DMT Introduces Sahel Rating System to Make Abu Dhabi More Accessible

In collaboration with several public and private entities, the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has introduced the Sahel Rating System, which is intended to be easily accessible throughout Abu Dhabi.

In keeping with the goals of the UAE's Year of Community, the Sahel initiative highlights the DMT's commitment to building an inclusive and sustainable society and improving people's quality of life.

Sahel, which takes its name from the Arabic word for ease, aims to create a built environment that is inclusive of both locals and visitors, including those with a range of accessibility needs, including elderly individuals, expectant mothers, nursing mothers, children, and those with short-term or situational accessibility issues.

The required system will first be implemented in new developments following a successful one-year pilot phase, with plans to retroactively extend it to existing buildings and spaces.

These will be evaluated and certified according to three categories:

• The Sahel Community Rating applies to communities and master-planned developments.

• The Sahel Public Realm Rating applies to all public areas and open spaces, while the Sahel Building Rating applies to commercial, public, and government buildings. 

For the purpose of establishing precise guidelines for barrier-free mobility, each will subsequently be evaluated on four levels: Exemplar, Inclusive, Adaptable, and Accessible.

It will be put into practice during the phases of design, construction, and operation. The DMT's procedures will be used to confirm compliance during the design phase. An audit procedure will guarantee that the designs are carried out precisely during the building phase, and reports will be submitted appropriately.

Lastly, the built assets' functionality will be assessed every five years during the operational stage, and new certifications will be granted in response to these assessments.