Dubai, 15th April 2015 - The General Authority for Regulating the Telecommunications Sector (TRA), has instructed the nation's licensees to allow people with disabilities easier access to telecommunications services in order to completely benefit from them. This effort also includes ensuring that the principle of equality is applied, making equal opportunities available between various societal demographics and segments. Hence, permitting the national talent to participate in the growth and development processes currently taking place in the UAE.

The instructions state the importance of the active role played by the telecommunications sector in the provision of these services, which contribute to the social integration of people with disabilities. As such, empowering them to live independently as well as creating conditions for them to work within the ICT sector.

"The direction taken for people with disabilities is part of our social responsibility program in the country. By providing such services, we are prompting these citizens to take advantage of the remarkable evolution and rapid growth of the UAE's ICT sector. We urge licensees to diversify their methods of providing smarter services, in order to provide accessibility to all segments of our society, including those with disabilities," said H.E. Hamad Obaid Al Mansouri, TRA Director General.

"We aim to provide all the reasons that allow us to successfully become leaders in the field of national services for people with disabilities we have a firm belief of taking advantage of all competencies and human resources we have in the UAE who can partake in engaging in the industry's comprehensive and integrated development process. Those with disabilities have been able to prove themselves in many fields by showing their capabilities to adapt to different work conditions and expectations, positively reflecting on their productivity and distinctiveness," H.E. added.

The UAE TRA will ensure that no obstructions interfere with the provision of services for this group, and that licensees provide services to ensure that all segments of society are included fairly. The TRA will conduct surveys targeted specifically towards people with disabilities to determine the extent of their satisfaction and happiness with the services. They will also be given priority in the completion of their transactions. All employees in the sector will be trained on the various services, solutions and products that are designed to understand the needs of people with disabilities.

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About the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority
TRA is building the core ICT regulatory framework for the UAE's burgeoning knowledge economy. ICT development underpins economic growth and social advancement, and is a critical pillar in the nation's broader 2021 Vision.

The TRA supports the UAE's ICT sector by safeguarding competition to protect the interests of subscribers, enhancing the readiness of e-services, encouraging investment, innovation and development, whilst facilitating a broader ecosystem for human capital development.

For more information about the TRA, please visit: www.tra.gov.ae

© Press Release 2015