Abu Dhabi: The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) highlighted the importance of putting the National Digital Accessibility Policy adopted by the cabinet into practice to improve the digital knowledge society and economy. This will enable all societal segments, including senior citizens and people with a strong work ethic, to have easier access to a wide range of digital services.
The National Digital Accessibility Policy is based on several international references and agreements. Its goal is to ensure that people of determination have equal opportunities to access services and information provided on various entities’ platforms and websites. This entails removing barriers that hinder their ability to benefit from these services and platforms.
This policy aligns with The UAE Government Charter for Future Services to prioritize people when designing services and policies. It emphasizes the importance of listening to customers’ needs and delivering services that offer exceptional value and a seamless, proactive experience, regardless of individuals’ capabilities or social backgrounds.
This policy contributes to enhancing the UAE’s leadership in the field of digital transformation, as well as to the country’s contribution to the process of sustainable development and the humanitarian goals set by the United Nations in this context and its slogan of “leaving no one behind.”
The policy outlines a set of general principles that digital government service providers must follow to enhance smart services and applications. These principles ensure that smart services and applications must be supported by technologies that enable people of determination to access and benefit from these services just like for others.
HE Eng. Majed Sultan Al Mesmar, TDRA Director General, highlighted the importance of implementing the directives and standards stipulated in the policy. He said that, “TDRA is confident that government entities will spare no effort in putting this policy into effect, in line with the objectives of “We the UAE 2031” vision. This vision emphasizes establishing an advanced and integrated social enabling system to unlock the potential of all UAE citizens and fosters the development of a Forward Ecosystem. By embracing the next generation of advanced digital technologies, we aim to create the smartest, most dynamic agile government in the world.”
“The National Digital Accessibility Policy is in line with the directives of the wise leadership to enable people of determination as they are a valued group of society, and based on the culture of solidarity that characterizes UAE society,” Al Mesmar added.
Furthermore, TDRA endeavors to enhance Public-Private collaboration, fostering investment in digital infrastructure and the advancement of modern technologies. This collaborative effort serves to accelerate digital transformation across the nation and plays a pivotal role in attaining the policy objectives.
In collaboration with federal and local government entities, TDRA is actively engaged in developing programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing digital accessibility and delivering comprehensive and efficient digital government services to cater to all segments of society, including people of determination and senior citizens, ensuring inclusivity and equal access to essential digital services.