All about Tactile Paving in Dubai for the Visually Impaired

If you are wondering what tactile paving in Dubai is, it refers to the slightly raised domes or metal bars on the road in Dubai, located outside metro stations and public transport facilities. There’s been a lot of discussion regarding the use of metal blocks in Dubai in areas where pedestrian traffic is always high. So we decided to do some research and learn more about what the metal blocks in Dubai are used for.

Tactile paving using raised metal blocks in Dubai

In recent months, many public places and some private buildings have started installing tactile paving in Dubai. The purpose of these metal blocks on Dubai roads is to assist visually impaired individuals and signal steps or trip hazards ahead.

You might have seen these textured ground surface indicators at both the Green Line and Red Line Dubai Metro stations. The Dubai tactile paving initiative is no longer limited to metro stations and has now been spotted at shopping centres too.

As per the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the initiatives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, efforts are being made to make the UAE a more inclusive society.

People of determination often find it difficult to use stairs or ramps. But placing tactile paving in Dubai empowers them to move around in the city without continued assistance. Tactile flooring is also helpful in places where handrails and other safety systems cannot be installed.

View of tactile paving in Dubai — Braille blocks are also being installed in private buildings in Dubai

Where can I find tactile paving in Dubai?

Most facilities operated by the RTA already have metal blocks in Dubai. This includes the different modes of transportation (bus, metro and ferry) and footbridges. The latest project is the installation of tactile paving in the Jumeirah district. We are likely to see an increase in the use of tactile paving.

Furthermore, Dubai Municipality has also taken up this noble cause and fitted tactile paving across all its centres including those in Al Kifaf, Al Manara, Al Twar and Hatta. Many shopping malls, schools and hospitals have also voluntarily installed tactile paving in Dubai as well.

Will we see more tactile paving in Dubai in the near future?

Of course, yes. Many of the recently constructed buildings (both commercial and residential) use tactile paving. It was reported that the government is assessing and assisting over 23,000 building to make the change. They are finding a way to make these buildings friendlier for people of determination and placing tactile blocks is one way of doing it.

What are the guidelines for fixing tactile paving in Dubai?

The Dubai Municipality has put ceratin regulations into place for incorporating tactile paving/ground surface indicators. These rules are enforced by the Municipality to ensure that the tactile paving types used in Dubai support the needs of people of determination.

The horizontal bars have to be within an area not less than 400mm in length.
Each strip has to be at least 40 mm wide, with a gap of a minimum 32 mm.
The tactile blocks cannot be shiny or slippery.
Furthermore, they must be durable enough to withstand heavy foot traffic and weathering.

Outdoor Tactile paving — Tactile sidewalks are likely to be introduced in Dubai soon

How do they work?

Tactile textures provide warnings by distinctive surface patterns. These could be in the shape of domes, cones or bars and can be detected via a long cane or while underfoot. They alert the user of an approaching hazardous surface or a grade change. So, when an individual is approaching a ramp, an escalator, an elevator or a staircase or a metro platform, tactile paving provides him or her an indication that the surface level will change soon. Hence, they also known as braille blocks.

These are some of the messages pedestrians can get with the Braille blocks in Dubai:

Raised lines tell the user that they can continue their walk.
The small bumps are a signal to stop. This is the point where the user can expect a curb or edge.

There is a set standard for dots and line worldwide on a basic level. However, in some cities, different tactile paving types have been introduced. Colours are also used to assist people with limited vision capabilities. These are also known as smart tactile paving.

This is a great initiative to ensure that the rights of people with disabilities are met. On the whole, the idea of installing metal blocks can be viewed as an investment for people of determination. The happiness initiatives taken in Dubai would be incomplete if any subgroups in the society are left behind. By investing in tactile paving in Dubai, the government is implementing steps to achieve the long-term goals laid out by the Ministry of Happiness.