Abu Dhabi launches Sahel Rating System to assess city accessibility

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has started the Sahel Rating System to make Abu Dhabi more accessible for everyone. This new plan is being done with the help of government and private groups. It aims to make public and private places easy to use for all people, no matter their needs.

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The word Sahel means "ease" in Arabic. The system will help make Abu Dhabi a friendly place for senior citizens, pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and people with temporary or short-term difficulties. The project is also part of the UAE’s Year of Community, which promotes inclusion and a better quality of life.

Dr. Saif Sultan Al Nasri, Acting Undersecretary at DMT, said the Sahel Rating System is an important step to make Abu Dhabi easier to move around. He said that this system will make sure that everyone, no matter their ability, can use public spaces with ease and comfort.

The Sahel system was first tested for one year. After it proved successful, it was made mandatory for all new buildings and spaces. In the future, the system will also be used for older buildings and public areas.

The system will rate accessibility in three main areas. The Sahel Community Rating will check how easy it is to move around in residential areas. The Sahel Public Realm Rating will look at parks, streets, and open areas. The Sahel Building Rating will review offices, public buildings, and government spaces.

Each place will get one of four ratings. The Accessible rating means it meets basic standards. The Adaptable rating shows it can be improved for better access. The Inclusive rating means it is comfortable for everyone. The Exemplar rating is the highest level, showing that the place is a model for accessibility.

The system will be checked in three steps. During the design stage, builders will need to follow accessibility rules. In the construction stage, experts will inspect the site to make sure the design is properly followed. Finally, during the operation stage, places will be checked every five years to make sure they still meet the rules.

The Sahel Rating System aims to make Abu Dhabi a better and easier place for all people. It will help create a friendlier and more welcoming city, where everyone can move around freely and comfortably.

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