People with disabilities desire one simple thing: the chance to participate in every aspect of society, just like anyone else. It’s not an extravagant request; it’s just a matter of creating equal opportunities. However, to achieve this goal, many obstacles must be eliminated because it’s obvious that people with disabilities have some special needs, for example, due to their limited mobility. While many places work towards greater inclusivity, the idea of a truly barrier-free city often feels like an unattainable dream. Yet, after my trip to Dubai, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the United Arab Emirates might be closer than ever to making this dream a reality. In this article, I’ll explain why I hold this optimistic view, highlight Dubai’s achievements in enhancing accessibility, and suggest some important steps for the future.

Solid Foundations

Dubai has rapidly transformed into a modern metropolis and is expected to expand further in the coming years. Building entirely new city areas with accessibility in mind from the start is a significant advantage. In contrast, many other countries often deal with the task of making old structures accessible, which can be quite challenging. Dubai has effectively used this benefit, ensuring that new city areas are extremely accommodating for individuals with disabilities.

Dubai’s financial capabilities are also an advantage. While money is important for improvements, it’s not the only factor. I’ve visited countries with fewer resources that had excellent accessibility, and wealthy cities where accessibility was often overlooked. For example, in Milan, there was a high-end store on a famous shopping street that I couldn’t enter due to stairs at the entrance. However, not far away, there was a less expensive store with a small ramp that made it accessible for me. This illustrates that it’s often a matter of recognizing and respecting people with disabilities, rather than just having financial resources.

Dubai stands out in this regard. Of course, as in any other country, you’ll encounter both friendly and unfriendly people, and it’s hardly avoidable in such a multicultural city like Dubai. During my metro ride, I also had an unpleasant experience when a slightly larger lady squeezed into a jam-packed train carriage and pushed me and my electric wheelchair into the crowd. However, such incidents are rare, and the issue of overcrowding on the metro is already being addressed by introducing dedicated wheelchair spaces.

Most people, especially the Emiratis, are extremely friendly and helpful. During my brief conversations with locals, I always felt respected, and I’d love to get to know them better. One excellent example of a positive and inclusive attitude towards people with disabilities is the fact that they are officially referred to as ‘people of determination’ in Dubai. This term reflects Dubai’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating the abilities and potential of individuals with disabilities rather than solely focusing on their limitations. This respectful attitude is a crucial step towards creating an inclusive city without barriers.

Laws and Regulations

The city has implemented laws and regulations aimed at creating an inclusive and barrier-free environment for residents and visitors with disabilities. One of the key legal frameworks is the Dubai Universal Design Code. Launched in 2019, this code is a blueprint for making Dubai a more inclusive city. It focuses on removing physical, sensory, and cognitive barriers in public places, buildings, transportation, and digital services. The Dubai Universal Design Code is legally binding for all new construction projects, making accessibility standards mandatory. I wonder why we still don’t have such obligatory standards in every European country?

Accessible Transportation and Taxis

You might be curious about the real impact of these benefits and laws, right? Well, they make a big difference! Dubai’s metro system not only offers elevators and ground-level entrances but also provides designated areas, tactile guiding paths, and visual and auditory signals at every station. When it comes to accessible taxis in Dubai, it’s a breeze. You can use a smartphone app to send your location without any prior booking. In just 30-40 minutes, a ramp-equipped taxi will be ready to pick you up. It’s a hassle-free and surprisingly affordable way to get around.

Accessible Beaches

Another great piece of news is that accessible beaches are becoming more common in Dubai. They have installed special pathways and ramps, making it easy for people in wheelchairs to reach the water. Additionally, you’ll find special floating wheelchairs that can maneuver on the sand and even float in the water, allowing you to enjoy a dip in the sea just like everyone else. So, whether you’re a resident or a visitor, you can look forward to a more inclusive and enjoyable beach experience in Dubai.

Attractions and Sightseeing

Dubai is an incredible destination with a multitude of fascinating sights and activities waiting to be explored. Let’s delve into some of the awe-inspiring attractions you can experience in this remarkable city.

• Burj Khalifa: The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world! It’s like a giant tower that touches the sky. You can take an elevator to the top and see the whole city from way up high.
• Dubai Mall: The Dubai Mall is not just any mall; it’s the biggest shopping mall on the planet! Inside, you’ll discover a diverse array of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. There’s even an ice rink and an indoor theme park. It’s a shopper’s paradise.
• Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo: Right inside the Dubai Mall, there’s a huge aquarium filled with all kinds of fish and sea creatures. You can walk through a tunnel with fish swimming all around you. Plus, there’s an underwater zoo with even more cool animals like penguins and crocodiles.
• Sky Views Observatory: This is another place to get great views of the city, but it’s in a different spot. You can see Dubai from high up in the Sky Views Observatory. It’s a bit like being on top of the world!
• Dubai Frame: Imagine a big picture frame right in the middle of the city. That’s what the Dubai Frame looks like! You can go inside and see the old and new parts of Dubai. It’s especially magical at night when all the city lights twinkle below.
• Dubai Miracle Garden: This place is like a flower wonderland. It’s a huge garden with millions of colorful flowers, all arranged in amazing shapes and designs. It’s a happy place for anyone who loves flowers and a true feast for the eyes.
• Museum of the Future: This museum is all about cool technology and what the future might look like. You can see robots, futuristic gadgets, and learn about amazing inventions. It’s a place to dream about what’s coming next.

All these attractions are designed with inclusivity in mind, providing access to people with disabilities. So whether your interests lean towards towering skyscrapers, shopping extravaganzas, encounters with wildlife, or the beauty of blooming gardens, Dubai offers an exciting adventure for all.

Challenges and Future Outlook

Although Dubai has made incredible progress in improving accessibility, I also want to talk about some difficulties I faced during my one-week stay. The city’s newer areas, like Dubai Marina, Creek Harbour, and downtown, are undoubtedly wheelchair-friendly and enjoyable. However, as soon as I moved a bit away from these regions, I noticed a problem – the lack of lowered curbs. This can be quite frustrating, especially for someone like me who uses an electric wheelchair. Crossing streets in such situations often required detours or taking longer routes, just to find one lowered curb. Sometimes I even had to drive on the road alongside cars, which isn’t the safest option. Surprisingly, I faced these challenges even though my hotel was only 1 km from the Burj Khalifa. Another time, I took the metro to Dubai Marina with no issues, but had to drive on the road for the last 800 m from the metro station to my destination. These experiences show that there’s still work to be done in certain areas of the city to ensure a consistently accessible and hassle-free experience for all.

At the same time, it’s important to note that Dubai has the ability to overcome these remaining challenges. It’s crucial to keep the momentum going and continue making progress in accessibility. Working together with people with disabilities, both local and international, can be a valuable way to identify and effectively address specific needs. In addition, expanding access to unique activities, like taking a ride in a hot air balloon over the breathtaking desert, could fulfill the dreams of many individuals with disabilities. While there are only a few companies worldwide that provide such experiences, even for electric wheelchair users, Dubai has the potential to make them widely accessible to a larger audience.

In summary, Dubai has taken substantial steps towards becoming a city without barriers. It has laid strong foundations, implemented supportive laws, improved public transportation, and created accessible beaches and attractions. Nevertheless, challenges remain, emphasizing the need for ongoing efforts. Dubai’s dedication to inclusivity, coupled with its financial capabilities and collaborative spirit, positions it as a promising candidate to turn the dream of a barrier-free city into a reality. I’m excited to see how it all turns out in the future.