In today’s digital world, government websites are more than just portals they are platforms for communication, public service, and trust. The UAE Design System (DLS) is a modern framework that helps government entities in the UAE create websites that are consistent, accessible, and user-friendly.
Let’s explore what the UAE Design System is, why it matters, and how it helps build healthy, high-performing websites.
What Is the UAE Design System
The UAE Design System (DLS) is a complete set of design and development guidelines created for federal government websites in the UAE. It includes:
- Typography rules
- Colour systems
- Iconography and imagery styles
- Layout and spacing standards
- Accessibility principles
- Components like buttons, forms, cards, etc.
It is built with Tailwind CSS and follows international accessibility standards like WCAG 2.1 AA.
Why the UAE Design System Matters
Without a unified system, government websites can look and behave very differently, confusing users. The DLS solves this by offering a shared foundation that:
- Promotes consistency across all UAE government digital platforms
- Improves accessibility for people of determination
- Speeds up the design and development process
- Reduces maintenance and increases quality
- Supports mobile-first and responsive design
It is not just a visual guide it is a full digital experience framework.
Core Principles of the DLS
Clarity
Every element is designed to be easy to read, understand, and use.
Accessibility
The system follows the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to ensure everyone can use government websites, including those with disabilities.
Performance
The system is optimized for speed and responsiveness on all devices, especially mobile.
Sustainability
Websites built with DLS are designed to reduce load times and unnecessary digital waste aligned with sustainable web design.
Typography That Guides, Not Distracts
The DLS recommends specific fonts for Arabic and English:
- English: Roboto (primary), Inter (secondary)
- Arabic: Noto Kufi Arabic (primary), Alexandria (secondary)
Each font comes with pre-defined weights and sizes for headings, body text, and other UI elements. The typography also follows strict rules for line spacing, alignment, and readability across screen sizes.
A Colour System with Meaning
The colour palette is built around UAE identity colors such as:
- UAE Gold
- AE Red
- AE Green
- AE Black
The system also includes supporting colors like tech blue, slate, fuchsia, camel yellow, etc. These colors are tested for contrast and accessibility, ensuring they work well in real design conditions.
Accessibility First, Not as an Add-On
Accessibility is at the heart of the UAE Design System:
- Font sizes never drop below 16px unless necessary
- Line height and paragraph spacing follow accessibility best practices
- High contrast between text and background
- Clear focus states for keyboard navigation
- No justified text or unnecessary underlines
Every component from buttons to alerts is designed to be usable by screen readers, keyboard navigation, and voice-over tools.
Ready-to-Use UI Components
The system includes pre-designed UI components, such as:
- Buttons (primary, outline, soft)
- Forms and input fields
- Cards and tiles
- Alerts, tables, dropdowns, modals
All components are responsive and come with accessibility tags (like ARIA) built-in.
Mobile-First by Default
The DLS uses a mobile-first approach, meaning the layout and content are designed to fit smaller screens first, then scale up. This ensures:
- Better usability on smartphones
- Faster load times on slow connections
- Adaptive design for tablets and desktops
Breakpoints are based on Tailwind standards (sm, md, lg, xl, 2xl) and can be customized.
Performance and Sustainability
The system promotes clean code, lightweight components, and optimized images. Websites built using DLS are:
- Faster
- Easier to maintain
- Better for SEO
- Lower in energy use which supports green digital practices
Easy Integration and Customization
- Components can be added using Tailwind
- Colours and fonts can be overridden with custom themes
- The system is modular, making it flexible for projects of any size
Authorities can also add their brand identity using the swatch generator tool, without breaking the core system.
The Future of UAE Government Websites
By using the DLS, government entities can:
- Launch faster, better websites
- Serve all citizens, regardless of ability
- Present a united national digital identity
- Keep up with international web standards
It is a system built for performance, accessibility, and trust aligned with the UAE’s vision of digital excellence.
Final Thoughts
The UAE Design System is not just about how things look it is about how users feel. It is a tool to build websites that are inclusive, clear, fast, and sustainable.
Whether you are a developer, designer, or digital manager, the DLS is your roadmap for building better public services online services that are ready for everyone, on every screen.