The UAE has a great and visionary role to play within developing a future for all in the region. With H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum as a patron, the UAE has set a goal to become the world’s friendliest and most accessible country for people of determination. With the UAE taking the lead on this, success is eminent.
The aesthetics and quality of the built environment of the UAE are, as it is, grandiose in nature. We can easily picture a museum of the future or other architecture scenes that offers visitors a glimpse into the UAE and its cultural heritage and artistic traditions however – in order to attain a society that is truly for all , it is an obligation to ensure Universal Design is the selected design process and composition of an environment so that it can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by everyone regardless of their age, size, ability or disability. i.e. There must be no limits to accessibility. Universal design is good design! As a person of determination, for me accessible and aesthetically pleasing design is a key factor for any experience be it business or leisure.
Experiencing the UAE has shown me that where there is will there is way. A clear vision, a dedicated hospitality and tourism industry coupled with sensible legislation and regulations implemented by dedicated government departments and officials is a crucial approach for the success in designing an environment that is accessible to, usable by and appealing to as many people as possible.
Universal design does not only refer to the physical design and infrastructure- bricks and concrete. It is a mindset. A mindset with the user at the centre of the design process. A mindset that allows everyone the same level of comfort and safety and ease. This means developing the future with a keen eye to detail, allowing functionality and purpose to be added while at the same time being innovative and aesthetically appealing in its design. We are proud to be part of this amazing and unique endeavour and look forward to participating in developing the UAE with a No Limits mindset to accessibility.
Written by:
Jens Jafar Lund
Llm Law – Owner/ managing partner
