In recent years, digital accessibility has shifted from a niche concern to a global priority. In the UAE—where innovation and digital transformation are key national goals—web designing companies are taking accessibility seriously. Businesses are realising that making websites usable for everyone, including people with disabilities, isn’t just ethical—it’s smart.
A professional web designing company in UAE now considers accessibility not as a feature, but as a foundation. This article looks at how agencies in the region are implementing accessibility-first design and how it helps businesses connect with wider audiences.
Why Accessibility in Web Design Matters
Web accessibility means designing websites in a way that allows people with various abilities to use them easily. This includes individuals with:
- Visual impairments (blindness, low vision, color blindness)
- Hearing impairments
- Mobility challenges
- Cognitive conditions
Accessibility also benefits people who:
- Use slow internet connections
- Browse in bright sunlight
- Navigate via keyboard or voice commands
Inclusion ensures better reach, improves search engine rankings, and even helps avoid legal risks in some countries.
Accessibility Trends Among Web Design Companies in the UAE
The UAE is known for adopting global standards across industries. As part of the region’s wider digital vision, accessibility is no longer optional. Government websites in the Emirates already follow strict accessibility guidelines, and many private-sector brands are catching up.
Here’s how leading UAE agencies are integrating accessibility from the beginning of the design process.
1. Designing With Semantic HTML
What It Means:
Using proper HTML tags to structure web pages so screen readers and assistive tools can understand them better.
How It Helps:
- Headings (<h1>, <h2>, etc.) define structure.
- Lists, tables, and forms are easier to navigate.
- Improves the browsing experience for those using screen readers.
In the UAE, this step is now a baseline requirement for quality websites.
2. Using Color Responsibly
Many people in the region deal with color blindness or age-related vision problems. Agencies are now:
- Avoiding color-only cues (e.g., using both color and text to show errors)
- Maintaining high contrast between text and background
- Ensuring content is visible even in grayscale or poor lighting
This makes content readable for everyone, including mobile users in bright desert environments.
3. Keyboard Navigation
Some users rely entirely on keyboards, especially those with physical disabilities. A good web designing company in UAE ensures users can:
- Navigate using Tab and Shift+Tab
- Operate dropdowns, sliders, and modals
- Clearly see the current “focus” element on screen
Keyboard testing is now standard in the QA process of many UAE-based design teams.
4. Text Alternatives for Media
Images, videos, and infographics must come with descriptions or alternatives. Companies are now adding:
- Alt text for images
- Captions or transcripts for videos
- ARIA labels for dynamic content
This not only improves accessibility but also helps with SEO—a win-win for businesses.
5. Responsive, Flexible Layouts
Accessibility and responsiveness go hand in hand. UAE audiences often browse on different devices, and people with disabilities may use custom screen settings. Leading web design firms make sure:
- Text can be resized without breaking layout
- Buttons are large and easy to tap
- Layouts adapt to zoom settings
This flexibility makes websites inclusive and professional.
6. Clear, Easy-to-Understand Content
Not everyone in the UAE speaks English or Arabic as a first language. Also, users with cognitive disabilities benefit from simple, clear content. Best practices include:
- Short sentences and clear headings
- Avoiding complex jargon
- Using icons and visuals to support meaning
Plain language helps all users understand your message faster, especially in a multicultural environment like the UAE.
7. Compatibility With Assistive Technologies
Agencies are testing websites with:
- Screen readers (like NVDA or JAWS)
- Speech recognition tools
- Braille display devices
Compatibility ensures everyone can access the same content and services, regardless of how they browse.
8. Ongoing Testing and Audits
Accessibility isn’t a one-time job. The top companies in the UAE conduct:
- Manual accessibility audits
- Automated scans using tools like Axe or Lighthouse
- User testing with people who have disabilities
They also stay updated with standards like WCAG 2.1 and upcoming 2.2.
The Business Impact of Accessibility
Investing in accessible design brings several advantages:
1. Larger Audience Reach
Over one billion people worldwide live with a disability. In the UAE, an inclusive approach brings in new users and builds trust with all communities.
2. Higher SEO Performance
Google rewards websites that are fast, mobile-friendly, and easy to read—all qualities that overlap with accessibility standards.
3. Better Brand Reputation
Being inclusive shows social responsibility. Customers are more likely to trust brands that care about every user.
4. Legal Compliance
Countries around the world are enforcing accessibility laws. Though not yet strict in the UAE, early adoption protects brands from future risks.
Local Challenges in Accessibility Implementation
Language Diversity
The UAE has a large expatriate population. Designing multilingual accessible websites means addressing right-to-left (RTL) Arabic structure while keeping usability intact.
Lack of Awareness
Some businesses still see accessibility as “extra work.” Part of the job of design agencies is to educate clients about the benefits.
Budget Constraints
Small businesses may avoid accessibility improvements due to cost. However, many UAE web design companies now offer affordable, scalable accessibility packages.
The Role of UAE Government in Promoting Accessibility
Government portals in the UAE are setting an example. Websites such as:
- MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation)
- Dubai Smart Government
- UAE Pass
…adhere to accessibility best practices. This leadership from the top encourages private companies to follow suit.
Role of Web Designers in Shaping Inclusive UAE Websites
Good design is not just visual—it’s functional. UAE web designers are now responsible for:
- Educating clients on accessibility
- Embedding accessibility from the start (not as an add-on)
- Staying updated with global best practices
It’s no longer a trend—it’s part of professional responsibility.
A Glimpse Into Inter Smart’s Accessibility Approach
Inter Smarthttps://intersmart.ae/, a well-established web designing company in UAE, focuses on inclusive design by ensuring that their websites meet accessibility standards while still being creative and brand-aligned. Their teams prioritize clarity, keyboard support, and compatibility with assistive tools from the early wireframe stage.
They also guide their clients on content structure, use of color, and future accessibility audits—proving that accessible design doesn’t have to compromise aesthetics or branding.
How to Know If Your Website Is Accessible
You don’t need to be a developer to run a basic check. Here’s a quick list:
- Can your website be used entirely with a keyboard?
- Do images have meaningful alt text?
- Is the text readable and high in contrast?
- Are links clearly labeled and descriptive?
- Does your site work well on mobile and when zoomed in?
If you answered “no” to several of these, it’s time to speak with a professional design company in the UAE.
Tips for Businesses Starting with Accessibility
- Start Small: Fix the most common issues first—color contrast, alt text, and heading structure.
- Use Tools: Tools like WAVE or Lighthouse give fast insights.
- Get Expert Help: Work with a UAE-based agency that knows accessibility standards.
- Think Long-Term: Accessibility is an ongoing effort. Schedule regular checks.
Leading With Inclusion, Building With Purpose
In a fast-paced digital economy like the UAE, businesses can’t afford to leave anyone behind. An accessibility-first approach isn’t just about doing what’s right—it’s about building websites that work better for everyone.
Companies that embrace accessible design gain trust, improve performance, and future-proof their online presence. Web agencies in the UAE are setting the pace for this shift by building digital experiences that are usable, respectful, and open to all.
Whether you’re launching a new platform or upgrading an existing one, make accessibility a priority from day one. The most impactful websites aren’t just beautiful—they’re built for everyone.
