Scots firm tests Abu Dhabi websites

USER Vision, the Edinburgh-based technology firm, has completed a contract worth more than £100,000 for the Abu Dhabi government to assess the accessibility of its websites.

The company - which lists the BBC, HSBC and Nokia among its clients - looked at both the Arabic and English versions of the websites and then came up with online accessibility guidelines for the capital city of the United Arab Emirates.

User Vision, which has been operating in the Middle East for the past five years, worked on the project in partnership with Flip Media in Dubai.

A satellite office has now been opened in Dubai to assess the "usability" of websites, software and advertising. The company believes that Abu Dhabi is the first government in the region to test its sites.

Chris Rourke, User Vision's founder and managing director, said: "We are delighted to have this opportunity to work with the Abu Dhabi government on such a prestigious and innovative project.

"The Abu Dhabi government is committed to improving accessibility for all its citizens, including those with disabilities, throughout the emirate and it is a privilege to be part of such an important initiative."

Rourke launched the business in 2000 with business partner Emma Kirk and has kept the firm free of venture capital investment, relying instead on organic growth. As well as the Middle East, the company works in the UK, Europe and South America.