Abu Dhabi Unveils Sahel System To Measure Accessibility Of Buildings And Public Spaces

Abu Dhabi has launched the Sahel Rating System, an initiative aimed at improving accessibility across the emirate. The mandatory system, unveiled by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), will initially be applied to new developments.

Named after the Arabic word for ease, the Sahel Rating System will assess and certify buildings based on three categories, including Sahel Community Rating, which is applicable to communities and master-planned developments; Sahel Public Realm Rating, which covers all types of public realms and open spaces; and the Sahel Building Rating, which applies to all kinds of buildings, such as commercial, public, and government buildings.

According to the Abu Dhabi Media Office report, each will then be rated on four levels. This includes Accessible, Adaptable, Inclusive, and Exemplar. The implementation of the rating system will occur across the design, construction, and operation stages. The initiative seeks to create an inclusive built environment for residents and visitors.