The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) has announced the launch of the Universal Accessibility Code for People with Disabilities in Riyadh.
It aims to create a built environment that enables residents and visitors with disabilities to access, navigate, and engage in various activities with ease and independence
Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers, and RCRC CEO Eng. Ibrahim bin Muhammad Al-Sultan expressed thanks and gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and RCRC Chairman, following the launch of the Universal Accessibility Code for People with Disabilities in Riyadh.
Al-Sultan stated: "The launch of the code reflects the unwavering support and commitment of the wise leadership to empowering and integrating people with disabilities as active members of society.
This will significantly enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors while positioning Riyadh among the world’s leading cities in universal accessibility for people with disability and as a prime regional and international tourist destination."
He added that universal accessibility is a fundamental human right, as stated in Article 27 of the Basic Law of Governance, which affirms that "the State shall guarantee the rights of citizens and their families in exigent circumstances as well as in sickness, disability, and old age, and shall support the social security system and encourage institutions and individuals to participate in charitable work." Additionally, Article 26 states that "the State shall protect human rights in accordance with Sharia," which promotes the principles of justice, equality, and the prevention of discrimination on any basis, including disability.
The Universal Accessibility Code for People with Disabilities in Riyadh has been developed in both Arabic and English based on leading local and internation standards. This code establishes essential regulations to accommodate all types of disabilities, including physical, visual, auditory, cognitive, and temporary impairments, in a simplified and accessible format.
The code ensures that both existing and future projects meet the needs of people with disabilities, while minimizing the need for costly retrofits in the future.
The Universal Accessibility Code for People with Disabilities in Riyadh specifies key requirements for both indoor and outdoor elements of buildings and facilities to accommodate the needs of individuals with disabilities.
These include parking spaces, ramps and external stairs, entrances and doors, elevators, restrooms, and more—ensuring that people with disabilities can easily navigate all aspects of buildings and facilities.
Implementation of the code will be phased. New public sector buildings will immediately adhere to the code while existing government facilities (over 1,000 in Riyadh) will undergo upgrades starting in Q1 2025.
In the private sector, all new facilities will comply from Q1 2025, with existing buildings undergoing improvements over three years.
Building completion certificates and professional licenses issued by the Riyadh Municipality will be contingent upon compliance with the Universal Accessibility Code for People with Disabilities.
The launch of the Universal Accessibility Code for People with Disabilities in Riyadh directly supports Saudi Vision 2030, which states that it "will empower individuals with disabilities by ensuring they have access to suitable employment and education that fosters their independence and integration as active members of society. We will also provide them with the necessary facilities and tools to help them succeed."
This launch reinforces the Royal Commission for Riyadh City’s commitment to enhancing quality of life by improving urban accessibility. It ensures seamless access to education, healthcare, workplaces, public transport, and essential facilities, while positioning Riyadh as a global leader in universal accessibility.