The Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi, the regulator of the social sector in the emirate, has completed an accessibility audit on Yas Island as part of the People of determination and elderly Inclusive City project, in cooperation with the Department of Municipalities and Transport and Aldar Properties.

The audit examined accessibility across various locations and facilities on Yas Island to evaluate the current state of accessibility and identify areas for improvement, in light of the Department of Municipalities and Transport’s pilot implementation of a system designed to update Abu Dhabi emirate’s accessibility code as part of the Abu Dhabi Strategy for People of Determination.

Her Excellency Dr. Layla Al Hyas, Executive Director of the Community Development Sector at DCD, pointed out the importance of ensuring that people of determination and the elderly have access to all facilities, sites and services in the emirate.

Her Excellency said: “The Department of Community Development, in collaboration with relevant authorities, is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for people of determination, the elderly, and families. This commitment is reflected in efforts to provide easily accessible facilities, ensure resources are available to support all segments of society, and enable seamless access to services.

“Additionally, the DCD is focused on developing infrastructure aligned with the highest international standards, incorporating services, technology, and building designs that are accessible to people of determination and the elderly. These initiatives align with the Abu Dhabi Strategy for People of Determination and the Abu Dhabi Family Wellbeing Strategy, underscoring the department’s unwavering commitment to addressing social concerns and prioritising quality of life in its mission and objectives.

“Completing the accessibility audit on Yas Island in partnership with the Department of Municipalities and Transport and Aldar Properties is an important step towards achieving the goals of the inclusive city project. Through this project, we seek to provide facilities and services that are equipped according to the highest international standards, ensuring that the needs of all segments of society are met, and enhancing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global model for inclusive cities.”

She pointed out the importance of enhancing cooperation between various entities from the public and private sectors to achieve Abu Dhabi’s vision and transform it into a global city that embraces everyone and provides them with a suitable environment to live, work and thrive.

The audit process included an inspection tour of one of the sites by the executive directors of the Department of Community Development, the Department of Municipalities and Transport and Aldar Properties, where experts and the technical team supervising the project presented audit details and progress of work.

This milestone of the People of Determination and Elderly Inclusive City project focuses on ensuring that the development of the inclusive city framework is based on well-studied local priorities, considerations and data that emerges on-ground.

The People of Determination and Elderly Inclusive City Project aims to accelerate the growth of Abu Dhabi and transform it into an inclusive city that is well-prepared for people of determination, the elderly and families in accordance with the best international standards and practices.