments include public parks, beaches, and transportation hubs. Currently, 90% of Dubai’s beaches and 80% of public parks are fully accessible, featuring barrier-free pathways, designated parking, and inclusive rest areas.
‘Wosool’ Seal for Accessibility Compliance
To recognize buildings that meet accessibility standards, the municipality issues the ‘Wosool’ (Access) Seal as part of the building permit and completion certificate process.
Facilities must include features such as wide doorways, entrance ramps, dedicated restrooms, and parking spaces for People of Determination. The municipality conducts final inspections to verify compliance before granting occupancy approval.
Retrofitting Older Buildings
For structures built before 2021, Dubai Municipality introduced the ‘Wosool Ambassadors’ programme, which helps property owners upgrade their buildings to meet current accessibility standards.
“We evaluate existing buildings, provide a detailed checklist and report highlighting gaps, and then support owners in achieving compliance,” Al Saffar explained. Buildings that achieve at least 75% compliance receive certification.
Silver and Gold Accessibility Ratings
So far, 130 existing buildings have been retrofitted and certified. Facilities are awarded Silver or Gold ratings based on their level of compliance.
Silver certificates are given to buildings meeting 75–90% of requirements, while Gold is reserved for those integrating smart assistive technologies.
“Most of the certified buildings fall under the Silver category,” said Al Saffar. “However, institutions such as Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and Dubai Police headquarters have achieved Gold for their advanced accessibility systems.”
Building a City for Everyone
With thousands of accessible facilities already mapped and more under development, Dubai’s inclusive infrastructure drive continues to set new regional benchmarks.
Accessibility is not an afterthought in Dubai it’s part of the city’s DNA,” Al Nuaimi affirmed. Our goal is to make sure every person, regardless of ability, can move through Dubai with ease, dignity, and independence.
