RCRC Launches the Accessibility Program for People with Disabilities in Riyadh City
The Royal Commission for Riyadh City has announced the launch of the Accessibility Program for People with Disabilities in Riyadh City. 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.
HE Engr. Ibrahim bin Muhammad Al-Sultan, Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers, and CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC), expressed thanks and gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, following the launch of the Accessibility Program for People with Disabilities in Riyadh City.
HE Engr. Al-Sultan said: “The launch of the program 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 Accessibility Code for Riyadh City 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 Accessibility Code for Riyadh City 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.
The code will be gradually implemented across both public and private sector buildings:
- Public sector: Immediate application to new government buildings and facilities. While upgrades to existing buildings will start in Q1 2025. This will cover over 1,000 existing government buildings and facilities across Riyadh.
- Private sector: The code’s requirements will take effect for all new private sector buildings starting Q1 2025, while upgrades to existing buildings will be implemented gradually over a three-year phased approach beginning Q1 2025.
The issuance of building completion certificates and professional licenses by Riyadh Municipality will be contingent on compliance with the Accessibility Code for Riyadh City.
The launch of the Accessibility Code for Riyadh City directly supports Saudi Vision 2030, which states:
“We 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 RCRC’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.
Furthermore, the program aligns with Saudi Arabia’s national efforts to support people with disabilities, including the establishment of the Authority for the Care of People with Disabilities and the launch of the Disability Rights System, reinforcing their rights and promoting their inclusion in society.
Specialists and stakeholders can access the Accessibility Code for Riyadh City through the following links: