Dubai buildings must now have ‘Wosool seal’ certifying accessibility for people of determination

Dubai: All new buildings coming up in Dubai will have to be accessible for all and secure a special seal that certifies them as friendly for people of determination.

Dubai Municipality on Tuesday announced the ‘Wosool’ seal for building permits and building completion certificates in the emirate, which confirms the buildings comply with the standards for people of determination as a key requirement for approving permits.

The conditions for buildings friendly to people of determination include doors designed for easy access, suitable ramps for entrances and exits, health facilities, and dedicated rooms for people of determination, as well as providing designated parking spaces and locations, along with other facilities to guarantee seamless access to the buildings.

The move to make the Wosool seal mandatory comes according to the Dubai Building Code regarding new building plans, which intends to standardise building designs across the emirate.

Dawoud Al Hajri, director-general of Dubai Municipality, said: “The addition of Wosool seal to building permits and building completion certificates ensures it [the building] is friendly and ideal for people of determination. It comes in line with our constant efforts to improve our services and capabilities to integrate people of determination within society at the highest levels.”

He added: “Furthermore, it highlights the significance and value of constructing buildings in Dubai that are well-suited for people of determination and cater to their requirements while providing the levels of services necessary to ensure their well-being and happiness. The introduction of the seal reflects the directives of the wise leadership which aims to make the emirate of Dubai a seamlessly accessible city for people of determination, raising its appeal and the quality of their life it can offer, further consolidating its position as one of the best cities in the world to live, work and foster equality for all society members.”

Prerequisite for new buildings

Mariam Al Muhairi, CEO of the Buildings Regulation and Permits Agency at Dubai Municipality, said: “Dubai Municipality has collaborated with various consultancy and engineering offices in Dubai to guarantee that new buildings meet all standards for people of determination before issuing building permits following the Dubai Building Code. As a prerequisite for approval, the Wosool seal will be added to the building completion certificate to certify that the buildings are suitable for people with determination.”

She said the new procedure comes under the facilities and services offered by Dubai Municipality enabling people of determination to participate and integrate themselves positively and effectively in society.

A series of periodic field visits are organised by Dubai Municipality to examine and supervise construction sites. Additionally, it further examines architectural designs to ensure they include special provisions for people of determination as outlined in the approved plans for all residential, commercial, markets, public buildings, services buildings, parks, and other things.

The Municipality further conducts the final audit to confirm the fulfilment of these conditions before issuing completion certificates and approving building occupancy.

The launch of the Wosool seal was held at the AccessAbilities Expo 2023, being held from October 9 to 11 in Dubai.