Evaluation of the accessibility and usability of university websites: a comparative study of the Gulf region

As websites serve as the cornerstone of educational institutions, evaluating their accessibility and usability is crucial. This study examines the accessibility and usability of 198 university homepages in the Gulf region: UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Based on Webometrics ranking, a sample of websites was analyzed using automated online testing tools. The analysis revealed that universities in Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait placed the highest focus on website accessibility and usability, followed by UAE and Saudi Arabia. While minimal compliance with the WCAG 2.0 standard was observed, no significant usability or accessibility issues were identified compared to other nations, though areas for improvement do exist. Recommendations for developers and administrators are presented, addressing accessibility and usability concerns and ensuring equal access to information for all stakeholders. This report provides valuable insights for enhancing website accessibility and usability in universities.