UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

government.ae

First Release 2009 Document Classification: Public

 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

Web Guidelines Manual

Copyright © 2009 Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, All Rights Reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted,

in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or
otherwise), except for the purpose of learning, research, or self-development, without
the prior written permission of the Government Communications Office of the Federal
Government of the United Arab Emirates.

Ministry of Cabinet Affairs

United Arab Emirates

Current Version
This manual is Version 1.0 of the UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines.
It was released in 2009.

The most up-to-date version of the UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines is available
online at: www.gco.gov.ae

The UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines can be requested from

the Government Communications Office by emailing web.guidelines@gco.gov.ae

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

Contents
Section 01 – Web Guidelines Management
1.1 Introduction 5 3.6 Web Content Management 31
1.1.1 What are Web Guidelines All About? 5 3.6.1 Workflow 32
1.1.2 How to Use the Web Guidelines Manual 5 3.6.2 Writing for Websites 33
1.2 ‘11’ Web Objectives 6 3.6.3 Languages 33
1.3 Audience 7 3.6.4 Common Content and Terminology 34
1.4 Compliance and Expectations 7 3.6.5 Focusing on Audience 34
1.5 Guidelines Reviews 7 3.6.6 Organizing and Categorizing Content 35
1.6 Feedback 7 3.6.7 Managing Hyperlinks 35
3.6.8 Keeping Content Current 36
Section 02 – Web Channel Strategies 3.6.9 Archiving Content and Web Records 36
2.1 Definition of Web Channels 9 3.6.10 Managing Specific Types of Websites 36
2.2 Benefits of Web Channels 9 3.7 Web Information Security 37
2.3 Web Strategy Development 9 3.7.1 Intellectual Property 37
2.3.1 Definition of Web Strategy 9 3.7.2 Privacy 38
2.3.2 Web Strategy Development Process 10 3.8 Hosting 44
2.3.3 Components of Web Strategy 10 3.9 Website Marketing and Communications 44

Section 03 – Guidelines Section 04 – Appendices

3.1 Domain Naming Conventions and Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) 12 Appendix-1 Quality Evaluation Checklist 47
3.2 Design 15 Appendix-2 Templates 55
3.2.1 Information Architecture 15 T1 Web Strategy Template 55
3.2.2 Design Elements and Brand Identity 16 T2 Design Brief Template 62
3.2.3 Cascading Style Sheet 21 T3 Sample Usability Questionnaire 66
3.2.4 Compatibility with Browsers 22 T4 Content Verification Checklist 69
3.2.5 Bandwidth Support 23 T5 Marketing Communications Plan Template 72
3.3 Usability 24 T6 Sample Wireframe 76
3.4 Discoverability 29 Appendix-3 Style Guide 76
3.5 Accessibility 30 Appendix-4 References 79

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

Web Guidelines Management

Section 01
1.1 Introduction 5
1.1.1 What are Web Guidelines All About? 5
1.1.2 How to Use the Web Guidelines Manual 5
1.2 ‘11’ Web Objectives 6
1.3 Audience 7
1.4 Compliance and Expectations 7
1.5 Guidelines Reviews 7
1.6 Feedback 7

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

1.1 Introduction 1.1.2 How to Use the Web Guidelines Manual

This Web Guidelines manual is structured into four sections:
1.1.1 What are Web Guidelines All About?
1. Web Guidelines Management
The UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines are Overview of the UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines manual, including its
intended to improve the quality, consistency and core objectives and intended audience, as well as how compliance will be evaluated
reach of internal and external online communications and monitored.

carried out by the UAE Federal Government and all 2. Web Channel Strategies
its Entities. Description of web channels and web strategies, including why they are important,
and how to develop and use them effectively.
They are meant to help bring coherence to UAE Federal Government messaging on the
internet, and to ensure that all websites and associated web channels are in line with 3. Guidelines
international standards, making them easy to access, use and understand. Comprehensive breakdown of website development, from branding, design and
content to hosting, marketing, security and legal aspects.
This Web Guidelines manual brings together a wide range of best practices, checklists,
templates, and other useful information to help UAE Federal Government Entities plan 4. Appendices
and implement effective online communications. Helpful information and tools, including Quality Evaluation checklists, several
templates, a style guide and key references.
It was developed by combining the vast online experience and expertise already within
the UAE Federal Government with World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and ISO standards. The following templates and checklists should be used to ensure compliance with and
maximize the value of the Web Guidelines. They are located in Appendix 2 of this manual.
These Web Guidelines are primarily for web design, information services and marketing
and communications of websites, not for technical aspects and transactional TEMPLATE NUMBER TEMPLATE TITLE
services of websites.
Template 1 Web Strategy

Template 2 Design Brief

Template 3 Sample Usability Questionnaire

Template 4 Content Verification Checklist

Template 5 Marketing Communications Plan

Template 6 Sample Wireframe

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

1.2 ‘11’ Web Objectives

The UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines manual
is designed to help achieve the following 11 key
objectives that will ensure consistent quality across all
current and future UAE Federal Government websites
and other online communications.
1. UAE Federal Government websites must reflect the core values, messages and brand 6. UAE Federal Government websites must meet a defined level of information quality,
identity of the UAE Federal Government through clear, consistent and uniform and ensure the accuracy and uniformity of all UAE Federal Government content.
online communications to all audiences.
7. UAE Federal Government websites must establish and continually monitor appropriate
2. UAE Federal Government Entities must follow appropriate and consistent domain web security measures, adhere to all applicable laws and regulations, and clearly
names for their websites in order to maintain a proper web organization hierarchy communicate all policies, terms and conditions of use.
and clear cross-linkages between the UAE Federal Government and other Entities.
8. UAE Federal Government websites must provide opportunities for online interaction
3. UAE Federal Government Entities must own all aspects of their websites, including with their users.
their domains, content, and management.
9. UAE Federal Government websites must be easy and quick to find and navigate, and
4. UAE Federal Government websites should adhere to all applicable international must embrace various methods of attracting traffic, such as links and search engines.
standards and best practices, with particular focus on compliance with W3C standards.
10. UAE Federal Government websites must look to increase recognition by participating
5. UAE Federal Government websites must be developed on the foundation of a detailed in and winning acclaimed regional and international website competitions.
web strategy, must have structured internal systems in place to ensure that they are
fulfilling both their purpose and the needs of their users, and must be able to adjust 11. UAE Federal Government websites must be accessible and user-friendly.
accordingly if they are not effectively doing so.

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

1.3 Audience 1.5 Guidelines Reviews

These Web Guidelines are designed primarily for The UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines will
communications professionals, website managers, be reviewed annually to ensure that they remain
and web design, development and support staff of relevant and in line with international standards
UAE Federal Government Entities. and best practices.
This manual also serves as a reference guide for web agencies and individuals tasked
with assessing the compliance of web channels used by UAE Federal Government Entities, 1.6 Feedback
as well as for selected external stakeholders and Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
Suggestions on how to improve the
1.4 Compliance and Expectations UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines
are welcome and appreciated.
All UAE Federal Government Entities should make
All suggestions, proposed changes or additions to the Web Guidelines will be thoroughly
every reasonable effort to comply with these evaluated. Any feedback should be emailed to web.guidelines@gco.gov.ae
Web Guidelines.
Each UAE Federal Government Entity should conduct a comprehensive internal audit to
identify areas that must be addressed in order to bring all existing websites in line with the
Guidelines. In addition, all future UAE Federal Government websites must be developed to
comply with the Guidelines.

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

Web Channel Strategies

Section 02
2.1 Definition of Web Channels 9
2.2 Benefits of Web Channels 9
2.3 Web Strategy Development 9
2.3.1 Definition of Web Strategy 9
2.3.2 Web Strategy Development Process 10
2.3.3 Components of Web Strategy 10

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

2.1 Definition of Web Channels 2.3 Web Strategy Development

Web channels can be defined as channels that allow 2.3.1 Definition of Web Strategy

direct communication through groups of related A web strategy should cover both the communication
websites on the internet. They are able to automatically and Information Technology (IT) elements of a website.
send information for immediate display at the This Web Guidelines manual focuses primarily on
request of a user. the former.
It is important to take the time to develop a solid web strategy at the beginning of the
2.2 Benefits of Web Channels website development process. It should be as detailed as possible and all-inclusive, spanning
various areas of expertise, from design and content to security, legal and administrative.
Web channels are useful because they allow:
By helping to achieve consensus among all key stakeholders on the most important aspects
• Users to quickly and easily find information on websites of a website development project, a web strategy will ensure that the project remains on
track, facilitate compliance with standards and UAE Federal Government expectations,
• Users to express information freely and efficiently
and make the overall process smoother and faster.
• Information to be updated and shared with a global audience

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2.3.2 Web Strategy Development Process
A web strategy is critical to achieving the objectives of a website. It ensures that every
important aspect is accounted for and that all parties share a common vision.
Before developing a detailed web strategy, the following high-level questions should be
asked and discussed among all key stakeholders:
On content:
• What are the necessary topics, sections and information of the website?
• Who is the target audience of the website?
On time:
• What is the final deadline for launching the website?
On design:
• How should the website look?
• What UAE Federal Government brand standards and style guidelines need to be
followed?
On compliance with all project and UAE Federal Government objectives:
• What is the most up-to-date version of the Web Guidelines?
• How and when will the website be evaluated?
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UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines
2.3.3 Components of Web Strategy
A comprehensive web strategy must include the following:
• Executive Summary: Concise overview of the high-level strategy and the project
• Introduction and Background: Background information on the organization and
details of any previous web activity
• Vision and Mission Statements: The UAE Federal Government Entity’s vision and
mission for the website and its use
• Objectives: Description of what the website is meant to achieve, and how it will
support the overall objectives of the UAE Federal Government
• Audience: Identification of the website’s target audience, and description of the tools
used to determine who they are
• Delivery Model: Breakdown of accountability and responsibility for every aspect of the
project, from technical infrastructure and content management to approvals, budget
and timelines, as well as identification of the web custodian who is responsible for the
entire website development project and accountable for the
long-term success of the website
• Success Factors: Key elements that must be tracked in order to facilitate the website
creation process and ensure its success
• Project Implementation: Detailed timeline of all the important stages and elements of
the project, including information about what they involve and individual deadlines
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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

Guidelines
Section 03
3.1 Domain Naming Conventions and Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) 12
3.2 Design 15
3.2.1 Information Architecture 15
3.2.2 Design Elements and Brand Identity 16
3.2.3 Cascading Style Sheet 21
3.2.4 Compatibility with Browsers 22
3.2.5 Bandwidth Support 23
3.3 Usability 24
3.4 Discoverability 29
3.5 Accessibility 30
3.6 Web Content Management 31
3.6.1 Workflow 32
3.6.2 Writing for Websites 33
3.6.3 Languages 33
3.6.4 Common Content and Terminology 34
3.6.5 Focusing on Audience 34
3.6.6 Organizing and Categorizing Content 35
3.6.7 Managing Hyperlinks 35
3.6.8 Keeping Content Current 36
3.6.9 Archiving Content and Web Records 36
3.6.10 Managing Specific Types of Websites 36
3.7 Web Information Security 37
3.7.1 Intellectual Property 37
3.7.2 Privacy 38
3.8 Hosting 44
3.9 Website Marketing and Communications 44

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

3.1 Domain Naming Conventions and Uniform Resource DOMAIN NAMES GUIDELINES
Locators (URLs)
All UAE Federal Government Entities should:
What is a Domain Name?
• Own their domain names, and register them without the assistance of external web
A domain name is the address used to access a website agencies. This ensures correct ownership and that all required information, such as
on the World Wide Web. contacts, is supplied
It is made up of words and / or letters and must have at least two parts; the organization’s • Register their websites as ‘www.govermententityname.gov.ae’ and
name on the left and the highest sub-domain on the right. Example: government.ae ‘www.govermententityname.ae’, at least using the following short and long
domain naming conventions:
A domain name is made up of a hierarchy known as levels, which are separated by a period
(‘.’) within the domain name. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers
(ICANN) divides domain names into three levels: A – Short Naming Convention
The domain name that consist of the first letter of each word of the UAE Federal
• Top Level Domain: For example, ‘.ae’
Government Entity’s name
• Second Level Domain: For example, ‘.gov.ae’ Example: UAE Federal Environmental Agency
www.fea.gov.ae or www.fea.ae
• Third Level Domain: For example, ‘.moh.gov.ae’
B – Long Naming Convention
A ‘sub-domain’ specifies a section of a website or a separate entity or function within the
UAE Federal Government. Example: services.moh.gov.ae The domain name that represents the full name of the UAE Federal
Government Entity
.ae Top Level Example: UAE Federal Environmental Agency
www.federalenvironmentalagency.gov.ae or
.gov Second Level www.federalenvironmentalagency.ae

.moh Third Level • Ensure that any domain names not ending in ‘.gov.ae’ be redirected to a website
with a domain name in the form of a short naming convention that does end in
services Sub-domain ‘.gov.ae’, which is the short naming convention
• Book domain names for longest period such as annually, rather than monthly or
The Domain Name System (DNS) quarterly. Fixed-time payment is simpler for administrative purposes and allows
more time for website maintenance
A DNS is a system that translates the words of a URL
into the computer-friendly, numeric terms of an IP address.
A DNS accesses a database of host computers and their corresponding IP addresses every
time users request a web page.

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines
Domain Name Ownership Management
UAE Federal Government Entity can manage ownership of their domain names through
the official .ae Registrars accredited by TRA .ae Domain Administration (.aeAD)
.aeAD is the Regulatory Body and Registry Operator for the .ae domain name.
The .aeDA is responsible for the setting and enforcement of all policy with regard to the
operation of the .ae ccTLD as well as overseeing the operation of the Registry System.
The .aeDA’s role is to:
• Develop and execute policy
• Grow, develop and market the .ae namespace
• Accredit and manage .ae Registrars
• Educate the public, delivering and promoting the .ae domain name
• Facilitate the .ae Dispute Resolution Policy
• Represent .ae at International Forums
For more information on .ae Domains Administration, visit the official website of aeAD
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UAE Federal Government Entity can deal with the official .ae Registrars as an exmple
on the following:
• Registration: A UAE Federal Government Entity can register a domain name and
delegate it to a specific hosting server. For more information, review Domain Name
Eligibility Policy. Domain name booking should be done through one of the accredited
.ae Registrars in the country and can obtain booking information from whois.
• Renewal: A UAE Federal Government Entity should renew its domain names before
their expiration dates in order to avoid service cut-off and to prevent the domain
name being adopted by another organization. For more information, review
Domain Name Renewal Expiry and Deletion Policy and the renewal happens through
one of the accredited .ae Registrars in the country.
• Transfer: If a domain name has already been taken by another organization, a sale and
transfer process is available via a domain transfer order. An email is sent to the registered
address in a ‘Whois’ search, requesting authorization for the domain transfer.
When the previous domain name owner approves the sale and transfer, the central registry
amends the relevant account and both parties are notified via email.
For more information about transferring domains, please refer to
Domain Name Transfer policies
TIPS
• For more policies related to .ae domains, visit www.aeda.ae/eng/aepolicy.php
• For FAQs about domain names, visit www.aeda.ae/eng/faqs.php#1
• It is recommended to register all possible domain names on other top domains
such as: .com, .gov, .net to eliminate any plagerism
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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

What is a Uniform Resource Locator (URL)?

URL GUIDELINES
A URL is an address that identifies a specific web page,
There are five main factors to consider when designing a user-friendly URL. They
file or document on the internet. should be:
It is unique and is composed of the following four parts:
• Short: Short URLs are easier to type, write, remember and say

PART EXAMPLE • Lowercase: URLs that contain both uppercase and lowercase letters are more
difficult to type, write, remember and say
Protocol Type • http://
• Plain Language: URLs in plain language are easier to type, write, remember and say
• https://
• Conventional: Conventional URLs, which conform to the standard format, are
• ftp:// easier to type, write, remember and say

Domain Name www.gco.ae • Self-Correcting: If users type ‘emplyment’ instead of ‘employment’, self-correcting
URLs compensate and redirect them to the correct website
Directory Path /news/
Consider the following when defining correction rules:
File Name index.jsp Common spelling errors
Common synonyms
Types of URLs Upper and lowercase mixes of the same word (for English websites)
URL file names can be generated from:
URLs that lead to an error page
• Static HTMLs: These are web pages with content that does not change unless the
webmaster alters it. A static page is the opposite of a dynamically generated page. It is
TIPS
stored on a server and can be retrieved using a fixed URL.
Example: ‘faq.html’ • Avoid using CMS that do not display short, permanent URLs in the address bar

• Dynamic Databases: These are dynamically generated from database systems and published
through an administration panel with static page names and different parameters, such
as ID’s, categories, names, etc. The use of these parameters changes the way the content,
design and images are displayed on the website.
Example: ‘Details.aspx?ID=1234&category=3’
• Keep URLs simple. The spiders / crawlers sent out by search engines are simplistic
and may stop searching if they encounter any obstacles, such as too many
parameters in a URL (there should be a maximum of four parameters)
• Define a standard naming convention to maintain consistency, particularly when
the website supports different languages

• Dynamic CMS: These are dynamically generated from Content Management Systems, • For more information about naming and addressing URLs, please refer to
and split into two main parts: a file name and a file extension. www.w3.org/Addressing
Example: ‘about_uae_government.html’

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

3.2 Design • Structure of Information: The layout of the text, images and menus of a website. It is
important that information flows, so that it reads clearly. Navigation should be designed
Why Do We Need Design Guidelines? so that users can interact with the website easily, and search systems should allow users
to quickly find exactly what information they are looking for
The purpose of these Design Guidelines is to establish
visual consistency in the web presence of the UAE How is IA Designed?
Federal Government by introducing a common web Because each website aims to communicate different information to different audiences,
structure, visual identity, and layout to be strictly there is no single IA that is perfect for all websites. Nevertheless, this manual aims to make
sure that across the UAE Federal Government, the look, flow and feel of its websites
followed by all UAE Federal Government Entities. is consistent.
This will enable users to gain access to UAE Federal Government information and services It is important to follow these primary IA steps:
in a more effective, efficient and uniform manner.
• Define the website’s goals

3.2.1 Information Architecture • Identify potential audiences

Information Architecture (IA) refers to the flow of • Identify stakeholders and end users’ information needs and behavior so that all
information on a website, including the way it is information is designed accordingly (for more information on Focusing on Audience,
please refer to Section 3.6.5)
organized and its flow of functionality.
Then, synthesize these answers to develop an IA plan and:
IA can be compared to a blueprint; it refers to the structure, content, labeling and
categorization of information. • Organize it by audience type or task (for more information on Organizing and
Categorizing Content, please refer to Section 3.6.6)
IA includes the following:
• Prioritize information and arrange it into logical categories
• Sitemap: A chart that depicts each individual page of a website, including the homepage,
contact us page, and all other web pages, and indicates how they are connected
(please refer to Appendix 2 - T2 Sample Site Map) TIPS

• Wireframes: Simple representations of the design, structure and layout of a web page. • IA is all about design!
Whereas a sitemap shows the layout (or map) of the entire website, a wireframe is an • Research using heat maps to show web behavior and habits suggests that users
impression or representation of what the designer expects a user will see when viewing
read English websites in an F-shaped fashion (for more information, please refer to
each web page (please refer to Appendix 2-T6 Sample Wireframe)
www.useit.com/alertbox/reading_pattern.html)
• Information Flow: The sequence and flow of information in a website

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

3.2.2 Design Elements and Brand Identity

The design of most web pages is divided into five main sections:
1. Global Header English Example

2. Masthead 1. Global Header

3. Navigation
2. Masthead
4. Body
3. Option 1 : Top Navigation
5. Global Footer
4a. Breadcrumbs 4b. Body Links

COMMON DESIGN LAYOUT GUIDELINES

The following diagrams illustrate these core website elements for both Arabic and English
web pages:
3. Option 2: 3. Option 3:
4. Body
Left Navigation Right Navigation
Arabic Example
áeÉ©dG á°ùjhÎdG .1

á«fhεdE’G áëØ°üdG ¿GƒæY .2

5. Global Footer
…ƒ∏©dG íØ°üàdG :∫hC’G QÉ«ÿG .3

¢üædG iƒàfi §HGhQ .4‫ﺏ‬ π≤æàdG QÉ°ùe .4‫ﺃ‬

:ådÉãdG QÉ«ÿG .3 :ÊÉãdG QÉ«ÿG .3

¢üædG iƒàfi .4
QÉ°ù«dG á¡÷ íØ°üàdG Úª«dG á¡÷ íØ°üàdG

ΩÉ©dG π«jòàdG .5

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

Five Main Sections of Common Design – Expanded

SECTION WHAT IS IT?
Each section has different requirements and guidelines:
The ‘Contact Us’ section should contain all necessary
i) GLOBAL HEADER GUIDELINES information for users who wish to contact any part of the
UAE Federal Government, or to be able to offer feedback
• The global header area must appear in all pages of a website about the website(s). This includes:
• It must include essential information for navigation and for Arabic pages it • Telephone and fax numbers
must, at a minimum, contain the following links:
• Physical and postal addresses
ÉæH π°üJEG
• Email addresses
™bƒŸG á£jôN
Contact Us • Location map
IóYÉ°ùª∏d
åëÑdG /Ωó≤àŸG åëÑdG • A form with at least the following fields:

English Name

• In the case of an English website, the following links must appear in all web Email
pages in the following order: Telephone number
Contact Us Mobile number
Sitemap Comments/message to be sent
Help
Search / Advanced Search
»HôY
• For English websites, all headings should be in sentence format, with the
first letter of the first word capitalized and all remaining letters, with the
exception of proper nouns, in lower case
• If there are more than two languages, they can be provided either as options
within an English / »HôY link, as a drop down list, or as flag icons
• Links should provide indications of their content, as outlined in the
following table:

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

SECTION WHAT IS IT? SECTION WHAT IS IT?

Sitemaps offer search engine spiders easy access to web pages, A help page must be included to explain the website’s activity
and provide users with directions for navigating the website. Help and functionality, particularly if Web 2.0 components are used.
Sitemaps must therefore be designed to properly carry out Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) should also be provided
these two distinct roles. Effective sitemaps should contain:
Advanced searches allow users to refine their search by
• Navigation Links: These links must be easy to find and use adding more specific criteria. Options for an advanced search
• Additional Page Links: These are links to other pages include:
within the website, such as a help page and a custom • ‘Find results with’: Used to refine a search with specified
404-redirect page terms. Terms may be included or excluded from the search
• ‘OR’: Used between two terms to include either of the
• Overview: A short overview paragraph should be included specified multiple terms in addition to the original terms
at the top of a sitemap page • ‘Last’: Used after the specified terms along with a specified
• Heading and Layout: The layout of a sitemap should Search / duration to produce results for documents only within
present a clear hierarchal structure of the website. Advanced that time frame
Headings and sub-headings should be used to introduce Search • ‘And’: Used before the specified terms to include the
Sitemap the appropriately grouped links specified terms in addition to the original terms
• ‘In-link’: Used before the specified terms to search for
• Text Links and Descriptions: A sitemap should use text documents that contain the specified terms in anchor text
without unnecessary images or other distractions. Where • Language: Used to search for terms only within websites
possible, a short description should be included for each link that appear in a particular language, such as Arabic or
• Updated Information: The sitemap must be updated and English
• ‘Terms’: Used around the specified terms to search for
uploaded frequently
the exact terms or phrase entered
• .xml File: If an .xml document is required, it must contain
links to all web pages in the website’s root directory. TIPS
This .xml file should then be referenced, compiled and
It is highly recommended to add Services link in the Global Header containing
placed into a proper .xml document, which should be the below information for each service:
uploaded into the root directory
1. Service description 7. Service Provider Location
• Robots.txt File: The .xml sitemap file must be made 2. Service Steps 8. Other Channels to get the service
accessible to search spiders. To do so, reference the sitemap 3. Required documents (online, IVR, etc)
4. Fees 9. Service Duration
in the robots.txt file by adding a line for the sitemap 5. Special conditions 10. Service Technical Support:
6. Service Provider: Include all including the customer care and
contact information help desk

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

The following are examples of how these links could be displayed on both iii) NAVIGATION GUIDELINES
Arabic and English web pages:
Navigation is the method of moving from page to page within a website, by
Arabic Global Header – Sample clicking on tabs, text, or graphical hyperlinks.
Ωó≤àŸG åëÑdG IóYÉ°ùª∏d • Navigation elements must always be available, intuitive and clear, and should
always inform users where they are and where they can go next
English Global Header – Sample • Never use flash for menus to navigate the site
Contact Us Sitemap Help Search Site Advanced Search »HôY

iv) BODY GUIDELINES

This area must contain the following elements:

ii) MASTHEAD GUIDELINES
• Content: Usually structured in multiple paragraphs with headings, dates or
The masthead is a graphic image or text title at the top of a web page that subtitles that relate to the main topic of the page
identifies the website.
• Breadcrumb Trails: Links that are usually placed directly above the main page
• The logo on the Masthead must always have a link to the homepage heading to show where users are in relation to the homepage
• It should not be too large and should avoid animation/flash movies • Body Links: Icons that represent actions on a web page, including printing,
bookmarking and forwarding links.
Arabic Masthead for Ministry – Sample
To illustrate layout options for these parts of the body section, please refer to the
á«fhεdE’G áëØ°üdG ¿GƒæY IQGRƒdG QÉ©°T common design layout guidelines in section 3.2.2. All UAE Federal Government
Entities are required to implement the three elements listed above.
English Masthead for Ministry – Sample
Arabic Breadcrumbs and Body Links – Sample
Ministry Logo Masthead

Arabic and English Masthead for English Breadcrumbs and Body Links– Sample
Authority/ Council/ Programme or Entity
Home / Search Results

Federal á«fhεdE’G áëØ°üdG ¿GƒæY Other

Government
Logo Masthead Entity Logo

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

v) GLOBAL FOOTER GUIDELINES ITEM WHAT IS IT?

• A global footer, which should be found at the bottom of every web page,
provides easy access to important information and links for users.
• The global footer links and statements are usually plain text, rather than
graphic buttons, and should include the following:
ITEM WHAT IS IT?
Last Update Statement • Indicates the last time the web page was
updated or published
Screen Resolution • Indicates the ideal resolution to view the web
page (for example, “this web page is best viewed
at 800x600 pixels”)
Browser Support • Refers to the browser that supports the viewing
of the current web page without any design
breaks or unseen information
• Includes information on the ability to view
Accessibility
web pages on different browsers and multiple
Disclaimer • Contains website statements intended to specify
or define the scope of rights and obligations
that may be exercised and enforced by the UAE
Federal Government*
Sitemap • Lists links to all pages in a website. If the website
has more than 100 pages, a link to a secondary
sitemap or category specific sitemap should be
provided
Copyright Statement • States the copyright of the current page or the
entire website (for more information about
Intellectual Property, please refer to Section 3.7)
Direct Access Section • Provides a shortcut to key contact details
Arabic Footer – Sample
20:18 ‘ 2008ôjGÈa 5:ïjQÉàH ” ™bƒª∏d åjó– ôNBG øNÉ°ùdG ∞JÉ¡dG
1024x768 á°TÉ°T ∫ÓN øe Ö°SÉæŸG πµ°ûdÉH áëØ°üJ øµÁ ™bƒŸG Gòg
6.0+ GôHhCG ,1.2+ …QÉØ°S ,1.0+ ¢ùcƒaôjÉa ,6.0+ QQƒ∏Ñ°ùcEG âfÎfEG âaƒ°ShôµjÉe ºY óJ
7000 40000 ∫É°üJ’G
Êhεd’G ójÈdG ∫ÓN ∂jCGôH ∑QÉ°T ô°TÉÑŸG
∫ƒ°UƒdG á«fɵeEG | á«°Uƒ°üÿG á°SÉ«°S |฀‫احكام‬฀‫و‬฀‫ | �صروط‬á«dDƒ°ùŸG AÓNEG | ™bƒŸG á£jôN | IóYÉ°ùª∏d | ÉæH π°üJEG
áXƒØfi ¥ƒ≤◊G ™«ªL ,IóëàŸG á«Hô©dG äGQÉeE’G ádhód ájOÉ–’G á«fhεd’G áeƒµ◊G 2009© ï°ùædG ¥ƒ≤M
ÉæH π°üJEG hCG help@uae.com
ájOÉ–’G áeƒµ◊G ™bGƒeh ΩÉbQCG π«dO íØ°üJ

platforms. For users with disabilities, it provides

information on the most effective way to access English Footer – Sample
data. Always avoid complex navigation tools, Government Hotline Page last updated on: February 5 2008 at 20:18
7000 40000
badly named links, small target areas for clicks, Direct
Call Feedback to help@uae.ae
This site is best viewed in 1024 x 768 screen resolution
Supports Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0+, Firefox 1.0+, Safari 1.2+, Opera 6.0+
or our online form Accessibility | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Disclaimer | Sitemap | Help | Contact Us
poor color contrast, etc. Browse Government Directory Copyright©2009 UAE Federal E-Government. All Rights Reserved.

Privacy Policy • Refers to the privacy policy of the current web

* For more information on Web Information Security, please refer to Section 3.7
page or website*

Terms and Conditions • Contains information about the special terms

and conditions under which the web page is
being viewed*

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

3.2.3 Cascading Style Sheet FONT ABOUT FONT USAGE

A Cascading Style Sheet (CSS) is a simple mechanism FAMILY EXAMPLES
Sans-serif These fonts should be the basis of any web Verdana
for adding style elements to a web page, giving both Fonts content. They are easy to read online and Arial Must
website developers and users more control over how are common to most computer operating Geneva
web pages are displayed. systems.
Helvetica
CSS is used to create style sheets that determine the presentation of a range of style Lucida Sans
elements, including fonts, colors, spacing, headers, borders, background images and text Trebuchet
alignment. Serif Fonts These fonts should be used for print- Garamond
friendly versions of a website. While they Georgia
CSS is also important in enabling web developers to create a uniform look across several
can be difficult to read online, they are New York
pages of a website. Common features only need to be identified and coded once, before
easy to read in print.
being replicated throughout the website. This makes style changes quick and easy, as Times
each page of the website does not have to be altered individually. For example, if a web Times New Must
developer wishes to change the background of all 30 pages of a website, only the CSS Roman
document needs to be altered. Monospace These fonts should be used when the Courier
Fonts spacing of the content is important, such Courier
CSS GUIDELINES as with pre-formatted text. Another New
common use of these fonts is to display
• Background: The background color of all UAE Federal Government websites Lucida
code or other technical information. Console
must be white.
Monaco
• Colors: Refer to the Brand Identity Guidelines for the color scheme of the UAE
Emblem and Appendix 3- Style Guidelines that must be used in the design of all Script These fonts should be used for signatures Comic Sans
Ministry web sites while the other Federal Government Entities can use their own, Fonts or in other locations where the look of MS
approved, colour palette. cursive handwriting is desired. Keep in Lucida
mind that not all computers have the Handwriting
• Fonts: CSS recognizes the five font families for English content listed in the same script fonts defined, so it’s a good Zapf
following table. For Arabic, use Tahoma for content and headings. For English use idea to define a sans-serif font as a backup. Chancery
Arial for content and Bliss Bold for headings. Please follow guidelines provided in
Appendix 3- Style Guidelines and shown in the below table for English text Fantasy These fonts should be used for headings Copperplate
Fonts and artistic text. However, as they are the Desdemona
least common of all the font families, it’s Impact
a good idea to define a sans-serif font as
Kino
a backup unless all potential readers will
have that particular font on their systems.

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

3.2.4 Compatibility with Browsers

TIPS
Different web browsers may display the same web page in a variety of ways. Users may also
• Always define the preferred font first and the most generic font last in the CSS list access websites from mobile browsers and PDA devices.
• Don’t use more than three or four fonts on any one web page Therefore, a key challenge in web design is to create web pages that are browser independent,
• Don’t change the font in mid-sentence unless there is a very good reason so they can be accessed viewed in the same layout regardless of the type of browser. This is
known as cross-browser compatibility.
• Use sans serif fonts for web and serif fonts for print
It is not only important to make sure that web pages can be accessed using a variety of
• Don’t use fantasy fonts for body text browsers and operating systems, but also to ensure that this can be done with little or no
• If a font has a multiple word name, put it in quotes in the CSS document design variation. This is complicated because there are several commonly used browsers
and each one has multiple versions.
• Always define the font families to be used before deciding on specifics
(size, actual typeface, etc)
COMPATIBILITY WITH BROWSERS GUIDELINES
• Here are some useful links:
• Ensure cross-browser compatibility and provide compatibility statement
www.w3.org/TR/CSS21
www.w3.org/TR/CSS21/indexlist.html
TIPS
www.w3.org/TR/CSS21/fonts.html
• Test the website on each of the most popular browsers – Microsoft Internet
Explorer and Firefox. It should also be tested on Safari, Mozilla, Google Chrome and
Opera, as well as on an Apple Macintosh
• Consider screen resolutions while designing, as an interface might not display
consistently across different browsers if, for instance, a fixed or fluid layout is used

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

3.2.5 Bandwidth Support

Bandwidth is the amount of data that can be transmitted between devices (for example,
between a web server and a client PC) in a given unit of time. It may help to think of
bandwidth optimization in terms of the size of the pipe between a tap and water tank.
Essentially, the larger the pipe, the more water that can be received through a tap in a
given amount of time.
High bandwidth makes for a better online experience because it means web pages
and content, especially graphics and video, will load more quickly. Similarly, for video
conferencing, higher bandwidth means images come through more clearly.
TIPS
• Avoid animation, blinking or scrolling text, and auto-loading sounds, as
they require greater bandwidth and may confuse the message that is being
communicated
• Minimize the amount of clicking necessary to navigate the website to save
time and, when loading images is necessary, bandwidth as well
• Compress all image files to reduce memory usage (not their physical size on
the screen but the amount of storage they require)

Below are the different types of connections and their respective bandwidths: • Cloudtags: Provide users an alternative route to access information fast. It
emphasizes words that are most commonly searched on the site. Cloudtags
SIZE CONNECTION Ajax should be placed at the far bottom left of the page just above the footer as
customary.
56 Kbit/s Modem/Dialup
• Widgets (Ajax applets): Federal Government Entities portals wishing to include
1.544 Mbit/s T1 customizable widgets please refer to the General Information Authority Web
Technical Guidelines document – Public Communications Guidelines, Widgets
10 Mbit/s Ethernet
Standards and Guidelines.
11 Mbit/s Wireless 802.11b
• Forums: All federal portals that wish to include a public forum please refer
43.232 Mbit/s T3 to the General Information Authority Web Technical Guidelines document –
Public Communications Guidelines, Forum Standards and Guidelines.
54 Mbit/s Wireless-G 802.11g
• Podcasts: All Federal Government Entities portals that wish to produce podcasts
100 Mbit/s Fast Ethernet please refer to the General Information Authority Web Technical Guidelines
document – Public Communications Guidelines, Podcast Production Standards
155 Mbit/s OC3
and Guidelines.
300 Mbit/s Wireless-N 802.11n
• Video casts/streaming: All Federal portals that wish to produce Video content
622 Mbit/s OC12 please refer to the General Information Authority Web Technical Guidelines
document – Public Communications Guidelines, Video Production Standards
1 Gbit/s Gigabit Ethernet and guidelines.
2.5 Gbit/s OC48 • Wikis and Blogs: All Federal Government Entities portals that wish to include Wikis
9.6 Gbit/s OC192 in their portals and to generate content please refer to the General Information
Authority Web Technical Guidelines document – Public Communications
10 Gbit/s 10 Gigabit Ethernet Guidelines, Wikis and Blogs.

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

3.3 Usability User-Centered Design Methodology

Usability refers to “the extent to which a product can
be used by specified users to achieve specified goals
with effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction in a
specified context of user.” ISO 9241-11
A key methodology for assessing usability is User-Centered Design (UCD) [also known as
Human-Centered Design (HCD)]. It is defined as:
“The active involvement of users, and a clear understanding of user and task requirements;
an appropriate allocation of function between users and technology; the iteration of
design solutions; multi-disciplinary design.” ISO 13407

Basically, it is the process of measuring and managing ease of use for users interacting UCD aims to put the users of a website at the center of its design and development. It
with a website. does this by talking directly to users to obtain early feedback on key aspects of the project,
ensuring that the website will meet users’ requirements. Therefore, it is critical that the
The main considerations of web usability are:
• Ease of Learning: How quickly can first-time users learn to use the interface to accomplish profile of the target audience be taken into consideration when applying these methods.
basic tasks? How easily can users navigate the website to find what they need? Can users
determine from the navigation structure where they are on the website at all times? The UCD process is illustrated below:
• Effectiveness: Can users achieve their objectives when using the website?
• Efficiency: How much time and effort is required for users to achieve their objectives
when using the website?
• Memorability: If users have visited the website before, is it easier to navigate the next Plan the user-centered process
time because of their previous experience?
• Error Frequency and Severity: How often do users make errors while on the website?
How serious are these errors? How do users recover from these errors? Are these errors
logged, so they can be addressed?
• Consistency: Is the look and feel of the website consistent? For instance, if bold is used Meets requirements Specify the context of use
to provide emphasis in one part of a website, is the same style used for the same
reason elsewhere?
• WYSIWIS – (What You See Is What I See): Does every user see the same thing regardless
of what kind of computer and software they use?
• WYSIWYG – (What You See Is What You Get): During development, does the content Specify user &
Evaluation against
appear to users as it would in the final display, be it a web page, printed document or organizational
requirements
other output? Certain systems and programs allow an interface or content developer requirements
to create a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for the web developer to see what the final
product will look like while the interface, document or web page is being created.
• Satisfaction: How do users feel about their interaction with the website? How much do
users like using the website? Will users return to the website?
Produce design solutions
These factors are also affected by:
• The Users: Who is using the website? What is the skill level of the typical user?
How much relevant experience does the typical user have?
• The Organization and User’s Goals: What are the organization’s objectives and requirements?
What do users require from the website? Does the website address their needs?
• The Usage Situation (or ‘Context of Use’): Where and how is the website used?

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

What is meant by: iv) Evaluating Designs against Requirements?

This is an essential step, which assesses whether user and organizational objectives
i) The Context of Use?
have been met, and provides feedback that can be used to improve design. There
This area must contain the following elements: are a variety of evaluation methods, varying in their formality and the depth of user
• Characteristics of the intended users involvement. The best methods will depend on the nature of the website being
developed, finances considerations and time constraints.
• Tasks users will perform

• Environment in which website visitors will use the system Tools and Methods
Below are some key usability tools and methods for evaluating design:

ii) The User and Organizational Requirements?

TOOL PURPOSE LEVEL OF
• Relevant users and other personnel in the design RESOURCES
• Clear statement of UCD goals REQUIRED

• Appropriate priorities for different time requirements Brainstorming Generates design ideas Low

• Measurable benchmarks against which emerging designs can be tested Card Sorting Helps structure interface content Low

• Positive feedback from the users or those representing their interests in CELLO Evaluates against user requirements Low
the process Cognitive Walkthrough Checks structure and flow against Medium
user goals
• Statutory and/or legislative requirements
Context of Use Analysis Specifies vital user and product Low
• Adequate documentation
characteristics

Cost-Benefit Analysis Directs design effort towards factors High

iii) Producing Design Solutions?
providing best return
The following steps must be carried out:
Focus Group Elicits user requirements and views Low
• Outlining design proposals with multi-disciplinary input through discussion
• Reassessing design solutions using simulations, mock-ups, etc. Functionality Matrix Specifies functions required to Low
support tasks
• Presenting design solutions to users in order for them to perform and simulate tasks
Group Discussion Summarizes user ideas and Low
• Refining the process until design objectives are met
comments on design issues

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

TOOL PURPOSE LEVEL OF TIPS

RESOURCES
REQUIRED • Greater functionality does not necessarily mean improved usability

Interactive/ Computer- Tests interaction with users Medium / • Good usability enables users to find relevant information in a maximum of
Based Prototyping High three clicks
Paper Prototyping Tests design ideas with users Medium • Consistent navigation and wording, as well as a unified website look and feel,
Parallel Design Provides one conceptual design idea High results in optimal usability results
from several • Testing usability helps to establish and maintain effectiveness
Participatory Detects task-related usability Medium
Evaluation problems in the early stages of
design
Scenarios and Personas Illustrates requirements and Medium
WEB USABILITY GUIDELINES
supports conceptual design
Storyboarding Visualizes relationships between Medium A large number of Usability Guidelines have been published by individuals
events and actions and recognized organizations around the world. Below are some important
guidelines
Surveys through Provides mass data from users High for web design:
Questionnaires
i) Page Headings
Supportive Evaluation Identifies usability issues in a High
collaborative forum Each page on a website should have a unique main heading that is
descriptive and concise. The main page heading should match the
User-Based Testing (for Provides design improvement Medium navigation item or the link to which it corresponds, as well as effectively
design feedback) recommendations corresponding to the information in the sitemap. Below are some
User-based testing (for Measures usability and identifies High useful guidelines:
metrics) interaction issues
• Use a font that is at least two point sizes larger than regular text
Video Prototyping Provides an objective method of High
assessing user satisfaction • Employ a different color to make them stand out from the
background and the body text color
WAMMI – Website Evaluates advanced interface design Low
Analysis and concepts • Ensure that there is plenty of white space both above and below
Measurement Inventory the headings

Wizard of Oz Presents design ideas realistically High

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines
ii) Breadcrumb Trails
As outlined in section 3.2.2, breadcrumb trails are links (usually placed
directly above the main page headings) that show where users are in
relationship to the homepage.
• A breadcrumb trail should reflect the true hierarchy of the website,
not the path users have chosen to arrive at their destinations
• Breadcrumbs have proved in recent usability studies to be an
accepted and appreciated form of ‘advanced’ navigation
Arabic Breadcrumb Trail – Sample:
á«dÉ◊G áëØ°üdG < áÄØdG < ´ƒ°VƒŸG < á«°ù«FôdG áëØ°üdG
English Breadcrumb Trail – Sample:
Home > Subject > Category > This Page
TIPS
The benefits of using breadcrumb trails are that they:
• Show users where they are on the website, which is particularly important
if users enter the website on a page other than the homepage
• Help users learn the structure and hierarchy of the website
• Show users how they arrived at their current location, and illustrate the
easiest way to return if they navigate the website again
• Allow users to jump several steps at once
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iii) Primary and Secondary Navigation
• Explicitly highlight the selected navigation item using a different
(and ideally stronger) background color. Changing the text color is
not usually a sufficient differentiator
• Ensure that the navigation labels exactly match the destination
page headings
iv) Links
• Clearly communicate where links will take website users
• Avoid including the term ‘click here’, as users are less likely to
click on a link if they can’t predict its destination
• Match the destination page heading, whenever possible
For more information on links, please refer to Section 3.6.7
v) Page Structure
• Ensure consistency in page structures to help users understand their
location on the website at all times
• Avoid cluttered page designs. Users are generally familiar with a
standard three column layout (navigation to the left, a central
main content area and a right hand column)
• Maintain key items in the same location. When screen items
remain consistent across a website, users can learn their page location
and improve task performance
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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

vi) Progress Bars viii) Sitemap

Sitemaps display the overall hierarchy of a website. They can be an
Progress bars show users where they are in terms of website transition.
invaluable tool by providing an overview of the website. Users may go to
The progress bar should:
the sitemap as a last resort, if they haven’t found the information they
• Be easy to identify. It should be large, illustrated and surrounded by require by browsing or running a search.
white space
For more information on sitemaps, please refer to Section 3.2.2
• Use simple language

• Highlight users’ current location and grey out previous and next steps The sitemap must be clear, concise and genuinely reflect the
website structure.
• Have the appearance of a process flow (e.g. by using numbers)

vii) Page Title
The page title is the text situated in the browser title bar. When writing
page titles, make them consistent with the main page heading and ensure
that they:
• Are short and succinct. The more concise the page title, the easier it is
for users to gain an understanding of its meaning
ix) Consistency
Consistency of page titles, main headings, link text, breadcrumb trails,
navigation labels, etc, should be considered when designing a website.
For example, the main page heading should match the name of the
relevant navigation item, just as the breadcrumb trail items should match
the main page headings.

• Place important information first. It is often only the first few words
that users assess when scanning the page title
• Make sense out of context. Users may view the page titles in the
history, taskbar and favorites options, so they need to make sense
without the rest of the web page as a reference
The benefits of well-written page titles include:
• Allowing users to orientate themselves as they browse the website
• Providing users with a concise, meaningful label to refer to if the web
page is added to their favorites
Consistency is critical because it:
• Aids users to recognize the different areas of the website and, in doing
so, builds a relationship with them
• Informs users that they have arrived in the right place, which is vital to
effective website orientation
• Uses repetition to make the website memorable. Repetition gives
a website a consistent graphic identity that creates and then
reinforces a distinct sense of “place”

Search engines place the highest importance on page titles, so a

descriptive page title should contain keywords, if possible.

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

3.4 Discoverability META TAGS GUIDELINES

Discoverability is the process of making a website and For optimal discoverability and search engine optimization, the following tags should
be inserted between the <Head></Head>section of the web pages:
its content highly relevant for both search engines and
searchers. It includes technical tasks to make it easier
TYPE OF TAG DESCRIPTION IMPORTANCE EXAMPLE
for search engines to find and index a website for the
appropriate keywords, as well as marketing-focused Description Description of the page Mandatory <Meta name =
Tags that is being previewed “description” content =
tasks to make a website more appealing. – should be as short “this should be the dynamic
Discoverability is coupled with search engine optimization, which is the process of increasing and descriptive as unique description of the
the number of visitors to a website by achieving high search rankings. The higher a website possible web page”>
ranks, the greater the chance that the website will be found and visited by a user. Title Tags Title of the website – Mandatory <Meta name = “title”
every website must content = “The dynamic
Recent studies show that the majority of users are unlikely to look at websites that are not
have a unique title unique title of the web
in the ’top 30’ of major search engines’ results.
page ”>

Keywords Set of keywords that Mandatory <Meta name =

What are Meta Tags? users will probably “keywords”content =
Meta tags are HTML markup tags that contain information about a web page. They are enter when looking for “for example,
placed in a web page’s coding to help search engines understand the contents of the page. the website – they are government, ministry,
Major search engines use ‘spiders’ to index web pages based on their Meta tags, which are separated by commas (,) health, medical, etc.”>
then displayed in the search results. This information is also used to rank the popularity of
a website. Robots Standard Meta tags Mandatory <Meta name = “robots”
that use the web spider content = “FOLLOW,
index to ensure that INDEX”>
the website is used

Revisit-after Order on how often Optional <Meta name =

web spiders should visit “revisit-after” content =
and check the website “30 days”>
for updated content –
may include a specific
number of “days”

For more information on Meta tags, please refer to W3C standards

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

Search Engines 3.5 Accessibility

Below are the most commonly used search engines:
Accessibility includes:
SEARCH ENGINE NAME URL
• Developing strategies, guidelines and resources to make the web pages accessible to
Google www.google.com people with disabilities
Yahoo www.yahoo.com • Designing the web pages to allow consistent viewing across various browsers and
multiple platforms
MSN Live www.live.com
• Ensuring that the ease of access to information and data is equal to individuals with or
AOL www.search.aol.com without disabilities

HotBot www.hotbot.com Consider that many users may be operating in a wide range of circumstances. They may:

AllTheWeb www.alltheweb.com • Have limited movement, hearing or sight, or may not be able to process some types of
information easily or at all
Ask www.ask.com
• Have difficulty reading or comprehending text
AltaVista www.altavista.com
• Have difficulty using a keyboard or mouse
Gigablast www.gigablast.com
• Have a text-only screen, a small screen, or a slow internet connection
LookSmart www.looksmart.com • Have difficulty understanding the language in which the web content is written
Lycos www.lycos.com • Have situations where their eyes, ears, or hands are temporarily engaged, including while
driving, working in a loud environment, etc.

TIPS • Have an early version of a browser, a different browser entirely, a voice browser, or a
different operating system
• For more tips and information about searching the web, please visit
www.searchenginewatch.com
• Ensure that title tags are relevant and unique

• Choose the best keywords to reflect the website on the internet –

think of how users will search for the website
• Install a sitemap.xml for Google

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ACCESSIBILITY GUIDELINES
• Use equivalent alternatives of auditory and visual content
• Use documents with the proper structural elements, placing emphasis on style
sheets rather than presentation elements
• Use markups that facilitate pronunciation or interpretation of abbreviated or
foreign text
• Use tables that have the necessary markups to be transformed by accessible
browsers and other user agents
• Use interface principles of accessible design, including device-independent access
to functionality, keyboard operability, self-voicing, etc.
• Use features that enable activation of page elements via a variety of input devices
• Use W3C technologies and follow Accessibility Guidelines. Where it is not possible
to use W3C technology, or doing so results in material that does not transform
gracefully, provide an alternative version of the content that is accessible
• Use context and orientation information to help users understand complex pages
or elements, as well as clear and consistent navigation mechanisms, navigation bars,
sitemaps, etc.
USEFUL LINKS
• Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI): www.w3.org/WAI/guid-tech.html
• Web Content Accessibility Guidelines: www.w3.org/TR/WAI-WEBCONTENT
• WAI Resources on Managing Accessibility: www.w3.org/WAI/managing.html#main
• WAI Working Groups and Interest Groups: www.w3.org/WAI/groups.html
1. WEB GUIDELINES MANAGEMENT | 2. WEB CHANNEL STRATEGIES | 3. GUIDELINES | 4. APPENDICES
UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines
3.6 Web Content Management
Web content management is the process of creating,
revising and publishing web content using workflows
that organize, categorize and structure information
resources so they can be stored, published, and re-used.
Content Management Systems (CMS) are software packages that manage website content
directly on the server through a browser interface. These typically store the material in a
database, generating pages for users on request. Since their beginnings in the mid-1990s,
CMS have evolved from basic tinplating systems into enterprise-wide knowledge
management tools and integrated collaboration applications.
CMS are usually database driven, dynamic websites that provide the owner with an
administration area, where content can be added, removed and updated.
The most common roles and features of an effective CMS include:
• Identifying all key users and their content management roles
• Assigning roles and responsibilities to different content categories or types
• Defining workflow tasks for collaborative creation. For example, a content creator
submits a story which the copy editor then revises and the editor-in-chief then approves
• Tracking and managing multiple versions of a single instance of content for rollback
options and error tracing
• Publishing content to a repository in order to support access
• Separating the content’s semantic layer from its layout. For example, the CMS
may automatically set the color, fonts, or emphasis of text based on a pre-defined
Cascading Style Sheet (CSS)
• Establishing a user friendly system that also allows non-technical users to carry out
content updates
Document Classification: Public | 31
 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

• Developing pre-built maintenance features, such as ongoing database optimizations, Some of the critical roles in the web development process include:
purging content history and re-indexing internal search engines used for finding content
in the CMS • Web Developer: Develops web pages and the database to enable the website to operate

• Applying basic and advanced workflow that supports the UAE Federal Government • Administrators: Ensures availability of the website, and determines who has permission
Entity’s own hierarchy to work on it and access it

• Creative Team: Produces design concepts

TIPS
• Web Design Team: Creates the look and feel
• Content management also involves the appropriate management of websites
‘behind the scenes’, including ensuring that links are not broken, authoring • Content Author: Develops the content
processes are working, and material is appropriately stored or archived
• Content Editor: Edits the content
• Consistently reviewing content can help ensure that quality, usability and
accessibility standards are met • Review Group: Conducts a quality check of the website to ensure that it meets all
guidelines and requirements on the testing environment

• Content Publisher: Carries out the final upload after approval of all content and images
3.6.1 Workflow
What is the correct flow of work among the parties responsible for the production of • End User: Enjoys – browses and interacts with the website
website content?

This process is explained in the following diagram:

Web Content Publisher

Developer Author

Web
Administrator Content Editor Review Group End User

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

3.6.2 Writing for Websites

Website content must be easy to read and understand. It should be succinct and provide iii) APPROPRIATE LABELING GUIDELINES
users with the information they need, without being distracted by unnecessary messages. Labels play a vital role in introducing information and controlling its flow. The
The wording must be simple, factual and neutral, avoiding extravagant language or design. headings on the page will aid users to search for specific information. Use short, clear
and concise headings for the following:

i) WRITING FOR WEBSITES GUIDELINES • Navigation terms

To ensure that websites engage users: • Page titles

• Write in simple Arabic and English (or any other used language), using short and • Headings and sub-headings
direct sentences
Avoid using headings that begin with the articles ‘a’, ‘an’ and ‘the’. Instead, use
• Maintain a consistent and logical format
keywords first, as these will be recognized by search engines when ranking results.
• Use less text than conventional publications, such as newsletters, press releases, etc For example, if users search for information about ‘government sponsorship’, they
are unlikely to use the search terms ‘a government sponsorship’ or ‘the government
• Always put the most important information first
sponsorship’. Therefore, removing these articles will provide a better match.
• Use lists instead of paragraphs, whenever possible

• Divide content using sub-headings

3.6.3 Languages
• Always proofread work – errors look unprofessional
LANGUAGES GUIDELINES
• Keep one idea per paragraph to help users scan content
• Default homepages must be the Arabic language version

• In cases where more than one language is used, publishing pages should be on
ii) SCANABLE CONTENT GUIDELINES separate URLs within the same domain name, so no Arabic content appears in
Concise content that is rich with information keeps users interested and informed. the English website and no English content appears in the Arabic website
• Provide language options in the header section as drop downs, links or flags,
To ensure that information is scanable:
depending on how many languages are required
• Separate information with bullet points, numbered points, headings or new
paragraphs. Keep these lists as short as possible
• Avoid using italics, which can be difficult to read

• U
se clear and simple diagrams and images to illustrate points and include
explanatory text equivalents to assist people with disabilities

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

3.6.4 Common Content and Terminology 3.6.5 Focusing on Audience

Common content and terminology helps users to find accurate and up-to-date information
across different UAE Federal Government websites. This creates and maintains trust with
the users, and develops branding familiarity.
The following common terminology should be used on all UAE Federal Government websites:
For a website to be effective, it is important that the design and content be tailored to
the target audience. Everything about the website, from the way it looks to the content it
offers, should be developed with this purpose in mind. Was the website accessed? Did it
reach its audience? Can user experience be measured? Does its audience understand the
information the UAE Federal Government is trying to communicate?

SOURCE OF ARABIC ENGLISH The following steps help to focus on members of the target audience:
CONTENT • Determine who they are
Government IóëàŸG á«Hô©dG äGQÉeE’G ádhO áeƒµM • • UAE Government • Identify their needs and preferences
Communications • Reach them
ájOÉ–E’G á«eƒµ◊G äÉ¡÷G π«dO • • Government Directory
Office
• Evaluate their experience
UAE Federal á¡÷G º°SEG • • About <Name of
Government Entities the UAE Federal
ÉæH π°üJEG • Government Entity> FOCUSING ON AUDIENCE GUIDELINES
each for their own
individual website Én Yƒ«°T ÌcC’G á∏Ä°SC’G • • Contact Us Before Launching a Website
äÉeóÿG • • FAQ • Conducting market research is an ideal way to focus on an audience. This may
involve bringing together members of the target audience in an informal setting,
™bƒŸG á£jôN • • Services and asking them questions to determine their needs and preferences. It may also
∞FÉXh • • Sitemap involve conducting a survey of the focus group. More simply, it may be completed
through research or one-to-one discussions, carried out to generate feedback and
á«°Uƒ°üÿG á°SÉ«°S • • Careers ideas.
á«dhDƒ°ùŸG AÓNEG • • Privacy Policy • Developing audience personas is another good way to help focus website content.
äÉMÎ≤ŸG • • Disclaimer A persona is a fictional character created as a representation or portrait of
the target audience. For example, for a website about a children’s educational
IóYÉ°ùª∏d • • Feedback
program, the persona may be Mariam, a 35-year-old mother who works part-time
Ωó≤àŸG åëÑdG/åëÑdG • • Help and is interested in getting her children more involved in extra-curricular activities.

∫ƒ°UƒdG á«fɵeEG • • Search / Advanced Search Personas range from simple to very detailed, and they help to remind everyone
working on a website of the kind of person that a particular message needs to
‫والأحكام‬฀‫• ال�صروط‬ • Accessibility
reach, and how best to communicate with this audience. The website should not
äGAGôL’G • • Terms & Conditions simply be sent out on the World Wide Web to interest anyone and everyone – it
must have a specific target audience and be customized to its needs.
• Procedures

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

3.6.7 Managing Hyperlinks

FOCUSING ON AUDIENCE GUIDELINES
Content should be structured into blocks and hyperlinks used to present related topics on
After Launching a Website separate web pages or websites. This enables users to refer to useful information or ignore
• Complete usability testing, with members of the target audience using the information that is not relevant to them.
website or E- Services in order to monitor their user experiences and get their
Hyperlinks should contain descriptive words or phrases that allow users to determine the
immediate impressions
content of the destination page.
• Develop customer satisfaction surveys/polls for users to fill out

• Analyze web server logs and user search data to determine when, how and by MANAGING HYPERLINKS GUIDELINES
whom a website is used • Always represent the URL as the name of the organization or initiative. For example,
use “Further information is available on the UAE Federal E-Government website”,
rather than “Further information is available here”
3.6.6 Organizing and Categorizing Content
• Never use a URL as a hyperlink within a sentence. For example, instead of “More
Content should be classified in one of the following manners:
details are available at www.government.ae”, use “More details are available on the
• Organizational initiatives UAE Federal E-Government website”

• User groups • Use concise hypertext. For example, instead of using “Click here for full details in
the latest newsletter”, use “The latest newsletter has full details”
• Services
• To ensure that users do not leave prematurely, avoid hyperlinking to other websites
• Content subjects on the index or top-level pages, particularly in the first paragraph. External links are
more appropriate on the destination or content pages of a website
• Geographical locations
• Avoid overcrowding the text with hyperlinks. This can be distracting. List
• Any combination of the above hyperlinks under a “Related Information” heading at the end
• Ensure that all hyperlinks are correct and in service
TIPS
• Follow the Managing Hyperlinks Guidelines in section 3.7.2 iii) Hyperlinks
• Recent usability tests and customer satisfaction reviews indicate that most web
users are familiar with navigating websites by subject, audience, or location
• If a UAE Federal Government website is available to anyone, UAE citizens form part
of the target audience and the website must therefore be organized to help them
use the information and/or service(s) effectively

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

3.6.8 Keeping Content Current 3.6.9 Archiving Content and Web Records
Information published from any content management system should be engaging, easy
ARCHIVING CONTENT AND WEB RECORDS GUIDELINES
to find, up-to-date and presented with explanatory text. Content should be useful,
understandable and accessible to a broad range of users. Outdated and redundant content Archived content should be predictable and structured. It should be divided in one
must be removed to ensure that the website remains a credible source of information. of the following ways:
• By logical search topics that provide navigation for archived content in a
KEEPING CONTENT CURRENT GUIDELINES tree-structure directory
• Always keep website information accurate and up to date. The “last updated on”
• By folders listed by year, with the relevant links
statements should be presented clearly with accurate timings
• By calendar with appropriate links to the information published on that day
• The last updated time must be in the format of dd/mm/yyyy, hh:mm:ss

• Highlight the latest features on the homepage, and keep recent ones within a Other factors to consider:
maximum of two clicks for new users • Always include visible links to archived content
• Archive older material that is still of interest in order to increase the website’s depth
• Archive content based on years
of content
• Always maintain a homepage link on the UAE Federal Government Entity logo to • Indexing archives and records is subject to continuous maintenance and
allow users to return to the homepage from anywhere else in the website, including backup operations
deep archived content

3.6.10 Managing Specific Types of Websites

Websites are generally classified into three main groups:

• Static: HTML-only websites with no login screens, extra server side functionality or
dynamic content introduced. In almost all scenarios, a webmaster is needed to keep this
kind of website up-to-date

• Dynamic: Database (custom administration system) or published Content Management

System (CMS) websites. No technical team is usually required to complete content
updates

• Transactional: Websites where users can order content or services and pay for them
online. These websites require personal information from users and collect payments
before providing reference identification

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3.7 Web Information Security
What is Web Information Security?
Web information security protects UAE Federal
Government Entity websites from external threats,
such as malicious websites, phishing attacks,
key logging, spyware, viruses, SQL injections
and malcode.
Security measures can be established to maintain high customer confidence, by ensuring
the privacy of customer data, and protecting the organization’s property and reputation.
This section provides an overview and examples of the legal framework required when
operating a UAE Federal Government website. This information will assist UAE Federal
Government Entities to comply with a host of legal requirements, including clearly
communicating the terms and conditions of use and privacy policies of their websites, as
well as disclaiming any liability for loss incurred by a user.
Apart from legal aspects, professional and thorough website management is the most
effective technique for minimizing security risk. Therefore, UAE Federal Government
Entities must have well-structured website management and security plans, which set out
a roadmap for maintaining and protecting each of their websites, and for protecting their
users’ information, transactions, applications and environments.
All information in the following sections must be reviewed, adapted and approved by the
legal department of each UAE Federal Government Entity for each website prior to use.
1. WEB GUIDELINES MANAGEMENT | 2. WEB CHANNEL STRATEGIES | 3. GUIDELINES | 4. APPENDICES
UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines
3.7.1 Intellectual Property
The Intellectual Property (IP) Guidelines outlined in this section are specifically related to
websites, and are intended to be an addition to the main UAE Intellectual Property Law
Number (15) of Year 1980.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GUIDELINES
G
UAE Federal Government Entities must ensure that their websites:
• Include a Copyright notice and statement that is accessible from every web page,
and clearly outlines the terms and conditions by which users are permitted to copy
or use the content of the website
• Do not directly or indirectly encourage users to infringe IP rights
• Adhere to IP rights that protect both the content (text, design and files) and the
underlying code of the website
• Do not include any proprietary content unless permission to include it on the
website has been obtained in writing
• Respect the rights of owners of IP, including copyrights, trademarks and patents
SAMPLE - ARABIC COPYRIGHT NOTICE
฀‫وامللفات‬฀‫وال�صور‬฀‫والر�صومات‬฀‫الن�ص‬฀،‫احل�صر‬฀‫ل‬฀‫املثال‬฀‫�صبيل‬฀‫على‬฀‫ت�صمل‬฀‫وهي‬฀،‫الإلكرتوين‬฀‫املوقع‬฀‫هذا‬฀‫حمتويات‬฀‫اإن‬
¥ƒ≤M πeɵH >á¡÷G º°SEG< ßØà– .ï°ùædG ¥ƒ≤M É¡«ª–h >á¡÷G º°SEG<฀‫لـ‬฀‫ملك‬฀‫هي‬฀‫ال�صوت‬฀‫وملفات‬฀‫والروابط‬
฀‫املوقع‬฀‫هذا‬฀‫يف‬฀‫الواردة‬฀‫املعلومات‬฀‫ملكيات‬฀‫من‬฀‫وغريها‬฀‫الفكرية‬฀‫امللكية‬฀‫وحقوق‬฀‫الإخرتاع‬฀‫وبراءة‬฀‫التجارية‬฀‫والعالمة‬฀‫الن�صخ‬
฀‫امللكية‬฀‫وحقوق‬฀‫واملواد‬฀‫للمعلومات‬฀‫بها‬฀‫م�صرح‬฀‫غري‬฀‫طباعة‬฀‫اأو‬฀‫اإنتاج‬฀‫اإعادة‬฀‫اأو‬฀‫اإ�صتخدام‬฀‫اأي‬฀‫بات ًا‬฀‫منع ًا‬฀‫ينع‬฀.‫إلكرتوين‬
ُ‫م‬ ‫ال‬
.‫الإلكرتوين‬฀‫املوقع‬฀‫هذا‬฀‫يف‬฀‫الواردة‬฀‫اخلا�صة‬
SAMPLE - ENGLISH COPYRIGHT NOTICE
The contents of this website including, but not limited to, the text, graphics, images,
files, links and sounds are the property of <Organization Name> and are protected
by copyright. <Organization Name> reserves all copyright, trademark, patent,
intellectual and other property rights of the information contained in this website.
Any unauthorized use, reproduction or printing of the information, materials and
proprietary rights contained in this website is strictly prohibited.
Document Classification: Public | 37
 ‫‪UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines‬‬

‫‪SAMPLE - ARABIC COPYRIGHT STATEMENT‬‬ ‫‪SAMPLE - ARABIC PRIVACY POLICY‬‬

‫‪< © ï°ùædG ¥ƒ≤M‬عام‪฀‬الن�صاط‪฀‬احلكومي> – <‪฀،>á¡÷G º°SEG< >‹É◊G ΩÉ©dG‬جميع‪฀‬احلقوق‪฀‬حمفوظة‪฀.‬‬ ‫تعتبر‪�฀‬صيا�صة‪฀‬و�صروط‪฀‬الخ�صو�صية‪฀‬المو�صحة‪฀‬اأدناه‪฀‬جزء ًا‪฀‬من‪�฀‬صروط‪฀‬ا�صتخدام‪฀‬الموقع‪฀‬الإلكتروني‪฀‬ل‪™bƒªdG º°SG<฀‬‬
‫‪.¬eɵMCGh >»fhôàµdE’G‬‬
‫‪฀2007-2008 © ï°ùædG ¥ƒ≤M :∫Éãe‬مكتب‪฀‬الإت�صال‪฀‬احلكومي‪฀،‬جميع‪฀‬احلقوق‪฀‬حمفوظة‪.‬‬
‫’ ‪ >»fhôàµdE’G ™bƒªdG º°SG< Ωƒ≤j‬بجمع‪฀‬معلومات‪�฀‬صخ�صية‪฀‬عنك‪฀‬عندما‪฀‬تقوم‪฀‬بزيارة‪฀‬الموقع‪฀‬اإل‪฀‬اإذا‪฀‬اخترت‪฀‬تحديد ًا‪฀‬‬
‫وبمعرفتك‪฀‬تقديم‪฀‬هذه‪฀‬المعلومات‪฀‬لنا‪฀.‬اإذا‪฀‬اخترت‪฀‬تقديم‪฀‬معلومات‪฀‬لنا‪฀،‬فاإننا‪฀‬ل‪฀‬ن�صتخدمها‪฀‬اإل‪฀‬لإنجاز‪฀‬طلبك‪฀‬للح�صول‪฀‬‬
‫‪SAMPLE - ENGLISH COPYRIGHT STATEMENT‬‬ ‫على‪฀‬معلومات‪฀‬اأو‪฀‬خدمات‪฀.‬وبا�صتخدامك‪฀‬لهذا‪฀‬الموقع‪฀‬فاإنك‪฀‬توافق‪฀‬على‪�฀‬صروط‪�฀‬صيا�صة‪฀‬الخ�صو�صية‪฀‬هذه‪฀.‬‬

‫‪Copyright © <Year of Governmental Activity> - <Current Year> <Organization‬‬

‫‪< ßØàëj‬ا�صم‪฀‬الجهة> بالحق‪฀‬في‪฀‬اإجراء‪฀‬اأي‪฀‬تعديل‪฀‬طفيف‪฀‬اأو‪฀‬جذري‪฀‬ل�صروط‪�฀‬صيا�صة‪฀‬الخ�صو�صية‪฀‬من‪฀‬وقت‪฀‬لآخر‪฀‬دون‪฀‬‬
‫‪Name>, All Rights Reserved.‬‬
‫الحاجة‪฀‬اإلى‪฀‬تقديم‪฀‬اإخطار‪฀.‬اإذا‪฀‬كنت‪฀‬ترغب‪฀‬في‪฀‬ال�صتمرار‪฀‬في‪฀‬ا�صتخدام‪฀‬موقعنا‪฀‬بعد‪฀‬اإدخال‪฀‬التعديالت‪฀‬على‪�฀‬صيا�صة‪฀‬‬
‫الخ�صو�صية‪฀‬هذه‪฀،‬فاإن‪฀‬هذا‪฀‬يعني‪฀‬قبولك‪฀‬لهذه‪฀‬التغييرات‪฀.‬‬
‫‪Example: Copyright © 2007-2008 Government Communications Office,‬‬
‫ويتبع‪฀‬هذا‪฀‬الموقع‪฀‬والعاملين‪฀‬فيه‪�฀‬صيا�صة‪฀‬اأمن‪฀‬معلومات‪�฀‬صاملة‪฀‬و�صارمة‪฀.‬ول‪฀‬يتاح‪฀‬اإل‪฀‬للموظفين‪฀‬المخولين‪฀‬فقط‪฀‬الو�صول‪฀‬‬
‫‪All Rights Reserved.‬‬
‫اإلى‪฀‬المعلومات‪฀‬ال�صخ�صية‪฀‬التعريفية‪฀‬وقد‪฀‬تعهد‪฀‬هوؤلء‪฀‬الموظفون‪฀‬بتاأمين‪�฀‬صرية‪฀‬هذه‪฀‬المعلومات‪฀.‬‬
‫يحق<ا�صم‪฀‬الجهة>‪฀،‬اتخاذ‪฀‬التدابير‪฀‬التي‪฀‬تراها‪฀‬مالئمة‪฀‬للحماية‪฀‬من‪฀‬اأي‪฀‬فقدان‪฀‬اأو‪฀‬اإ�صاءة‪฀‬ا�صتخدام‪฀‬اأو‪฀‬تغيير‪฀‬للمعلومات‪฀฀‬‬
‫‪For more information on IP for UAE Federal Government Entities,‬‬ ‫الموجودة‪฀‬على‪฀‬الموقع‪฀‬الإلكتروني‪฀‬وذلك‪฀‬دون‪฀‬اأن‪฀‬ت�صمن‪<฀‬ا�صم‪฀‬الجهة>في‪฀‬هذه‪฀‬الحالة‪฀‬الحتفاظ‪฀฀‬ب�صرية‪฀‬محتويات‪฀‬هذا‪฀‬‬
‫‪please refer to Ministry of Economy.‬‬ ‫الموقع‪฀‬الإلكتروني‪฀฀،‬ول‪฀‬تعتبر‪฀‬م�صوؤولة‪฀‬قانونا‪฀‬عن‪฀‬اأي‪�฀‬صرر‪฀‬قد‪฀‬تتعر�ص‪฀‬له‪฀‬اأنت‪฀‬اأو‪฀‬اأي‪�฀‬صخ�ص‪฀‬نتيجة‪฀‬لنتهاك‪฀‬ال�صرية‪฀‬ب�صاأن‪฀‬‬
‫المعلومات‪฀‬التي‪฀‬تكون‪฀‬قد‪฀‬نقلتها‪฀‬اإلى‪฀‬الموقع‪฀‬اأو‪฀‬التعوي�ص‪฀‬عنه‪฀฀.‬‬
‫كما‪฀‬يقوم‪฀‬الموقع‪฀‬بتنفيذ‪฀‬اإجراءات‪฀‬دقيقة‪฀‬للحماية‪฀‬من‪฀‬فقد‪฀‬المعلومات‪฀‬اأو‪฀‬اإ�صاءة‪฀‬ا�صتخدامها‪฀‬اأو‪฀‬تغييرها‪฀.‬مع‪฀‬ذلك‪฀‬فاإن‪฀‬‬
‫‪3.7.2‬‬ ‫‪Privacy‬‬
‫<ا�صم‪฀‬الجهة> ل‪฀‬يمكنه‪ ฀‬اأن‪฀‬ي�صمن‪�฀‬صرية‪฀‬ا�صتخدامك‪฀‬لهذا‪฀‬الموقع‪฀.‬ول‪฀‬يعتبر‪฀‬م�صوؤو ًل‪฀‬عن‪฀‬اأي‪�฀‬صرر‪฀‬قد‪฀‬تتعر�ص‪฀‬له‪฀‬اأنت‪฀‬اأو‪฀‬‬
‫‪These Privacy Web Guidelines are international best practices meant to help UAE Federal‬‬ ‫اأي‪�฀‬صخ�ص‪฀‬نتيجة‪฀‬لنتهاك‪฀‬ال�صرية‪฀‬ب�صاأن‪฀‬المعلومات‪฀‬التي‪฀‬تكون‪฀‬قد‪฀‬نقلتها‪฀‬اإلى‪฀‬الموقع‪฀‬‬
‫‪Government Entities manage and protect personal information and promote trust and‬‬
‫‪confidence in web services provided through UAE Federal Government Entity websites.‬‬ ‫تكون‪฀‬قوانين‪฀‬دولة‪฀‬الإمارات‪฀‬العربية‪฀‬المتحدة‪฀‬وحدها‪฀‬هي‪฀‬القوانين‪฀‬واجبة‪฀‬التطبيق‪฀‬في‪฀‬كل‪฀‬ما‪฀‬يتعلق‪฀‬بالنزاعات‪฀‬التي‪฀฀‬قد‪฀‬‬
‫تن�صاأ‪฀‬من‪฀‬جراء‪฀‬ا�صتخدام‪฀‬هذا‪฀‬الموقع‪฀‬الإلكتروني‪฀،‬كما‪฀‬تخت�ص‪฀‬محاكم‪฀‬دولة‪฀‬الإمارات‪฀‬العربية‪฀‬المتحدة‪฀‬ح�صري ًا‪฀‬بالنظر‪฀‬‬
‫‪PRIVACY POLICY GUIDELINES‬‬ ‫في‪฀‬تلك‪฀‬النزاعات‪฀‬والبت‪฀‬فيها‪.‬‬

‫‪All UAE Federal Government Entity websites must:‬‬

‫‪• Include a Privacy Policy that clearly states:‬‬
‫‪What specific information that is being collected, including information‬‬
‫‪about individuals‬‬
‫‪Why, when, and where this information is being collected‬‬
‫‪How this information will be used‬‬
‫‪If this information will be disclosed to any other party‬‬
‫‪• Make the Privacy Policy available and accessible from every page of the website‬‬

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

SAMPLE - ENGLISH PRIVACY POLICY i) TERMS & CONDITIONS GUIDELINES

Terms and conditions of the privacy policy below shall be an integral part of All UAE Federal Government Entity websites must set out the terms and conditions
conditions for using the website including its title and terms. by which the content and services of the website are provided to its users. The terms
and conditions must:
The website title shall not collect personal information about you when accessing the
• Cover all aspects of the scope and operations of the website
website unless you choose specifically and willingly to provide such information to us.
If you do that, we shall use such details only to process your application for obtaining • Include:
information or services. By using this website, you approve and accept these terms A terms and conditions statement
and conditions for privacy.
Information on termination of service
<Organization Name> shall reserve the right to make any minor or major change A limitation of liability disclaimer
of privacy policy terms and conditions from time to time without any prior notice.
If you would like to continue using our website after making such changes to such Information stating that “Any rights not expressly granted
privacy policy, this means that you accept them. herein are reserved”
• Be available and accessible from every page of the website
This website and those in charge of the same shall follow comprehensive and strict
information security policy. Moreover, the authorized staff may only access the
personal identity information, where such staff pledged to maintain confidentiality of
the information provided. ii) DISCLAIMER GUIDELINES

<Organization Name> may take the appropriate measures to protect website against
any loss, abuse or change of information available on the website on the condition
that <Organization Name> shall not guarantee to maintain confidentiality of the
website contents. In addition, it shall not be also legally liable for any damage that
may be caused to you or any person as a result of violation of privacy regarding
information that might be transferred to the website.
Applicable laws of the United Arab Emirates only shall be implemented in connection
to any disputes arising from using this website. In addition, courts of the United Arab
Emirates shall be the exclusive jurisdiction to consider and settle such disputes.
A disclaimer is a written statement that functions to avoid or disclaim legal liability
that could arise as a result of use of the website. For disclaimers to be effective, the
words used:
• Must be clear and ensure that there are no ambiguities or room for
misinterpretation
• Have been brought to the attention of the concerned user prior to that
individual carrying out the conduct that the disclaimer expressly covers
• Must clearly include a declaration about not offending any individual or any
party involved directly or indirectly

• Request that individuals or involving parties contact website owners directly

via email or phone in order to consolidate the removal of information deemed
sensitive or harmful to them

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

SAMPLE - ARABIC DISCLAIMER NOTICE • It is recommended that either a liability disclaimer or a link to a liability disclaimer
for external links be included on every page, since it is possible that the website will
฀‫ اأو‬฀‫عر�صية‬฀‫ اأو‬฀‫مبا�صرة‬฀‫غري‬฀‫ اأو‬฀‫مبا�صرة‬฀‫ اأ�صرار‬฀‫ اأي‬฀‫عن‬฀‫الظروف‬฀‫من‬฀‫ظرف‬฀‫ اأي‬฀‫حتت‬฀‫م�صوؤولة‬฀‫> غري‬á¡÷G º°SG< otherwise be accessed without viewing the liability disclaimer. This can be included
.฀‫املوقع‬฀‫ا�صتخدامها‬฀‫على‬฀‫القدرة‬฀‫عدم‬฀‫اأو‬฀‫ا�صتخدام‬฀‫عن‬฀‫تن�صاأ‬฀‫ا�صتثنائية‬฀‫اأو‬฀‫خا�صة‬฀‫اأو‬฀‫تبعية‬ as part of the terms and conditions of use.

SAMPLE - ENGLISH DISCLAIMER NOTICE Linking to UAE Federal Government Entity Websites
<Organization Name> shall not be held liable under any circumstances for any direct The following linking scenarios must be implemented in links to UAE Federal
or indirect, accidental or subsequent, private or exceptional damages arising from Government Entity websites, and must open in a new window or tab by default:
usage or inability of using this website.
• Government directory (shared content)

• Within the body of the content, wherever any UAE Federal Government Entity or
Entity representative is named
iii) HYPERLINKS
• On UAE Federal Government banners, images and logos, wherever possible
A law regarding the linking or deep linking to external websites does not exist.
However, this practice may expose UAE Federal Government Entities to potential
legal liability for infringement of copyright or other rights. Therefore, the following Linking to Non-Government Websites
information outlines the relevant UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines that
If UAE Federal Government Entities link to websites that are not owned or sponsored
must be followed.
by the UAE Federal Government, and in case these websites provide UAE Federal
Government information and/or services that are not available on an official UAE
Linking to Homepages and Deep Linking
Federal Government Entity website, these websites should only be provided as a
• If the link is the name of another website or its URL, a copyright is probably not
public service. There will be neither endorsement nor guarantees in any form of the
necessary, provided it is clear to the user that the link takes them to another
external organizations or the services, advice, or products included in these websites.
website, rather than giving the impression that the linked content is part of the
UAE Federal Government Entity website. UAE Federal Government Entities must ensure that there is no implicit endorsement
• When linking to an external website, text around the link must make it clear to or commercial advantage given that may be deemed inappropriate when providing
the user that they are about to leave the UAE Federal Government Entity website. a link.
There is possible liability where a seamless, non-obvious link is provided to another
website, and the user thinks that he or she is still in the public sector website when
this is not the case.
• Opening a website in a frame, for instance, may constitute an infringement of
the rights of the owner of the framed website. It is therefore recommended that
the practice of framing other websites not be used. Links must open as externally
linked pages in new browser windows.

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

SAMPLE - ARABIC EXTERNAL HYPERLINK DISCLAIMER Featured Links

A UAE Federal Government Entity can highlight links of special interest to its
฀฀‫ولتعترب‬฀฀،฀‫امل�صتخدم‬฀‫لحتياجات‬฀‫مراعاة‬฀‫وذلك‬฀،฀‫املوقع‬฀‫هذا‬฀‫على‬฀‫اأخرى‬฀‫اإلكرتونية‬฀‫ملواقع‬฀‫روابط‬฀‫اإدراج‬฀‫مت‬
audience by temporarily posting them in a prominent position on its website.
฀‫�صخ�ص‬฀‫اأي‬฀‫ا�صتخدام‬฀‫عن‬฀‫ل‬฀‫و‬.฀‫الإلكرتونية‬฀‫املواقع‬฀‫تلك‬฀฀‫على‬฀‫موجودة‬฀‫حمتويات‬฀‫اأية‬฀‫عن‬฀‫> م�صوؤولة‬á¡÷G º°SG< Featured links may include web services; seasonal information; current topics of
฀.฀‫م�صكالت‬฀‫من‬฀‫ا�صتخدامه‬฀‫عن‬฀‫ين�صاأ‬฀‫قد‬฀‫ما‬฀‫عن‬฀‫اأو‬฀،฀‫منا�صب‬฀‫ب�صكل‬฀฀‫عملها‬฀‫عن‬฀‫اأو‬฀‫لها‬ relevance to citizens, businesses or UAE Federal Government officials; community-
level services and information; cross-agency portals that enhance the public’s
฀‫الإلكرتونية‬฀‫املواقع‬฀‫من‬฀‫لأي‬฀‫ا�صتخدامه‬฀‫اأثناء‬฀‫ت�صرفات‬฀‫من‬฀‫به‬฀‫يقوم‬฀‫ما‬฀‫كافة‬฀‫عن‬฀‫م�صوؤو ًل‬฀‫وحده‬฀‫امل�صتخدم‬฀‫ويكون‬ interaction with the UAE Federal Government; and new links.
‫املوقع‬฀‫هذا‬฀‫على‬฀‫املوجودة‬฀‫الروابط‬฀‫تلك‬฀‫خالل‬฀‫من‬฀‫بزيارتها‬฀‫يقوم‬฀‫التي‬
Downloading Software
UAE Federal Government Entity websites must advise users of the risks involved in
SAMPLE - ENGLISH EXTERNAL HYPERLINK DISCLAIMER downloading either customized downloads or proprietary software. Such warnings
To meet the user needs, links for other websites have been listed on this should form part of the website’s overall terms and conditions.
website. <Organization Name> shall not be liable for any contents provided In the case of material customized for download by the website, the notice must also
on these websites, their improper usage on the part of any person or proper include a license to use the materials for defined purposes or for a specified time.
function or any problems arising due to their usage. Therefore, the user only Such a notice must clear state that:
shall be solely responsible for any acts he or she does while using any of website
• While the website has made every effort to ensure that the downloaded
he or she visits via these links.
information and functionality is free of error, it does not guarantee the accuracy,
adequacy or completeness of the information.
SAMPLE - ARABIC HYPER LINKING BY OTHER WEBSITES TO • While the website has attempted to ensure that the download is not corrupted in
GOVERNMENT WEBSITES any way or infected by viruses, it gives no guarantee and accepts no responsibility
for the integrity of the download.
฀‫متت‬฀‫التي‬฀‫ال�صفحات‬฀‫بكافة‬฀‫املبا�صر‬฀‫بالربط‬฀‫ي�صمح‬฀،‫ممكن‬฀‫قدر‬฀‫باأكرب‬฀‫للجمهور‬฀‫املعلومات‬฀‫اإتاحة‬฀‫بهدف‬ • The software is provided ‘as is’, and no guarantees are provided, particularly with
฀‫على‬฀‫منف�صلة‬฀‫اأطر‬฀‫داخل‬฀‫�صفحات‬฀‫اأية‬฀‫بتحميل‬฀‫ي�صمح‬฀‫ل‬฀‫فاإنه‬฀،‫ذلك‬฀‫ومع‬฀.‫الإلكرتوين‬฀‫املوقع‬฀‫هذا‬฀‫على‬฀‫اإ�صت�صافتها‬ respect to its fitness for purpose or quality.
฀‫دولة‬฀‫يف‬฀‫الإحتادية‬฀‫احلكومية‬฀‫اجلهة‬฀‫اإ�صم‬/‫الإلكرتوين‬฀‫املوقع‬฀‫<اإ�صم‬฀‫�صفحات‬฀‫حتميل‬฀‫يجب‬฀.‫اآخر‬฀‫اإلكرتوين‬฀‫موقع‬
For third-party proprietary software, the notice must contain a statement to the
‫جديدة‬฀‫كنافذة‬฀‫اأو‬฀‫بامل�صتخدم‬฀‫اخلا�صة‬฀‫الكاملة‬฀‫النافذة‬฀‫> �صمن‬IóëàŸG á«Hô©dG äGQÉeE’G
effect that, unless otherwise indicated, software downloads available via links from
the website are third-party products. These products are almost invariably subject
to a license agreement between the user and the third–party product owner. The
SAMPLE - ENGLISH HYPERLINKING BY OTHER WEBSITES TO
website must state that, to the extent permitted by law, the website accepts no
GOVERNMENT WEBSITES
liability or responsibility in respect of the third–party products and provides no
To provide as much as information to the general public, it shall be permitted guarantees in that respect.
to have direct link with all pages hosted on this website. Nevertheless, it shall
If a UAE Federal Government Entity is considering making proprietary software or
not be permitted to upload any pages within separate frameworks on another other material available for download, it must seek legal advice to ensure that this
website. Hence, pages of “title of the website/name of the UAE federal government will not infringe third-party intellectual property rights.
authority shall be uploaded within the full window of the user or as a new one.

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 ‫‪UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines‬‬

‫‪If a UAE Federal Government Entity is considering making proprietary software or‬‬
‫‪SAMPLE - ARABIC TERMS AND CONDITIONS‬‬
‫‪other material available for download, it must seek legal advice to ensure that this‬‬
‫‪will not infringe third-party intellectual property rights.‬‬ ‫‪á«dhDƒ°ùŸG AÓNG QÉ©°TG‬‬
‫<‪ >á¡÷G º°SG‬غري‪฀‬م�صوؤولة‪฀‬حتت‪ ฀‬اأي‪฀‬ظرف‪฀‬من‪฀‬الظروف‪฀‬عن‪ ฀‬اأي‪ ฀‬اأ�صرار‪฀‬مبا�صرة‪ ฀‬اأو‪฀‬غري‪฀‬مبا�صرة‪ ฀‬اأو‪฀‬‬
‫‪SAMPLE - ARABIC TERMS AND CONDITIONS‬‬ ‫عر�صية‪฀‬اأو‪฀‬تبعية‪฀‬اأو‪฀‬خا�صة‪฀‬اأو‪฀‬ا�صتثنائية‪฀‬تن�صاأ‪฀‬عن‪฀‬ا�صتخدام‪฀‬اأو‪฀‬عدم‪฀‬القدرة‪฀‬على‪฀‬ا�صتخدامها‪฀‬املوقع‪฀.฀‬‬
‫طبق‪฀‬قواعد‪฀‬ا�صتخدام‪฀‬موقع‪<฀‬ا�صم‪฀‬الجهة> على‪฀‬جميع‪฀‬زوار‪฀‬وم�صتخدمي‪฀‬الموقع‪฀.‬ويجوز‪฀‬اإيقاف‪฀‬و‪/‬اأو‪฀‬منع‪฀‬و‪/‬‬
‫اأو‪฀‬اإنهاء‪฀‬ا�صتخدام‪฀‬الموقع‪฀‬في‪฀‬حال‪฀‬حدوث‪฀‬انتهاك‪฀‬من‪฀‬قبل‪฀‬اأحد‪฀‬الم�صتخدمين‪฀،‬اأو‪฀‬في‪฀‬حال‪฀‬توفرت‪฀‬اأ�صباب‪฀‬تدعو‪฀‬‬
‫‪á«LQÉÿG á«Ñ©°ûàdG §HGhôdGá«dhDƒ°ùe AÓNG‬‬
‫لالعتقاد‪฀‬باأن‪฀‬اأحد‪฀‬الم�صتخدمين‪฀‬قد‪฀‬انتهك‪฀‬وخالف‪�฀‬صروط‪฀‬وقواعد‪฀‬ال�صتخدام‪฀.‬‬
‫مت‪฀‬اإدراج‪฀‬روابط‪฀‬ملواقع‪฀‬اإلكرتونية‪฀‬اأخرى‪฀‬على‪฀‬هذا‪฀‬املوقع‪฀،‬وذلك‪฀‬مراعاة‪฀‬لحتياجات‪฀‬امل�صتخدم‪฀฀،฀‬ولتعترب‪฀‬‬
‫مُيمنع‪฀‬الم�صتخدمون‪฀‬من‪฀‬انتهاك‪฀‬اأو‪฀‬محاولة‪฀‬انتهاك‪฀‬الجراءات‪฀‬والأنظمة‪฀‬المعمول‪฀‬بها‪฀‬لحماية‪฀‬الموقع‪฀،‬بما‪฀‬في‪฀‬‬ ‫<‪ >á¡÷G º°SG‬م�صوؤولة‪฀‬عن‪ ฀‬اأية‪฀‬حمتويات‪฀‬موجودة‪฀‬على‪฀฀‬تلك‪฀‬املواقع‪฀‬الإلكرتونية‪.฀‬و‪฀‬ل‪฀‬عن‪฀‬ا�صتخدام‪฀‬‬
‫ذلك‪฀‬على‪�฀‬صبيل‪฀‬المثال‪฀‬ولي�ص‪฀‬الح�صر‪฀:‬‬ ‫اأي‪�฀‬صخ�ص‪฀‬لها‪฀‬اأو‪฀‬عن‪฀‬عملها‪฀฀‬ب�صكل‪฀‬منا�صب‪฀،฀‬اأو‪฀‬عن‪฀‬ما‪฀‬قد‪฀‬ين�صاأ‪฀‬عن‪฀‬ا�صتخدامه‪฀‬من‪฀‬م�صكالت‪฀.฀‬‬

‫• الو�صول‪฀‬اإلى‪฀‬البيانات‪฀‬التي‪฀‬ل‪฀‬يق�صد‪฀‬تقديمها‪฀‬لهذا‪฀‬الم�صتخدم‪฀‬اأو‪฀‬الدخول‪฀‬على‪฀‬خادم‪฀‬اأو‪฀‬ح�صاب‪฀‬ل‪฀‬ي�صرح‪฀‬‬ ‫ويكون‪฀‬امل�صتخدم‪฀‬وحده‪฀‬م�صوؤو ًل‪฀‬عن‪฀‬كافة‪฀‬ما‪฀‬يقوم‪฀‬به‪฀‬من‪฀‬ت�صرفات‪฀‬اأثناء‪฀‬ا�صتخدامه‪฀‬لأي‪฀‬من‪฀‬املواقع‪฀‬الإلكرتونية‪฀‬‬

‫للم�صتخدم‪฀‬بالدخول‪฀‬عليه‪.฀‬‬ ‫التي‪฀‬يقوم‪฀‬بزيارتها‪฀‬من‪฀‬خالل‪฀‬تلك‪฀‬الروابط‪฀‬املوجودة‪฀‬على‪฀‬هذا‪฀‬املوقع‪.‬‬

‫• محاولة‪฀‬اإجراء‪฀‬اختبار‪฀‬اأو‪฀‬م�صح‪฀‬اأو‪฀‬فح�ص‪฀‬لإمكانية‪฀‬اإ�صابة‪฀‬نقاط‪฀‬ال�صعف‪฀‬في‪฀‬نظام‪฀‬اأو‪�฀‬صبكة‪<฀‬ا�صم‪฀‬الجهة>‬
‫اأو‪฀‬انتهاك‪�฀‬صالمة‪฀‬الإجراءات‪฀‬اأو‪฀‬توثيقها‪฀‬دون‪฀‬ت�صريح‪฀‬ر�صمي‪฀‬من<ا�صم‪฀‬الجهة>‪.‬‬ ‫‪iôNG á«fhεdG ™bGƒe øe á«Ñ©°ûàdG §HGhôdG‬‬
‫بهدف‪฀‬اإتاحة‪฀‬املعلومات‪฀‬للجمهور‪฀‬باأكرب‪฀‬قدر‪฀‬ممكن‪฀،‬ي�صمح‪฀‬بالربط‪฀‬املبا�صر‪฀‬بكافة‪฀‬ال�صفحات‪฀‬التي‪฀‬متت‪฀‬‬
‫• ‪฀‬محاولة‪฀‬التدخل‪฀‬في‪฀‬الخدمة‪฀‬المقدمة‪฀‬لأي‪฀‬م�صتخدم‪฀‬اأو‪฀‬م�صت�صيف‪฀‬اأو‪�฀‬صبكة‪฀،‬بما‪฀‬في‪฀‬ذلك‪฀‬على‪�฀‬صبيل‪฀‬المثال‪฀‬‬
‫اإ�صت�صافتها‪฀‬على‪฀‬هذا‪฀‬املوقع‪฀‬الإلكرتوين‪฀.‬ومع‪฀‬ذلك‪฀،‬فاإنه‪฀‬ل‪฀‬ي�صمح‪฀‬بتحميل‪฀‬اأية‪�฀‬صفحات‪฀‬داخل‪฀‬اأطر‪฀‬منف�صلة‪฀‬على‪฀‬‬
‫ولي�ص‪฀‬الح�صر‪฀،‬عن‪฀‬طريق‪฀‬و�صع‪฀‬فيرو�ص‪฀‬على‪฀‬الموقع‪฀،‬اأو‪฀‬زيادة‪฀‬الحمل‪฀‬عليه‪฀‬اأو‪฀‬غمره‪฀،‬اأو‪฀‬اإر�صال‪฀‬ر�صائل‪฀‬‬
‫موقع‪฀‬اإلكرتوين‪฀‬اآخر‪฀.‬يجب‪฀‬حتميل‪�฀‬صفحات‪<฀‬اإ�صم‪฀‬املوقع‪฀‬الإلكرتوين‪/‬اإ�صم‪฀‬اجلهة‪฀‬احلكومية‪฀‬الإحتادية‪฀‬في ‪ádhO‬‬
‫دعائية‪฀‬اإليه‪฀،‬اأو‪฀‬اإغراقه‪฀‬بالر�صائل‪฀‬الإلكترونية‪฀‬اأو‪฀‬تحطيمه‪฀.฀‬‬
‫‪� >IóëàŸG á«Hô©dG äGQÉeE’G‬صمن‪฀‬النافذة‪฀‬الكاملة‪฀‬اخلا�صة‪฀‬بامل�صتخدم‪฀‬اأو‪฀‬كنافذة‪฀‬جديدة‪.‬‬
‫• ‪฀‬اإر�صال‪฀‬ر�صائل‪฀‬اإلكترونية‪฀‬اإلى‪฀‬الموقع‪฀‬غير‪฀‬مرغوب‪฀‬فيها‪฀،‬بما‪฀‬في‪฀‬ذلك‪฀‬عمليات‪฀‬الدعاية‪฀،‬و‪/‬اأو‪฀‬الإعالن‪฀‬عن‪฀‬‬
‫المنتجات‪฀‬اأو‪฀‬الخدمات؛‪฀‬اأو‪฀฀‬تزييف‪฀‬اأي‪฀‬عنوان‪฀‬لحزمة‪฀‬بروتوكول‪฀‬التحكم‪฀‬في‪฀‬الإر�صال‪฀/฀‬بروتوكول‪฀‬الإنترنت‪฀‬اأو‪฀‬‬
‫اأي‪฀‬جزء‪฀‬من‪฀‬معلومات‪฀‬العنوان‪฀‬في‪฀‬اأي‪฀‬ر�صالة‪฀‬اإليكترونية‪฀‬اأو‪฀‬اإر�صال‪฀‬ر�صائل‪฀‬مجموعات‪฀‬اإخبارية‪฀.฀‬‬

‫• ا�صتخدام‪฀‬موقع‪<฀‬ا�صم‪฀‬الجهة> باأي‪฀‬طريقة‪฀‬كانت‪฀‬لإر�صال‪฀‬بريد‪฀‬الكتروني‪฀‬اأو‪฀‬اأية‪฀‬اأمور‪฀‬منه‪฀‬اأو‪฀‬نيابة‪฀‬عنه‪฀‬اأو‪฀‬من‪฀‬‬
‫خالل‪฀‬ال�صارة‪฀‬اإليه‪฀‬اأو‪฀‬بانتحال‪฀‬ا�صمه‪฀‬اأو‪�฀‬صفته‪฀‬تت�صمن‪฀‬الإ�صاءة‪฀‬اأو‪฀‬الت�صهير‪<฀‬ا�صم‪฀‬الجهة> اأو‪฀‬بالموقع‪฀‬اأو‪฀‬باأي‪฀‬‬
‫�صخ�ص‪฀‬كان‪฀.‬اأو‪฀‬العالن‪฀‬عن‪฀‬اأخبار‪฀‬اأو‪฀‬معلومات‪฀‬غير‪�฀‬صحيحة‪฀‬ون�صبتها‪฀‬ل‪<฀‬ا�صم‪฀‬الجهة> بدون‪฀‬وجه‪฀‬حق‪฀.฀‬‬

‫• اإن‪฀‬مخالفة‪฀‬قواعد‪฀‬ال�صتخدام‪฀‬وانتهاك‪฀‬النظام‪฀‬اأو‪฀‬ال�صبكة‪฀‬يعر�ص‪฀‬المخالف‪฀‬للم�صوؤولية‪฀‬المدنية‪฀‬والجنائية‪฀.‬‬
‫و�صيتم‪฀‬مبا�صرة‪฀‬التحقيق‪฀‬في‪฀‬الحالت‪฀‬التي‪฀‬قد‪฀‬تنطوي‪฀‬على‪฀‬مثل‪฀‬هذه‪฀‬المخالفات‪฀‬و‪฀‬النتهاكات‪฀‬ومالحقة‪฀‬‬
‫المت�صبب‪฀‬فيها‪฀‬ق�صائي ًا‪฀‬‬

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

SAMPLE - ENGLISH TERMS AND CONDITIONS SAMPLE - ENGLISH TERMS AND CONDITIONS

As per rules of using website of <Organization Name>, they must be applied Disclaimer Notice
to all users and visitors. The website usage may be stopped, and/or prevented, <Organization Name> shall not be held liable under any circumstances for any
and/or ended in case of any violation on the part of any user or there are good direct or indirect, accidental or subsequent, private or exceptional damages
reasons for believing that any user has violated rules and conditions of usage. arising from usage or inability of using this website.

Users shall not be permitted to violate or attempt to violate the applicable

procedures and regulations for protecting the website including but not limited
to the following:
• Accessing details that are not intended to be provided to this user or logging
into a server or an account that the user is not authorized to access.
• Attempting to conduct any test or survey for finding weakness of any system
or network of <Organization Name> or violating applicable procedures or
documenting them without an official permit from <Organization Name>.
External links Disclaimer
To meet the user needs, links for other websites have been listed on this
website. <Organization Name> shall not be liable for any contents provided
on these websites, their improper usage on the part of any person or proper
function or any problems arising due to their usage. Therefore, the user only
shall be solely responsible for any acts he or she does while using any of website
he or she visits via these links.

• Attempting to interfere in the provided service on the part of any user,
host or network including but not limited to placing a virus on the website,
increasing load to or immersing it, sending commercial messages to it or
avalanching it with electronic messages or even destroying it.
• Sending unwanted electronic messages to the website including commercials
and/or advertisements on services or products or falsifying any dispatch
control protocol package address/internet protocol or any part of the
address details in any electronic message or sending news messages.
Links from other websites
To provide as much as information to the general public, it shall be permitted
to have direct link with all pages hosted on this website. Nevertheless, it
shall not be permitted to upload any pages within separate frameworks on
another website. Hence, pages of “title of the website/name of the UAE federal
government authority shall be uploaded within the full window of the user or
as a new one.

• Using website of <Organization Name> by any means for sending an e-mail,

anything of it or on its behalf, by referring to it, or assuming the identity
of its name involving offense or libel of <Organization Name>, website or
any person whomsoever, announcing any untrue news or information and
ascribing it to <Organization Name> unrightfully.

• Violating rules of usage, system or network shall expose the involved person
to civil and criminal liability. Cases of such violations shall be investigated
and the person involved shall be legally prosecuted.

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

3.8 Hosting 3.9 Website Marketing and Communications

What are Hosting Services?
An organization communicates with its existing and
Website hosting consists of providing physical locations potential target audience through its marketing
for websites to be stored, served and maintained. and communications activities. Common web
All website information is held in host servers, marketing methods include e-newsletters, banner
which can be accessed by users anywhere in the world advertisements and search engine optimization.
through the internet.
To effectively communicate the content of a new website, the first step is to market the
In cases of outsourcing, hosting providers offer many different combinations of capacity, website itself – both internally and externally – so that potential users know that it exists
speed and support services. The three main types of web hosting are: and how it can serve them.
• Free Hosting: Free web hosting is best suited for small websites with low traffic, such as
For further information on discoverability, please refer to Section 3.4
family or topical websites.
• Shared (Virtual) Hosting: Shared hosting is a cost-effective way of sharing a powerful
How Should a Website Be Marketed?
server with other websites. Shared hosts can provide each website with its own domain
name and offer multiple software solutions, including email, a database, editing options • By an official website launch – for example, by using press releases, press conferences,
and technical support. public events, etc

• Dedicated Hosting: Dedicated hosting is the most costly option. It provides a • By driving traffic to the website
dedicated server to high-traffic websites that may require advanced software and
• By providing services or offering exclusive information
increased security.
• By targeted online advertising
HOSTING SERVICES GUIDELINES
• By promoting the website address (URL), for example by including the URL on UAE
• In cases of outsourcing, hosting providers must be within UAE and shall sign NDAs
Federal Government Entity stationery, such as business cards, email signatures, etc
with UAE Federal Government Entities to ensure that websites are quick, safe, and
easy to manage and maintain • By participating in IT exhibitions, such as GITEX
• It is recommended that all UAE Federal Government Entities own and administer
proprietary hosting environments, which must use the UAE E-Government platform • By participating in, and ideally winning, acclaimed regional and international website
and services competitions
• The selected hosting type must suit the majority of current needs and fall within
the allocated budget • By word of mouth
• Upgrading to another server, to accommodate growth or change, should always
be possible

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

How Should Website Marketing Be Evaluated?

• Feedback gathered via surveys and polls

• A web matrix developed to provide an overview of website usage, including the number
of users who visited the website, which pages were viewed, how long users stayed, etc.

Below is an example of website traffic analysis, which is a very useful tool in determining
how a website is used and how it could be improved. For example, the ‘unique users’
statistic – users who recently visited the website for the first time – indicates change in the
website’s popularity, which can help to evaluate which marketing strategies are most effective.

Mar 20, 2009 – Apr 19, 2009

Visits
10,000 10,000

5,000 5,000

March 23, 2009 March 30, 2009 April 6, 2009 April 13, 2009

Site Usage

49,968 Visits 29.22% Bounce Rate

175,950 Page views 00:03:21 Avg. Time on Site

3.52 Pages / Visit 76.73% New Visits

Visitors Overview Map Overlay World

Visits
10,000 10,000

5,000 5,000

March 23, 2009 March 30, 2009 April 6, 2009 April 13, 2009

Visitors
38,373 Visits
1 39,987

Traffic Sources Overview Content Overview

Pages Page views ٪ Page views

Direct Traffic
41,705.00 (83.46%) /ar/index.html 42,437 24.12%

Referring Sites /en/index.html 28,409 16.15%

6,613.00 (13.23%)
/ar/communicate/index.html 13,650 7.76%
Search Engines
1,650.00 (3.30%) /en/communicate/index.html 12,619 7.17%

/ar/media/e-sessions/index.html 5,089 2.89%

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

Appendices
Section 04
Appendix-1 Quality Evaluation Checklist 47
Appendix-2 Templates 55
T1 Web Strategy Template 55
T2 Design Brief Template 62
T3 Sample Usability Questionnaire 66
T4 Content Verification Checklist 69
T5 Marketing Communications Plan Template 72
T6 Sample Wireframe 76
Appendix-3 Style Guide 76
Appendix-4 References 79

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

Appendix-1 Quality Evaluation Checklist Quality Evaluation Checklist Sample

UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines
Quality Evaluation Checklist Quality Evaluation Checklist

UAE Federal Government Entity: Date: UAE Federal Government Entity: Ministry of Health Date: 1 2 0 5 2 0 0 9
DD MM YYYY DD MM YYYY

A. Web Strategy Checklist Yes Assessment A. Web Strategy Checklist Yes Assessment

1. Is there a web strategy in place that covers both communications and 1. Is there a web strategy in place that covers both communications and 
Information Technology (IT) elements? i ii Information Technology (IT) elements? i ii

2. Is the web strategy aligned with the UAE Federal E-Government strategy? 2. Is the web strategy aligned with the UAE Federal E-Government strategy? 
i ii i ii

B. Domain Naming Conventions and URLs Checklist Yes Assessment B. Domain Naming Conventions and URLs Checklist Yes Assessment

1. Does the UAE Federal Government Entity own its website domain names 1. Does the UAE Federal Government Entity own its website domain names
and provide proper contact details? i ii and provide proper contact details? i ii

2. Is the primary domain name in the short naming convention form (.gov.ae), 2. Is the primary domain name in the short naming convention form (.gov.ae), 
and do all other domains redirect to the primary domain name? i ii and do all other domains redirect to the primary domain name? i ii

3. Has the UAE Federal Government Entity registered both the short and 3. Has the UAE Federal Government Entity registered both the short and
long versions of its domain name? i ii long versions of its domain name? i ii

4. Has the UAE Federal Government Entity registered its relevant domain 4. Has the UAE Federal Government Entity registered its relevant domain 
names ending in both .gov.ae and .ae? i ii names ending in both .gov.ae and .ae? i ii

Release: Release:
Date: Document Classification: Date: Document Classification:

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

Appendix-1 Quality Evaluation Checklist Quality Evaluation Checklist Sample

B. Domain Naming Conventions and URLs Checklist Yes Assessment B. Domain Naming Conventions and URLs Checklist Yes Assessment

5. Does the UAE Federal Government Entity have internal procedures to 5. Does the UAE Federal Government Entity have internal procedures to 
renew its domain names without downtime? i ii renew its domain names without downtime? i ii

6. Is the website’s URL hierarchy simple and user-friendly (i.e. short, 6. Is the website’s URL hierarchy simple and user-friendly (i.e. short, 
lowercase, plain language, conventional & self-correcting)? i ii lowercase, plain language, conventional & self-correcting)? i ii

C. Design Checklist Yes Assessment C. Design Checklist Yes Assessment

a. Information Architecture (IA) a. Information Architecture (IA)

1. Is the website a well-structured IA that is designed to ensure a maximum 1. Is the website a well-structured IA that is designed to ensure a maximum 
of 0-3 clicks to any target in the website in place? i ii of 0-3 clicks to any target in the website in place? i ii

b. Design Elements and Brand Identity b. Design Elements and Brand Identity

1. Does the website design comply with all standard Design and Layout 1. Does the website design comply with all standard Design and Layout 
Guidelines (i.e. colors, fonts, logo, etc)? i ii Guidelines (i.e. colors, fonts, logo, etc)? i ii

2. Does the masthead of the website follow all standard Masthead 2. Does the masthead of the website follow all standard Masthead
Guidelines? i ii Guidelines? i ii

3. Does the website design include global header, masthead, navigation, 3. Does the website design include global header, masthead, navigation, 
body and global footer sections? i ii body and global footer sections? i ii

4. Does the global header in the Arabic language website include at least: 4. Does the global header in the Arabic language website include at least: 
Ωó≤àŸG åëÑdG/åëÑdG ,IóYÉ°ùª∏d ,™bƒŸG á£jôN ,ÉæH ,π°üJEG äɨ∏dG (at least: English) links i ii Ωó≤àŸG åëÑdG/åëÑdG ,IóYÉ°ùª∏d ,™bƒŸG á£jôN ,ÉæH π°üJEG ,äɨ∏dG (at least: English) links i ii
that are visible on all pages? that are visible on all pages?

5. Does the global header in the English language website include at least: 5. Does the global header in the English language website include at least: 
Contact Us, Sitemap, Help, Search/Advanced Search, and Languages i ii Contact Us, Sitemap, Help, Search/Advanced Search, and Languages i ii
(at least: »HôY) links that are visible on all pages? (at least: »HôY) links that are visible on all pages?

6. Are all headings in the website in sentence format, with the initial letter of 6. Are all headings in the website in sentence format, with the initial letter of 
the first word capitalized and all remaining letters except for proper nouns i ii the first word capitalized and all remaining letters except for proper nouns i ii
in lower case? in lower case?

Document Classification: |2 Document Classification: |2

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

Appendix-1 Quality Evaluation Checklist Quality Evaluation Checklist Sample

C. Design Checklist Yes Assessment C. Design Checklist Yes Assessment

7. If there are more than two languages (i.e. Arabic and English) in the 7. If there are more than two languages (i.e. Arabic and English) in the 
website, are language options included either: i ii website, are language options included either: i ii
a) After the »HôY/English link? a) After the »HôY/English link?
b) As a drop down list? or b) As a drop down list? or
c) As flag icons? c) As flag icons?

8. Does the website include a physical address, contact info and an online 8. Does the website include a physical address, contact info and an online 
form in the Contact Us section? i ii form in the Contact Us section? i ii

9. Does the website include an up-to-date Sitemap that provides clear 9. Does the website include an up-to-date Sitemap that provides clear
navigation links, a visual hierarchal structure and proper headings? i ii navigation links, a visual hierarchal structure and proper headings? i ii

10. Does the website provide a Help section? 10. Does the website provide a Help section? 
i ii i ii

11. Does the website provide a working, user-friendly Search/Advanced 11. Does the website provide a working, user-friendly Search/Advanced 
Search option? i ii Search option? i ii

12. Is website navigation easy to use, and does it clearly display where users 12. Is website navigation easy to use, and does it clearly display where users 
are and where they can go at all times? i ii are and where they can go at all times? i ii

13. Does the body of the website include all essential standard elements, 13. Does the body of the website include all essential standard elements, 
including content, body links and breadcrumb trails? i ii including content, body links and breadcrumb trails? i ii

14. Does the global footer of the website include at least: Privacy Policy, 14. Does the global footer of the website include at least: Privacy Policy, 
Terms & Conditions, Disclaimer, Accessibility, Copyright, Last Updated i ii Terms & Conditions, Disclaimer, Accessibility, Copyright, Last Updated i ii
statement, Screen Resolution, and Browser Support statement links that statement, Screen Resolution, and Browser Support statement links that
are visible on all pages? are visible on all pages?

c. Cascading Style Sheet c. Cascading Style Sheet

1. Does the website follow all W3C CSS Guidelines, and has it been 1. Does the website follow all W3C CSS Guidelines, and has it been
successfully validated? i ii successfully validated? i ii

2. Is the background color for the website white? 2. Is the background color for the website white?
i ii i ii

Document Classification: |3 Document Classification: |3

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

Appendix-1 Quality Evaluation Checklist Quality Evaluation Checklist Sample

C. Design Checklist Yes Assessment C. Design Checklist Yes Assessment

3. Do the layout, fonts and colors of the website follow the style guide 3. Do the layout, fonts and colors of the website follow the style guide
(Appendix 3)? i ii (Appendix 3)? i ii

4. Is Tahoma fonts used for all Arabic web content of the website? 4. Is Tahoma fonts used for all Arabic web content of the website? 
i ii i ii

5. Is Arial font used for all English web content of the website? 5. Is Arial font used for all English web content of the website? 
i ii i ii

6. Is Times New Roman font used for all print-friendly sections of 6. Is Times New Roman font used for all print-friendly sections of
the website? i ii the website? i ii

d. Browser Compatibility d. Browser Compatibility

1. Is the website browser-independent and cross-browser compatible, and 1. Is the website browser-independent and cross-browser compatible, and 
does it clearly communicate both of these facts? i ii does it clearly communicate both of these facts? i ii

e. Bandwidth Support e. Bandwidth Support

1. Is the website optimized for low and medium bandwidths? 1. Is the website optimized for low and medium bandwidths? 
i ii i ii

D. Usability Checklist Yes Assessment D. Usability Checklist Yes Assessment

1. Are all page headings in the website accurate, and do they properly reflect 1. Are all page headings in the website accurate, and do they properly reflect 
each page’s content, including proper size, color and spacing? i ii each page’s content, including proper size, color and spacing? i ii

2. Does every web page have a breadcrumb trail that is representative of the 2. Does every web page have a breadcrumb trail that is representative of the 
true hierarchy of the website? i ii true hierarchy of the website? i ii

3. Are all links in the website highlighted, and do they correctly match 3. Are all links in the website highlighted, and do they correctly match 
appropriate destination page headings and avoid ubiquitous i ii appropriate destination page headings and avoid ubiquitous i ii
naming terms? naming terms?

4. Are the page structure and the location of all standard items consistent 4. Are the page structure and the location of all standard items consistent 
throughout the website? i ii throughout the website? i ii

Document Classification: |4 Document Classification: |4

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

Appendix-1 Quality Evaluation Checklist Quality Evaluation Checklist Sample

D. Usability Checklist Yes Assessment D. Usability Checklist Yes Assessment

5. Is the website design intuitive and uncluttered? 5. Is the website design intuitive and uncluttered?
i ii i ii

6. Is a progress bar included for complex queries and transaction- 6. Is a progress bar included for complex queries and transaction- 
based websites? i ii based websites? i ii

7. Are all page titles in the website representative of the actual content, 7. Are all page titles in the website representative of the actual content, 
arranged according to importance, short, and understandable even when i ii arranged according to importance, short, and understandable even when i ii
taken out of context? taken out of context?

E. Discoverability Checklist Yes Assessment E. Discoverability Checklist Yes Assessment

1. Are all mandatory Meta tags used in the website? 1. Are all mandatory Meta tags used in the website? 
i ii i ii

2. Can the website be easily found using various search engines? 2. Can the website be easily found using various search engines? 
i ii i ii

F. Accessibility Checklist Yes Assessment F. Accessibility Checklist Yes Assessment

1. Does the website comply with all W3C Web Content Accessibility 1. Does the website comply with all W3C Web Content Accessibility 
Guidelines – Level A? i ii Guidelines – Level A? i ii

2. Are automated tools and human reviews regularly used to validate 2. Are automated tools and human reviews regularly used to validate 
accessibility of the website? i ii accessibility of the website? i ii

Document Classification: |5 Document Classification: |5

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

Appendix-1 Quality Evaluation Checklist Quality Evaluation Checklist Sample

G. Web Content Management Checklist Yes Assessment G. Web Content Management Checklist Yes Assessment

1. Is the content of the website entirely non-offensive and non-discriminatory? 1. Is the content of the website entirely non-offensive and non-discriminatory? 
i ii i ii

2. Are the requirements of the audience properly accounted for in the 2. Are the requirements of the audience properly accounted for in the 
content of the website? i ii content of the website? i ii

3. Is the content of the website easily scanable? 3. Is the content of the website easily scanable?
i ii i ii

4. Is the formatting of the content consistent throughout the website? 4. Is the formatting of the content consistent throughout the website? 
i ii i ii

5. Is the default homepage of the website the Arabic language version? 5. Is the default homepage of the website the Arabic language version? 
i ii i ii

6. Are the Arabic and English language versions of the website properly 6. Are the Arabic and English language versions of the website properly 
segmented (i.e. no English in the Arabic version and vice versa)? i ii segmented (i.e. no English in the Arabic version and vice versa)? i ii

7. Are all common terminology/content pages of the website present? 7. Are all common terminology/content pages of the website present? 
i ii i ii

8. Is a Last Updated statement provided on every page of the website, and 8. Is a Last Updated statement provided on every page of the website, and 
does it follow the correct format? i ii does it follow the correct format? i ii

9. Is an Archive link provided on every page of the website? 9. Is an Archive link provided on every page of the website? 
i ii i ii

10. Are logical search topics that provide navigation for archived 10. Are logical search topics that provide navigation for archived
content available? i ii content available? i ii

Document Classification: |6 Document Classification: |6

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

Appendix-1 Quality Evaluation Checklist Quality Evaluation Checklist Sample

H. Web Information Security Checklist Yes Assessment H. Web Information Security Checklist Yes Assessment

1. Is there a comprehensive security plan for the website that complies with 1. Is there a comprehensive security plan for the website that complies with 
all applicable security standards? i ii all applicable security standards? i ii

2. Has a thorough risk assessment of the website been conducted? 2. Has a thorough risk assessment of the website been conducted? 
i ii i ii

3. Have copyrights for Intellectual Property (IP) in the website been 3. Have copyrights for Intellectual Property (IP) in the website been 
registered with the UAE Ministry of Economy? i ii registered with the UAE Ministry of Economy? i ii

4. Does a Copyright statement appear on every page of the website? 4. Does a Copyright statement appear on every page of the website? 
i ii i ii

5. Are the Terms and Conditions of use of the website clearly defined and 5. Are the Terms and Conditions of use of the website clearly defined and 
accessible on every page? i ii accessible on every page? i ii

6. Does the website provide a Disclaimer that is accessible from every page? 6. Does the website provide a Disclaimer that is accessible from every page? 
i ii i ii

7. Does the website provide a Privacy Policy that is accessible from every page? 7. Does the website provide a Privacy Policy that is accessible from every page? 
i ii i ii

8. Does the website provide hyperlink disclaimers for linking to homepages, 8. Does the website provide hyperlink disclaimers for linking to homepages, 
UAE Federal Government websites, non-Government websites, and i ii UAE Federal Government websites, non-Government websites, and i ii
deep linking, as well as for hyperlinking by other websites to UAE Federal deep linking, as well as for hyperlinking by other websites to UAE Federal
Government websites, and can featured links be viewed from every page? Government websites, and can featured links be viewed from every page?

9. If applicable, does the website provide software downloading notices that 9. If applicable, does the website provide software downloading notices that 
are accessible from every page? i ii are accessible from every page? i ii

10. If applicable, is all information obtained through user registration, 10. If applicable, is all information obtained through user registration, 
including personal profiles and account info, completely secure? i ii including personal profiles and account info, completely secure? i ii

Document Classification: |7 Document Classification: |7

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

Appendix-1 Quality Evaluation Checklist Quality Evaluation Checklist Sample

I. Hosting Checklist Yes Assessment I. Hosting Checklist Yes Assessment

1. Has the website hosting provider (available within UAE) signed a 1. Has the website hosting provider (available within UAE) signed a 
Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) and a Service Level Agreement (SLA), i ii Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) and a Service Level Agreement (SLA), i ii
and are they being adhered to? and are they being adhered to?

2. Does the UAE Federal Government Entity host the website itself, using the 2. Does the UAE Federal Government Entity host the website itself, using the 
UAE E-Government platform and services? i ii UAE E-Government platform and services? i ii

J. Website Marketing and Communications Checklist Yes Assessment J. Website Marketing and Communications Checklist Yes Assessment

1. Has a comprehensive marketing and communications plan for the website 1. Has a comprehensive marketing and communications plan for the website 
been developed? i ii been developed? i ii

2. Has the website been effectively promoted through a variety of marketing 2. Has the website been effectively promoted through a variety of marketing 
activities, such as email, web links, online & print advertising, and search i ii activities, such as email, web links, online & print advertising, and search i ii
engines, in order to increase web traffic? engines, in order to increase web traffic?

3. Have the marketing activities carried out to promote the website been 3. Have the marketing activities carried out to promote the website been 
properly evaluated using data collected from such analytical tools as polls, i ii properly evaluated using data collected from such analytical tools as polls, i ii
surveys and a usage web matrix? surveys and a usage web matrix?

Clear Form Data Submit by Email Save a Copy Print Clear Form Data Submit by Email Save a Copy Print

Document Classification: |8 Document Classification: |8

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

Appendix-2 T1 Web Strategy Template T1 Web Strategy Template Sample

UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines
Web Strategy Web Strategy

Administration Administration

Project start date Project start date April 19th 2009

Project lead Project lead Mohammed Ahmed, Marketing Manager

Project team Project team Ministry of Education (MOE)

This template is not comprehensive. It is designed to serve as a guide and will need to be updated as the This template is not comprehensive. It is designed to serve as a guide and will need to be updated as the
project develops. It is useful as a starting point, to enable you to consider the varied elements that contribute project develops. It is useful as a starting point, to enable you to consider the varied elements that contribute
to creating a good web strategy that will result in a successful website. to creating a good web strategy that will result in a successful website.

Release: Release:
Date: Document Classification: Date: Document Classification:

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

Appendix 2 T1 Web Strategy Template T1 Web Strategy Template Sample

Planning Phase Planning Phase

Executive summary Executive summary • The Ministry of Education is responsible for planning, executing, following
and supervising which leads to a successful educational system that
achieves the highest levels in educational performance. As such, its
Website is an important vehicle in communicating with a variety of
stakeholders, be those teachers, students, employees or the general public

• Based on the Quality Evaluation Checklist (Appendix 1), the MOE website
is strong in areas of usability, discoverability and web content management,
but requires improvement in terms of Cascading Style Sheet (CSS) and
Web information security. The site requires consistency to be reviewed
(whether it be the font, colors used or the structure of the information)

• MOE aims to develop this plan and execute it within a six month period

Introduction and background Introduction and background • The MOE Website was created in 2007 to communicate with key
audiences as outlined above. In line with one its vision of providing
infrastructure that accommodates modern teaching techniques, the same
can be said for its Website which aims to communicate effectively, remain
consistent and adopt and lead the way in international e-communication
standards

Vision statement Vision statement • To ensure it follows the GCO’s Web Guidelines, aligning it with all
other Ministry websites and ultimately communicating effectively with
target audiences

Document Classification: |2 Document Classification: |2

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

Appendix-2 T1 Web Strategy Template T1 Web Strategy Template Sample

Planning Phase Planning Phase

Mission statement Mission statement • Evaluate and update the MOE website to reflect GCO objectives which
includes developing a comprehensive Web strategy and benchmarking
(and applying) international best practices to achieve efficiency and high
standards in line with all government websites

Objectives Objectives As per the Web Guidelines 11 objectives. Of importance are:

1. UAE Federal Government websites must reflect the core values, messages
and brand identity of the UAE Federal Government through clear,
consistent and uniform online communications to all audiences

2. UAE Federal Government websites must establish and continually

monitor appropriate web security measures, adhere to all applicable
laws and regulations, and clearly communicate all policies, terms and
conditions of use

Target audience Target audience External- Parents, students, teachers and citizens of the UAE
Internal- MOE employees

Document Classification: |3 Document Classification: |3

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

Appendix-2 T1 Web Strategy Template T1 Web Strategy Template Sample

Planning Phase Planning Phase

Project budget Project budget [insert budget here]

Delivery model Delivery model • Creation of an interactive, easy to use and dynamic website with a dual
purpose. The website should be bilingual, in English and Arabic. It should
also be regularly updated. The internal site should act as a resource for
MOE employees to locate information and the external site should be
an information source about the MOE that will, among other functions,
familiarize the public with its work and update about recent news

Critical success factors Critical success factors • To attract a high number of visitors on a regular basis and to ensure those
visitors leave with an interactive and informative experience

Document Classification: |4 Document Classification: |4

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

Appendix-2 T1 Web Strategy Template T1 Web Strategy Template Sample

Planning Phase Planning Phase

Supplier for creation of site Supplier for creation of site [insert contact details for supplier here]

Website Elements Website Elements

Website technology – Website technology – • What content management system (CMS) will support the website?
please answer questions please answer questions
• What server is available for the website?

• For example, the CMS used to support the website is Documentum,

and we are using an e-Government platform based on IBM Websphere
application and servers

Content/ copy brief: Content/ copy brief: • i.e. missing information or content that needs to be reviewed/ updated

What type of information What type of information • External - Run a poll in the poll section on the website or remove this,
include more information about recent initiatives, update calendar of
do we want our audience do we want our audience
events etc.
to take away? to take away?

Document Classification: |5 Document Classification: |5

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

Appendix-2 T1 Web Strategy Template T1 Web Strategy Template Sample

Website Elements Website Elements

What logical headings do What logical headings do External site main headings
we want to use to organize we want to use to organize • About MOE
this information? this information? • MOE Initiatives
• Vision and Mission
• Events
If the site already exists, could If the site already exists, could • MOE Login for employees
this information be arranged this information be arranged • MOE for parents
more logically? more logically? • MOE for students
• MOE for teachers
• Sitemap
• Contact Us (including section for media)
• References - Useful links and publications for reference
• Search
• FAQs
• Poll
• …etc

Note: Internal site access should be secured

Design brief (see Template 2) Design brief (see Template 2)

Logistics: How do we make this happen? Logistics: How do we make this happen?

Timeline – major milestones Target Date Timeline – major milestones Target Date

1. Confirm web design/website supplier 1. Confirm web design/website supplier 30th April, 2009

2. Planning phase 2. Planning phase 30th May, 2009

3. Design phase 3. Design phase 17th June, 2009

4. Copy phase 4. Copy phase 15th August, 2009

5. Evaluation phase 5. Evaluation phase 20th October, 2009

6. Launch website 6. Launch website 30th November, 2009

Document Classification: |6 Document Classification: |6

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

Appendix-2 T1 Web Strategy Template T1 Web Strategy Template Sample

Logistics: How do we make this happen? Logistics: How do we make this happen?

Actions – planning phase Owner Deadline Actions – planning phase Owner Deadline

Answer web strategy questions (above) Answer web strategy questions (above) MOE 18th April, 2009

Contact supplier to set up / create site. Contact supplier to set up / create site. MOE 2nd May, 2009
Source quote and discuss time it requires Source quote and discuss time it requires
so team hours can be allocated so team hours can be allocated

Allocate team Allocate team MOE 20th May, 2009

Allocate budget (team and creation) Allocate budget (team and creation) MOE 15th June, 2009

Use questions above to brief website Use questions above to brief website MOE 25th June, 2009
creator/ design agency creator/ design agency

Collect any written information about the Collect any written information about the MOE 12th July, 2009
organization that exists (that can be used organization that exists (that can be used
to brief copy writers) to brief copy writers)

Use content headings/ brief above to brief Use content headings/ brief above to brief MOE 5th August, 2009
copy writer copy writer

Create sitemap Create sitemap MOE 25th September, 2009

Select method of quality check / evaluation Select method of quality check / evaluation MOE 9th November, 2009

Clear Form Data Submit by Email Save a Copy Print Clear Form Data Submit by Email Save a Copy Print

Document Classification: |7 Document Classification: |7

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

Appendix-2 T2 Design Brief Template T2 Design Brief Template Sample

UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines
Design Brief Design Brief

Logistics: How do we make this happen? Logistics: How do we make this happen?

Design brief: i.e. professional, fun, interactive, busy? Design brief: i.e. professional, fun, interactive, busy?

What kind of look and feel do • Follow Government colors and logos What kind of look and feel do • Follow Government colors and logos
we want our website to have? we want our website to have?
• • Design simple and content rich

• • Interactive

• • Highly informative and easy to access/navigate

• •

• •

• •

• •

Government colors and logos • Backgrounds: Background color for all Federal Government Entities Government colors and logos • Backgrounds: Background color for all Federal Government Entities
are as follows: should be white. are as follows: should be white.

• Colors: Refer to Brand Identity Guidelines for the color schema of the UAE • Colors: Refer to Brand Identity Guidelines for the color schema of the UAE
Emblem and the Style Guide that can be used in the design of the website Emblem and the Style Guide that can be used in the design of the website

• Fonts: Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) (refer to section 3.2.3: Cascading • Fonts: Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) (refer to section 3.2.3: Cascading
Style Sheet) Style Sheet)

Release: Release:
Date: Document Classification: Date: Document Classification:

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Appendix-2 T2 Design Brief Template
Logistics: How do we make this happen?
How do we want to enhance
the user experience?
(tick answer)
If the Website already has
some of the elements listed
above, how do they need to
be changed/ updated from a
design perspective?
Sitemap:
How do you want users to
experience your site?
i.e. Where do they start?
What information will be
accessed a great deal?
Does this information need a
tab to draw importance to it?
Where does the navigation
end? Is the experience logical
for users?
page 2
1. WEB GUIDELINES MANAGEMENT | 2. WEB CHANNEL STRATEGIES | 3. GUIDELINES | 4. APPENDICES
Static For example, forms, images, information, latest news
updates, diagrams, organization map, etc.
Interactive For example, polls, forums, feedback forms, interactive
calendars, homepage return by clicking UAE Federal
Government icon, etc.
Document Classification:
UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines
T2 Design Brief Template Sample
Logistics: How do we make this happen?
How do we want to enhance
the user experience?
(tick answer)
If the Website already has
some of the elements listed
above, how do they need to
be changed/ updated from a
design perspective?
Sitemap:
How do you want users to
experience your site?
i.e. Where do they start?
What information will be
accessed a great deal?
Does this information need a
tab to draw importance to it?
Where does the navigation
end? Is the experience logical
for users?
|2
(NB: This sample is hypothetical and intended for illustrative purposes only.)
 Static For example, forms, images, information, latest news
updates, diagrams, organization map, etc.
Forms people may need to download, images,
information, latest news updates, diagrams,
organization map, etc.
 Interactive For example, polls, forums, feedback forms, interactive
calendars, homepage return by clicking UAE Federal
Government icon, etc.
Polls, forums, feedback forms, interactive calendars,
relevant visuals and graphics, homepage return by
clicking UAE Federal Government icon etc.
• The placement of the rolling text announcing news is distracting (and from
a usability perspective, this moves too fast for users to be able to read)
• Images for icons are not very clear and text is small and difficult to read
in parts
• Fonts used for headings are different throughout (sizes and types)
• When users enter the MOE homepage, they are presented with a wide
range of options that are clear, interactive and informative. It offers
information about MOE in the top heading on the left-hand (menu)
panel, so the user can learn about the roles, objectives and values etc. of
the MOE. In addition, the icons at the top of the page act as a filter to
direct different stakeholders to the appropriate information
• Each page also includes news updates, a calendar and FAQs section. This
could be more ordered so that users can select to see this by clicking on a
menu on the left-hand side of the page (see sample diagram on next page)
Document Classification: |2
Document Classification: Public | 63
 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

T2 Design Brief Template Sample T2 Design Brief Template Sample

Sample GCO Website Sitemap- English »eƒµëdG ∫É°üJ’G Öàµe ™bƒe á£jôîd »HôY êPƒªf

HOME PAGE á«°ù«FôdG áëØ°üdG

HOME PAGE

English Arabic Help Quick Tips English

English Arabic »HôY Help IóYÉ°ùe Quick Tips Ió«Øe íFÉ°üf

Sitemap Site Navigation Sitemap ‫املوقع‬฀‫خريطة‬ Site Navigation ™bƒŸG íØ°üJ π«dO

Contact Contact ÉæH π°üJEG

Introduction should appear áëØ°üdG ≈∏Y áeqshould
Introduction ó≤ŸG ô¡¶J ¿CG »¨Ñæj
appear
on the website homepage Search Text on‘ the
¢ù«dhwebsite
ÊhεdE’homepage
G ™bƒª∏d á«°ù«FôdG Search åëH Text ¢üædG
and not in a tab – this should øª °†àJ ¿C G »¨Ñæjh ,ÖjƒÑàdG
q in a tab – this should
and not áeÓY
include a brief background FAQ’s ∫É°üJE’G Öàµe
include a brieføYbackground
IõLƒe áeÉY áëŸ FAQ’s Ék Yƒ«°T ÌcC’G á∏Ä°SC’G
on the GCO as well as its on¬aGógC
theGhGCO
¬eÉ¡eas¤Ewell
G áaÉ°VE
asGits
»eƒµ◊G
functions and objectives functions and objectives

UAE Government UAE Government

IóëàŸG á«Hô©dG äGQÉeE’G

VISION PROJECTS & INITIATIVES PRESS OFFICE GCN LOGIN VISION ádÉ°SôdGh ájDhôdG äGQOÉÑŸGh ™jQÉ°ûŸG
PROJECTS & INITIATIVES PRESS OFFICE »eÓYE’G õcôŸG ∫É°üJE
GCN ’G áµÑ°T ¤EG ∫ƒNódG π«é°ùJ
LOGIN
»eƒµ◊G
Brief explanation of the vision Projects Press Releases User Name ÖàµÃ
Brief á°UÉÿG ájDhofô∏dthe
explanation õLƒe ìô°T
vision Projects ™jQÉ°ûŸG Press Releases á«Øë°üdG äÉfÉ«ÑdG User Name
and mission of the GCO and ¢Vô¨dGh
and ¬àdÉ°SQh
mission »eƒµ◊G
of the GCO∫É°üJE
and’G Ωóîà°ùŸG º°SEG
why it was established List of projects List of issued press releases in Password why it was established¬FÉ°ûfEG øe List of projects ™jQÉ°ûŸÉH áëF’ IQOÉ°üdG
List á«Øë°üdG
of issued pressäÉfÉ«ÑdÉH
releasesáëF’
in Password
chronological order chronological »æeõdG
orderπ°ù∏°ùàdG Ö°ùM ô°ùdG áª∏c
Initiatives Initiatives äGQOÉÑŸG
Fact Sheets Fact Sheets ΩÉbQCGh äÉeƒ∏©e
List of Initiatives List of Initiatives äGQOÉÑŸÉH áëF’
Updated fact sheets on the Updated
Öàµe øYfact
áKqósheets
fi ΩÉbQCon the
Gh äÉeƒ∏©e
GCO and its general function GCO and¬ØFÉXhh
áeÉ©dG its general function
»eƒµ◊G ∫É°üJ’G

Press Contacts Press Contacts

ΩÓYE’G πFÉ°SƒH ¢UÉN
Press contact name, number, Press
,∞JÉ¡dGcontact name,
ºbQ ,»eÓYE ’G ∫hDnumber,
ƒ°ùŸG º°SEG
email and postal address emailójÈdG
and postal address¿Gƒæ©dG
¿GƒæY ,…ójÈdG
ÊhεdE’G

Copyright statement Feedback ï°ùædG ¥ƒ≤M ¿É«H

Copyright statement Feedback äɶMÓŸGh äÉMGÎbE’G

Best viewed browser statement Portal Ö°SÉæŸGbrowser

Best viewed πµ°ûdÉH íqstatement
Ø°üàdG ¿É«H Portal áHGƒÑdG ¤EG ∫ƒ°UƒdG á«fɵeEG

Last updated on statement Privacy Policy Last updatedåjó– ôNBG ïjQÉJ ¿É«H
on statement Privacy Policy á«°Uƒ°üÿG á°SÉ«°S

Terms & Conditions ‫وال�صروط‬฀‫الأحكام‬

Terms & Conditions

Disclaimer Disclaimer á«dhDƒ°ùŸG AÓNEG

Document Classification: |3 :á≤«KƒdG ∞«æ°üJ

(NB: This sample is hypothetical and intended for illustrative purposes only.) (NB: This sample is hypothetical and intended for illustrative purposes only.)

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

Appendix 2 T2 Design Brief Template T2 Design Brief Template Sample

Logistics: How do we make this happen? Logistics: How do we make this happen?

If the Website is already based If the Website is already based Strengths:

on an existing sitemap, what on an existing sitemap, what
should be changed? should be changed? • The icons at the top of the web page act as a useful filter for directing
different stakeholders to relevant sections of the website

• The calendar is a useful tool in the same place on each page (although it
needs to be filled with relevant dates and varies slightly in its position on
each page)

Room for improvement:

• There is too much information on the home page and it is difficult to

find what you need quickly and easily. More logical headings where users
can select what information they want to see on the left-hand side of
the page, would be useful. However, headings need to be grouped under
larger more general headings so that the left-hand tab is not cluttered
also. For example ‘About the GCO’ could be an overarching heading
and if users click on this, they could then see other options such as
‘Vision and Mission’ and ‘Strategic Objectives’

• FAQs should be another heading on the left-hand tab that users can
select to view. These should not be included on each page (especially
if there aren’t FAQs available)

Clear Form Data Submit by Email Save a Copy Print Clear Form Data Submit by Email Save a Copy Print

Document Classification: |3 Document Classification: |4

page 3 (NB: This sample is hypothetical and intended for illustrative purposes only.)

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

Appendix 2 T3 Sample Usability Questionnaire T3 Sample Usability Questionnaire Sample

UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines
Usability Questionnaire Usability Questionnaire

Is this Website Effective? Yes Is this Website Effective? Yes

1. Does the website represent the brand? 1. Does the website represent the brand? 

2. Can the user find the content they are looking for on their first attempt? 2. Can the user find the content they are looking for on their first attempt? 

3. Can the user do this quickly? 3. Can the user do this quickly? 

4. Is there a ‘search’ option that makes this easier? 4. Is there a ‘search’ option that makes this easier? 

5. Does the ‘search’ option bring up relevant results? 5. Does the ‘search’ option bring up relevant results?

6. Is the website logical and easy to follow? 6. Is the website logical and easy to follow? 

7. Is the sitemap a useful aid for navigation? 7. Is the sitemap a useful aid for navigation? 

8. Do users find it easy to go back to information they have viewed – then forward again to 8. Do users find it easy to go back to information they have viewed –
what they were looking at previously? then forward again to what they were looking at previously?

9. Is it easy for users to return to the homepage? 9. Is it easy for users to return to the homepage? 

10. Does the user remember how to find information based on their previous experience? 10. Does the user remember how to find information based on their previous experience? 

Release: Release:
Date: Document Classification: Date: Document Classification:

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

Appendix-2 T3 Sample Usability Questionnaire T3 Sample Usability Questionnaire Sample

Is this Website Effective? Yes Is this Website Effective? Yes

11. Is the information easy to read? 11. Is the information easy to read? 

12. Is the information easy to understand? 12. Is the information easy to understand? 

13. Is the information presented consistently? i.e. fonts, borders of images, labels 13. Is the information presented consistently? i.e. fonts, borders of images, labels 
for diagrams etc. for diagrams etc.

14. How often do users make errors when using the website? 14. How often do users make errors when using the website?

15. If so, are the errors (identified in previous question) serious? 15. If so, are the errors (identified in previous question) serious? 

16. Have these errors been logged so the team can check whether they are still occurring once 16. Have these errors been logged so the team can check whether they are still occurring once 
the website has been uploaded? the website has been uploaded?

17. How do users feel about interacting with the website? 17. How do users feel about interacting with the website?

18. If users run into difficulties, is there help available? 18. If users run into difficulties, is there help available? 

19. Is the help offered simple to follow? 19. Is the help offered simple to follow? 

20. If not, is there an opportunity to contact someone with questions regarding help? 20. If not, is there an opportunity to contact someone with questions regarding help? 

Document Classification: |2 Document Classification: |2

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

Appendix-2 T3 Sample Usability Questionnaire

Addressing Usability

If no was answered for any of the above, please list the problems they pose for usability below:

Problem Action to Resolve Owner Deadline

Eg. If a user becomes Include a link on the UAE [insert name] [insert deadline]
lost, they can find it Federal Government Logo
difficult to get back to so they can always click
the homepage. back to the homepage

Clear Form Data Submit by Email Save a Copy Print

Document Classification: |3

page 3

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

Appendix-2 T4 Content Verification Checklist T4 Content Verification Checklist Sample

UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines
Content Verification Checklist Content Verification Checklist

Does the website have the important information required by users? Does the website have the important information required by users?
Please answer the following questions. Please answer the following questions.

Checklist Yes Checklist Yes

Important Content – Does it include: Important Content – Does it include:

1. About us section 1. About us section 

2. Vision and mission statement 2. Vision and mission statement 

3. Contact information section 3. Contact information section

4. Appropriate information for all events listed (including what, when, where etc.) 4. Appropriate information for all events listed (including what, when, where etc.) 

5. News/ Press office page for information on all major announcements 5. News/ Press office page for information on all major announcements 

6. A Terms and Conditions section 6. A Terms and Conditions section

7. A Help section 7. A Help section 

8. Information / biographies on important members of your organization 8. Information / biographies on important members of your organization 

Release: Release:
Date: Document Classification: Date: Document Classification:

page 1 (NB: This sample is hypothetical and intended for illustrative purposes only.)

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

Appendix-2 T4 Content Verification Checklist T4 Content Verification Checklist Sample

Checklist Yes Checklist Yes

9. A careers section (for people looking for information about a job with 9. A careers section (for people looking for information about a job with 
your organization) your organization)

10. Aspects of your website divided into sections. (For example, these could be education, health, 10. Aspects of your website divided into sections. (For example, these could be education, health, 
energy etc. or for an educational website, seniors, adults, parents, children etc.) energy etc. or for an educational website, seniors, adults, parents, children etc.)

Completeness Completeness

1. Is all important information available for users? 1. Is all important information available for users?

2. Is all information up-to-date? 2. Is all information up-to-date? 

3. Are all diagrams and downloadable files the most recent versions? 3. Are all diagrams and downloadable files the most recent versions? 

4. Do all links to information open / refer to the page they should? 4. Do all links to information open / refer to the page they should?

Accuracy Accuracy

1. Is all information relevant? 1. Is all information relevant? 

2. Are all facts, dates, names, terms and quotations correct? 2. Are all facts, dates, names, terms and quotations correct? 

3. Is spelling and grammar correct? 3. Is spelling and grammar correct? 

Consistency Consistency

1. Are all headings, text, labels of diagrams and abbreviations the same throughout the site? 1. Are all headings, text, labels of diagrams and abbreviations the same throughout the site? 

2. Is the same writing style and tone used throughout? 2. Is the same writing style and tone used throughout?

3. Is the look and feel of the site the same on every page – is this consistent with 3. Is the look and feel of the site the same on every page – is this consistent with 
other UAE Federal Government website? other UAE Federal Government website?

Document Classification: |2 Document Classification: |2

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

Appendix-2 T4 Content Verification Checklist T4 Content Verification Checklist Sample

Checklist Yes Checklist Yes

Legality Legality

1. Have all the necessary steps been taken? Has all content taken from elsewhere 1. Have all the necessary steps been taken? Has all content taken from elsewhere 
been referenced? been referenced?

2. Have all the necessary steps been taken to ensure that no person’s privacy rights 2. Have all the necessary steps been taken to ensure that no person’s privacy rights
have been violated? have been violated?

3. Has the website been signed off by the legal department (including the inclusion 3. Has the website been signed off by the legal department (including the inclusion 
of a copyright statement, disclaimer etc.)? of a copyright statement, disclaimer etc.)?

If you answered ‘NO’ for any of the above, ask the following question: If you answered ‘NO’ for any of the above, ask the following question:

Is there a good reason why the target audience does not need this information? Is there a good reason why the target audience does not need this information?

If ‘NO’, revisit, if ‘YES’ – you are nearly there! If ‘NO’, revisit, if ‘YES’ – you are nearly there!

Clear Form Data Submit by Email Save a Copy Print Clear Form Data Submit by Email Save a Copy Print

Document Classification: |3 Document Classification: |3

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

Appendix-2 T5 Marketing Communications Plan Template T5 Marketing Communications Plan Template Sample

UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines
Marketing Communications Plan Marketing Communications Plan

Please use the template below as a guideline for your Marketing Communications Plan.

Administration Administration

Government Department • Government Department • Ministry of Finance (MOF)

Date • Date • 19th May 2009

Reference Number • Reference Number • IT30R22DD

Project Lead • Project Lead • Mohammed Ahmed, E-Communications Manager

Campaign overview Campaign overview • Raise awareness about the MOF website (especially its recent update)
•

• • Drive the public to use the website

• • Inform government communicators and drive them to the website

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

Release: Release:
Date: Document Classification: Date: Document Classification:

page 1 (NB: This sample is hypothetical and intended for illustrative purposes only.)

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

Appendix-2 T5 Marketing Communications Plan Template T5 Marketing Communications Plan Template Sample

Project Background Project Background

Project completion date • Project completion date • 19th June, 2010

Available budget for • Available budget for • AED 50,000

marketing communications marketing communications

Objectives [outline key objectives of marketing the website] Objectives [outline key objectives of marketing the website]

• i.e. Reach XX unique users by XX date • Reach citizens and customers from different members of communities
and stakeholders
•
• Incorporate user feedback from usability/ evaluation questionnaires at least
• one month from the completion date to ensure that users return to the site

• • Update internal stakeholders about developments to the website

• •

Target audience • Internal: Target audience • Internal: Senior Ministry officials and employees of the MOF

• •

• •

• External: • External: Citizens, customers, stakeholders, general public

• •

• •

What do we want audiences • Internal: i.e. access timetables What do we want audiences • Internal: Establish the site as the key resource for employees by ensuring
to do/ get from using the to do/ get from using the content is engaging and useful
website? • website?
• Use forums on the website and incorporate external feedback and
• information about internal processes for future progress etc.

• External: i.e. use forums on the internet • External: Frequent the website to access useful information. This could include
content about recent initiatives, updates made to curriculums, events (i.e.
• the school year ending) or background information about the Ministry etc.

• •

Document Classification: |2 Document Classification: |2

page 2 (NB: This sample is hypothetical and intended for illustrative purposes only.)

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Appendix-2 T5 Marketing Communications Plan Template
Project Background
Therefore – what will be
the methods of reaching
internal audiences (within
the UAE Government)
Therefore – what will be
the methods of reaching
external audiences (within
the UAE Government)
Will the launch of this website
be significant news?
Tools to evaluate marketing
page 3
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UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines
T5 Marketing Communications Plan Template Sample
Project Background
• i.e. Intranet, internal newsletter, emails to staff etc. Therefore – what will be • Internal: Emails to staff, small organized meetings or workshops to show
the methods of reaching staff how to use the site, a monthly newsletter showing updates on
• internal audiences (within website, include URL on branded items
the UAE Government)
• • External: Press release to announce site and ensure URL is on all marketing
and press materials distributed. For this reason it is important that spokes-
• people for the MOF are familiar with the website and can refer to it in
interviews. Traffic to the website may also increase by including a topical
• (not controversial) poll
• i.e. e-Marketing, sms, e-Newsletters etc. Therefore – what will be • E-Marketing, sms, e-Newsletters, emails, and announcements
the methods of reaching
• external audiences (within •
the UAE Government)
• •
• •
• •
If so, how will it be publicized? Will the launch of this website If so, how will it be publicized?
be significant news?
• • It will be important to announce the launch of the website but the media
will not consider this to be priority local news
•
•
•
•
•
• Tools include: Tools to evaluate marketing • Tools include: Measuring the number of hits or site views or the number
of replies on online polls, conducting surveys which evaluate how the user
became aware of the website as well as an evaluation of the nature and
• number of forum replies etc.
• •
• Date for evaluation is: • Date for evaluation is: 30th July 2010
• Continuous evaluation to be conducted every months • Continuous evaluation to be conducted every 3 months
Document Classification: |3 Document Classification: |3
(NB: This sample is hypothetical and intended for illustrative purposes only.)
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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

Appendix-2 T5 Marketing Communications Plan Template T5 Marketing Communications Plan Template Sample

Project Background Project Background

Immediate next steps • Immediate next steps • Ensure planning and design is completed by given deadline

• • Plan and confirm budget

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

Contact details for • Name/ Title: Contact details for • Name/ Title: Mohammed Ahmed
further information further information
• Email address: • Email address: Mohammed.Ahmed@mofi.ae

• Contact telephone number: • Contact telephone number: +97145343987

Clear Form Data Submit by Email Save a Copy Print Clear Form Data Submit by Email Save a Copy Print

Document Classification: |4 Document Classification: |4

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

Appendix-2 T6 Sample Wireframe Appendix-3 Style Guide

Contact Us Sitemap Help Search Site Advanced Search Language

Topics | Services | Multimedia Gallery | News | Events

UAE Government Logo Masthead Enter Keyword SEARCH
Search govenment.ea Other govenment sites

UAE Nationals Residents Visitors Children & Youth Businesses Government to Government Special Needs

Featured Links

Visa Counter Driving License Payments to Government Charity Donations

Complaints Utility Counter Passport Counter All Services

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

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 UAE Federal Government Web Guidelines

Appendix-4 References

REFERENCES

Government • UK
Web • Australia
Guidelines
• Canada
• New Zealand
• USA

International
• World Wide Web Consortium (W3C)
Standards

Other Web Usability:

References • www.usability.com
• www.w3.org

CMS:
• www.usa.gov/webcontent

Domains and Hosting:

• www.aead.ae

Web Fonts Styles:

• www.webdesign.about.com/od/fonts/a/aa080204.htm

Meta Data:
• www.w3.org
• www.searchtools.com/info/metadata.html
• www.seoconsultants.com/meta-tags
• www.searchtools.com/info/metadata.html

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