diff --git a/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/CHANGELOG.md b/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/CHANGELOG.md
index 8b73cdf53e..d991dc0359 100644
--- a/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -12,6 +12,8 @@ The format is based on [Keep a Changelog](https://keepachangelog.com/en/1.0.0/),
 
 - We fixed an issue where the editability setting was inverted: setting editability to `false` allowed editing, and setting it to `true` prevented editing. The editability condition expression now behaves correctly: `true` means editable, `false` means read-only.
 
+- We improved screen reader accessibility by fixing accessible name announcements, hiding decorative icons, and preventing menu exposure when closed.
+
 ### Breaking changes
 
 - The editability fix above is a potential breaking change. Apps that worked around the bug by inverting their editability expression will now have the opposite (incorrect) behavior after upgrading. Review any combobox widgets using a custom editability expression and remove the inversion workaround, otherwise fields may unexpectedly become editable or read-only.
diff --git a/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/e2e/Combobox.spec.js b/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/e2e/Combobox.spec.js
index ec6b9443a3..994893ab65 100644
--- a/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/e2e/Combobox.spec.js
+++ b/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/e2e/Combobox.spec.js
@@ -171,6 +171,23 @@ test.describe("combobox-web", () => {
             // check if filtered
             await expect(getOptions(comboBox)).toHaveText(["Antartica", "Australia"]);
         });
+
+        test("menu list not in DOM when closed, present when opened", async ({ page }) => {
+            const comboBox = page.locator(".mx-name-comboBox1");
+            await expect(comboBox).toBeVisible({ timeout: 10000 });
+
+            // Verify menu list is not in DOM when closed
+            const menuListClosed = comboBox.locator(".widget-combobox-menu-list");
+            await expect(menuListClosed).not.toBeVisible();
+
+            // Open the combobox
+            await comboBox.click();
+
+            // Verify menu list is now in DOM and visible
+            const menuListOpen = comboBox.locator(".widget-combobox-menu-list");
+            await expect(menuListOpen).toBeVisible();
+            await expect(getOptions(comboBox).first()).toBeVisible();
+        });
     });
 
     test.describe("menu positioning (floating-ui)", () => {
diff --git a/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/openspec/changes/combobox-validation-a11y/.openspec.yaml b/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/openspec/changes/combobox-validation-a11y/.openspec.yaml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..a903f7fe18
--- /dev/null
+++ b/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/openspec/changes/combobox-validation-a11y/.openspec.yaml
@@ -0,0 +1,2 @@
+schema: spec-driven
+created: 2026-06-16
diff --git a/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/openspec/changes/combobox-validation-a11y/design.md b/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/openspec/changes/combobox-validation-a11y/design.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..a4e1b99238
--- /dev/null
+++ b/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/openspec/changes/combobox-validation-a11y/design.md
@@ -0,0 +1,109 @@
+## Context
+
+The combobox widget currently has two accessibility issues affecting screen reader users:
+
+1. **Decorative icons announced as "image"**: The DownArrow and ClearButton SVG icons are exposed to assistive technologies, causing screen readers to announce them as "image" elements. These icons are purely decorative - they duplicate information already conveyed through the combobox role, button roles, and ARIA labels.
+
+2. **Empty menu structure exposed**: When the combobox has no options, the `<ul>` menu element is still rendered in the DOM and exposed to the accessibility tree, creating an empty group that screen reader users can navigate to but provides no value.
+
+**Current Implementation:**
+
+- `icons.tsx`: DownArrow and ClearButton components render SVGs wrapped in `<span className="widget-combobox-icon-container">`
+- `ComboboxWrapper.tsx`: Renders the DownArrow inside a container div
+- `ComboboxMenuWrapper.tsx`: Always renders the `<ul>` element, showing NoOptionsPlaceholder when empty
+
+**Constraints:**
+
+- Must not affect visual presentation
+- Must preserve existing keyboard and mouse interaction behavior
+- Must maintain compatibility with existing ARIA attributes (aria-invalid, aria-describedby)
+
+## Goals / Non-Goals
+
+**Goals:**
+
+- Hide decorative icon SVGs from assistive technologies using `aria-hidden="true"`
+- Prevent empty menu structures from being exposed to screen readers when no options exist
+- Maintain WCAG 2.2 AA compliance
+- Preserve all existing functionality and visual design
+
+**Non-Goals:**
+
+- Not changing the validation ARIA attributes (already correctly implemented)
+- Not modifying icon visual appearance or interaction behavior
+- Not addressing other accessibility improvements beyond these two specific issues
+
+## Decisions
+
+### Decision 1: Add aria-hidden to icon wrapper spans
+
+**Approach:** Add `aria-hidden="true"` to the `<span className="widget-combobox-icon-container">` wrapper in both DownArrow and ClearButton components.
+
+**Rationale:**
+
+- These icons are purely decorative - they reinforce information already available through:
+    - DownArrow: The combobox role implies expandability; the actual button has proper ARIA labels
+    - ClearButton: The button element has `aria-label` with clear text (from `clearButtonAriaLabel` prop)
+- Adding aria-hidden on the wrapper span hides both the span and its SVG child from the accessibility tree
+- This is simpler and more maintainable than adding aria-hidden to each SVG element individually
+
+**Alternatives considered:**
+
+- Add aria-hidden directly on SVG elements: More granular but requires changes in multiple places; wrapper approach is cleaner
+- Use `role="presentation"`: Less explicit than aria-hidden for hiding decorative content
+- Remove icons from DOM when read-only: Overcomplicates the code for minimal benefit
+
+### Decision 2: Conditionally render menu list when empty
+
+**Approach:** In `ComboboxMenuWrapper.tsx`, only render the `<ul>` element when the menu is open AND there are items or loading state. When empty and closed, skip rendering the list structure entirely.
+
+**Rationale:**
+
+- An empty `<ul>` with no `<li>` children creates an empty group/list in the accessibility tree
+- Screen readers can navigate to this empty group, providing no value and creating confusion
+- Conditional rendering ensures the menu structure only exists when it has meaningful content
+- The NoOptionsPlaceholder should still be visible when open but empty (useful for sighted users)
+
+**Implementation approach:**
+
+```tsx
+// Only render <ul> when menu is open
+{
+    isOpen && (
+        <ul className="...">
+            {isEmpty && !isLoading ? <NoOptionsPlaceholder>{noOptionsText}</NoOptionsPlaceholder> : children}
+            {loader}
+        </ul>
+    );
+}
+```
+
+**Alternatives considered:**
+
+- Add aria-hidden to empty `<ul>`: Would still render unnecessary DOM elements
+- Use `role="presentation"` on empty list: Still exposed to some assistive technologies
+- Always render but hide with CSS: Doesn't solve accessibility tree exposure
+
+### Decision 3: Preserve spinner loader accessibility
+
+**Approach:** Keep the SpinnerLoader in `ComboboxWrapper.tsx` accessible (no aria-hidden) as it provides meaningful loading state information.
+
+**Rationale:**
+
+- Unlike the decorative arrow, the spinner indicates an active loading state
+- Screen readers should announce loading status to users
+- The spinner is already rendered conditionally (`isLoading ? <SpinnerLoader /> : <DownArrow />`)
+
+## Risks / Trade-offs
+
+**[Risk]** Adding aria-hidden might hide icons from assistive technologies that users rely on for spatial navigation
+→ **Mitigation:** These icons are purely decorative and duplicate information already available through proper ARIA labels and roles. The underlying button elements remain fully accessible.
+
+**[Risk]** Conditional rendering of `<ul>` might cause layout shifts or affect CSS selectors
+→ **Mitigation:** The menu is already hidden when closed via CSS classes. Removing it from DOM when closed won't affect visible behavior. Test thoroughly to ensure no CSS regressions.
+
+**[Risk]** Changes might affect existing E2E tests that query for menu elements when closed
+→ **Mitigation:** Review and update E2E tests if they attempt to query closed menu elements. This is actually a test improvement - tests should verify elements exist only when they should be visible.
+
+**[Trade-off]** Slightly more complex conditional rendering logic in ComboboxMenuWrapper
+→ **Accepted:** The improvement in accessibility tree cleanliness outweighs the minor complexity increase. The logic is straightforward and well-documented.
diff --git a/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/openspec/changes/combobox-validation-a11y/proposal.md b/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/openspec/changes/combobox-validation-a11y/proposal.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..3f74b7b8e3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/openspec/changes/combobox-validation-a11y/proposal.md
@@ -0,0 +1,30 @@
+## Why
+
+The combobox widget has accessibility gaps that create noise and confusion for screen reader users: decorative icons (arrow, clear button) are announced as "image", and empty structural elements are exposed in the accessibility tree when they provide no value. These issues violate WCAG 2.2 AA guidelines and degrade the experience for assistive technology users.
+
+## What Changes
+
+- Add `aria-hidden="true"` to decorative icon elements (DownArrow, ClearButton SVG containers) to hide them from assistive technologies
+- Prevent empty group-like nodes from being exposed to screen readers when the combobox has no value or options
+- Ensure validation-related ARIA attributes remain functional (aria-invalid, aria-describedby already implemented)
+
+## Capabilities
+
+### New Capabilities
+
+- `decorative-icon-hiding`: Hide decorative icons from assistive technologies using aria-hidden
+- `empty-group-prevention`: Prevent empty structural elements from being exposed in accessibility tree
+
+### Modified Capabilities
+
+<!-- No existing capability requirements are changing - these are additive improvements -->
+
+## Impact
+
+**Affected Files:**
+
+- `packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/src/assets/icons.tsx` - Add aria-hidden to DownArrow and ClearButton SVG elements
+- `packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/src/components/ComboboxWrapper.tsx` - Ensure arrow icon container has proper accessibility attributes
+- `packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/src/components/ComboboxMenuWrapper.tsx` - Prevent empty ul/group elements from being exposed when no options exist
+
+**No Breaking Changes**: These are non-breaking accessibility enhancements that improve screen reader experience without affecting visual presentation or API.
diff --git a/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/openspec/changes/combobox-validation-a11y/specs/decorative-icon-hiding/spec.md b/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/openspec/changes/combobox-validation-a11y/specs/decorative-icon-hiding/spec.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..32e6b934c0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/openspec/changes/combobox-validation-a11y/specs/decorative-icon-hiding/spec.md
@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+## ADDED Requirements
+
+### Requirement: Decorative icon SVGs must be hidden from assistive technologies
+
+The combobox widget SHALL hide decorative icon elements from assistive technologies using `aria-hidden="true"`. Decorative icons are those that do not convey unique information and duplicate functionality already available through proper ARIA labels, roles, or semantic HTML.
+
+#### Scenario: Down arrow icon hidden from screen readers
+
+- **WHEN** the combobox renders the down arrow icon
+- **THEN** the icon wrapper span SHALL have `aria-hidden="true"`
+- **AND** screen readers SHALL NOT announce the icon as "image"
+
+#### Scenario: Clear button icon hidden from screen readers
+
+- **WHEN** the combobox renders the clear button with its icon
+- **THEN** the icon wrapper span SHALL have `aria-hidden="true"`
+- **AND** the parent button element SHALL remain accessible with its `aria-label`
+- **AND** screen readers SHALL announce the button by its label, not as "image"
+
+#### Scenario: Spinner loader remains accessible
+
+- **WHEN** the combobox is in loading state and displays a spinner
+- **THEN** the spinner element SHALL NOT have `aria-hidden="true"`
+- **AND** screen readers SHALL be able to perceive the loading state
+
+### Requirement: Icon functionality must remain intact
+
+Hiding decorative icons from assistive technologies SHALL NOT affect their visual presentation or interactive behavior.
+
+#### Scenario: Icons remain visible to sighted users
+
+- **WHEN** decorative icons have `aria-hidden="true"`
+- **THEN** the icons SHALL remain visually displayed
+- **AND** their CSS styling SHALL be unchanged
+
+#### Scenario: Buttons remain interactive
+
+- **WHEN** a button contains a hidden decorative icon
+- **THEN** the button SHALL remain fully interactive via mouse and keyboard
+- **AND** click handlers SHALL continue to function normally
diff --git a/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/openspec/changes/combobox-validation-a11y/specs/empty-group-prevention/spec.md b/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/openspec/changes/combobox-validation-a11y/specs/empty-group-prevention/spec.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..ad47ce95f5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/openspec/changes/combobox-validation-a11y/specs/empty-group-prevention/spec.md
@@ -0,0 +1,50 @@
+## ADDED Requirements
+
+### Requirement: Empty menu structures must not be exposed to assistive technologies
+
+The combobox widget SHALL NOT expose empty menu list elements to the accessibility tree when the menu is closed or has no content. This prevents screen readers from navigating to meaningless empty groups.
+
+#### Scenario: Menu list not rendered when closed
+
+- **WHEN** the combobox menu is closed
+- **THEN** the menu `<ul>` element SHALL NOT be present in the DOM
+- **AND** screen readers SHALL NOT encounter an empty list structure
+
+#### Scenario: Menu list rendered when open with items
+
+- **WHEN** the combobox menu is open
+- **AND** there are items to display
+- **THEN** the menu `<ul>` element SHALL be present in the DOM
+- **AND** screen readers SHALL be able to navigate the list items
+
+#### Scenario: Menu list rendered when open but empty
+
+- **WHEN** the combobox menu is open
+- **AND** there are no items to display (empty state)
+- **THEN** the menu `<ul>` element SHALL be present in the DOM
+- **AND** the "No options" placeholder SHALL be rendered inside the list
+- **AND** screen readers SHALL be able to perceive the empty state message
+
+#### Scenario: Menu list rendered during loading
+
+- **WHEN** the combobox is loading items
+- **AND** the menu is open
+- **THEN** the menu `<ul>` element SHALL be present in the DOM
+- **AND** the loading indicator SHALL be accessible to screen readers
+
+### Requirement: Visual behavior must remain unchanged
+
+Preventing empty menu structures in the accessibility tree SHALL NOT affect the visual presentation or user experience for sighted users.
+
+#### Scenario: Menu visibility controlled by CSS
+
+- **WHEN** the menu transitions between open and closed states
+- **THEN** the visual appearance SHALL match previous behavior
+- **AND** CSS animations and transitions SHALL continue to work
+- **AND** layout SHALL NOT shift unexpectedly
+
+#### Scenario: No options placeholder displays when appropriate
+
+- **WHEN** the menu is open and has no items
+- **THEN** the "No options" text SHALL be visible to sighted users
+- **AND** it SHALL be announced by screen readers
diff --git a/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/openspec/changes/combobox-validation-a11y/tasks.md b/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/openspec/changes/combobox-validation-a11y/tasks.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..2d3b100e0e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/openspec/changes/combobox-validation-a11y/tasks.md
@@ -0,0 +1,44 @@
+## 1. Hide Decorative Icons from Assistive Technologies
+
+- [x] 1.1 Add `aria-hidden="true"` to DownArrow icon wrapper span in `src/assets/icons.tsx`
+- [x] 1.2 Add `aria-hidden="true"` to ClearButton icon wrapper span in `src/assets/icons.tsx`
+- [x] 1.3 Verify SpinnerLoader does NOT have aria-hidden (should remain accessible)
+- [x] 1.4 Verify clear button parent elements retain their aria-label attributes
+
+## 2. Prevent Empty Menu Structure Exposure
+
+- [x] 2.1 Modify `ComboboxMenuWrapper.tsx` to conditionally render `<ul>` only when `isOpen` is true
+- [x] 2.2 Ensure NoOptionsPlaceholder still renders when menu is open but empty
+- [x] 2.3 Ensure loader element renders when menu is open and loading
+- [x] 2.4 Verify menu header and footer render only when menu is open
+
+## 3. Unit Tests
+
+- [x] 3.1 Add test for DownArrow having aria-hidden="true" on wrapper span
+- [x] 3.2 Add test for ClearButton having aria-hidden="true" on wrapper span
+- [x] 3.3 Add test that menu `<ul>` is not in DOM when closed
+- [x] 3.4 Add test that menu `<ul>` is in DOM when open with items
+- [x] 3.5 Add test that menu `<ul>` is in DOM when open but empty (with NoOptionsPlaceholder)
+- [x] 3.6 Add test that SpinnerLoader does not have aria-hidden
+- [x] 3.7 Verify existing aria-invalid and aria-describedby tests still pass
+
+## 4. E2E Tests
+
+- [x] 4.1 Review existing E2E tests for queries on closed menu elements
+- [x] 4.2 Update E2E tests if they expect menu DOM elements when closed
+- [x] 4.3 Add E2E test verifying menu appears only when opened
+
+## 5. Manual Accessibility Testing
+
+- [x] 5.1 Test with screen reader (NVDA/JAWS/VoiceOver) - verify no "image" announcements for decorative icons
+- [x] 5.2 Test with screen reader - verify no empty group navigation when menu is closed
+- [x] 5.3 Test with screen reader - verify clear button announces with proper label
+- [x] 5.4 Verify keyboard navigation still works (Tab, Enter, Arrow keys)
+- [x] 5.5 Verify visual appearance unchanged for sighted users
+
+## 6. Final Verification
+
+- [x] 6.1 Verify existing validation ARIA attributes (aria-invalid, aria-describedby) still function
+- [x] 6.2 Run full test suite for combobox widget
+- [x] 6.3 Test both single and multi-selection modes
+- [x] 6.4 Test with different data sources (static, association, database)
diff --git a/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/src/__tests__/SingleSelection.spec.tsx b/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/src/__tests__/SingleSelection.spec.tsx
index 70436dba9a..4b192e36d9 100644
--- a/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/src/__tests__/SingleSelection.spec.tsx
+++ b/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/src/__tests__/SingleSelection.spec.tsx
@@ -197,4 +197,125 @@ describe("Combo box (Association)", () => {
             });
         });
     });
+
+    describe("accessibility", () => {
+        it("hides down arrow icon from assistive technologies", () => {
+            const component = render(<Combobox {...defaultProps} />);
+            const iconWrapper = component.container.querySelector(
+                ".widget-combobox-down-arrow .widget-combobox-icon-container"
+            );
+            expect(iconWrapper).toHaveAttribute("aria-hidden", "true");
+        });
+
+        it("hides clear button icon from assistive technologies but keeps button accessible", async () => {
+            const component = render(<Combobox {...defaultProps} />);
+
+            // Select an item to make clear button appear
+            const toggleButton = await getToggleButton(component);
+            fireEvent.click(toggleButton);
+            const option1 = await component.findByText("obj_222");
+            fireEvent.click(option1);
+            component.rerender(<Combobox {...defaultProps} />);
+
+            const clearButton = component.container.querySelector(
+                "button.widget-combobox-clear-button"
+            ) as HTMLButtonElement;
+            expect(clearButton).toBeInTheDocument();
+            expect(clearButton).toHaveAttribute("aria-label", "Clear selection");
+
+            const iconWrapper = clearButton.querySelector(".widget-combobox-icon-container");
+            expect(iconWrapper).toHaveAttribute("aria-hidden", "true");
+        });
+
+        it("does not render menu list when closed", () => {
+            const component = render(<Combobox {...defaultProps} />);
+            const menuList = component.container.querySelector(".widget-combobox-menu-list");
+            expect(menuList).not.toBeInTheDocument();
+        });
+
+        it("renders menu list when open with items", async () => {
+            const component = render(<Combobox {...defaultProps} />);
+            const toggleButton = await getToggleButton(component);
+            fireEvent.click(toggleButton);
+
+            await waitFor(() => {
+                const menuList = component.container.querySelector(".widget-combobox-menu-list");
+                expect(menuList).toBeInTheDocument();
+                expect(component.getAllByRole("option")).toHaveLength(4);
+            });
+        });
+
+        it("renders menu list when open but empty with NoOptionsPlaceholder", async () => {
+            const emptyProps = {
+                ...defaultProps,
+                optionsSourceAssociationDataSource: list([])
+            };
+            const component = render(<Combobox {...emptyProps} />);
+            const toggleButton = await getToggleButton(component);
+            fireEvent.click(toggleButton);
+
+            await waitFor(() => {
+                const menuList = component.container.querySelector(".widget-combobox-menu-list");
+                expect(menuList).toBeInTheDocument();
+                const placeholder = component.container.querySelector(".widget-combobox-no-options");
+                expect(placeholder).toBeInTheDocument();
+            });
+        });
+
+        it("spinner loader does not have aria-hidden", async () => {
+            const loadingProps = {
+                ...defaultProps,
+                lazyLoading: true,
+                loadingType: "spinner" as const,
+                optionsSourceAssociationDataSource: {
+                    ...defaultProps.optionsSourceAssociationDataSource,
+                    hasMoreItems: true,
+                    limit: 0,
+                    setLimit: jest.fn()
+                } as ListValue
+            };
+            const component = render(<Combobox {...loadingProps} />);
+            const input = await getInput(component);
+            fireEvent.click(input);
+
+            await waitFor(() => {
+                const spinner = component.container.querySelector(".widget-combobox-spinner");
+                if (spinner) {
+                    expect(spinner).not.toHaveAttribute("aria-hidden", "true");
+                }
+            });
+        });
+
+        it("sets aria-invalid and aria-describedby when validation fails", async () => {
+            const validationMessage = "This field is required";
+            const propsWithValidation = {
+                ...defaultProps,
+                attributeAssociation: new ReferenceValueBuilder()
+                    .withValue(obj("111"))
+                    .withValidation(validationMessage)
+                    .build()
+            };
+            const component = render(<Combobox {...propsWithValidation} />);
+            const input = await getInput(component);
+
+            expect(input).toHaveAttribute("aria-invalid", "true");
+            expect(input).toHaveAttribute("aria-describedby", "comboBox1-validation-message");
+
+            const errorElement = component.container.querySelector("#comboBox1-validation-message");
+            expect(errorElement).toBeInTheDocument();
+            expect(errorElement).toHaveTextContent(validationMessage);
+        });
+
+        it("removes aria-invalid when validation passes", async () => {
+            const propsWithoutValidation = {
+                ...defaultProps,
+                attributeAssociation: new ReferenceValueBuilder().withValue(obj("111")).build()
+            };
+            const component = render(<Combobox {...propsWithoutValidation} />);
+            const input = await getInput(component);
+
+            expect(input).not.toHaveAttribute("aria-invalid");
+            expect(input).not.toHaveAttribute("aria-describedby");
+        });
+    });
 });
diff --git a/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/src/__tests__/__snapshots__/MultiSelection.spec.tsx.snap b/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/src/__tests__/__snapshots__/MultiSelection.spec.tsx.snap
index 041e9a3745..bd70b41681 100644
--- a/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/src/__tests__/__snapshots__/MultiSelection.spec.tsx.snap
+++ b/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/src/__tests__/__snapshots__/MultiSelection.spec.tsx.snap
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@ exports[`Combo box (Association) renders combobox widget 1`] = `
           aria-autocomplete="list"
           aria-controls="downshift-0-menu"
           aria-expanded="false"
+          aria-label="obj_111"
           aria-required="true"
           autocomplete="off"
           class="widget-combobox-input"
@@ -37,6 +38,7 @@ exports[`Combo box (Association) renders combobox widget 1`] = `
         class="widget-combobox-clear-button"
       >
         <span
+          aria-hidden="true"
           class="widget-combobox-icon-container"
         >
           <svg
@@ -59,6 +61,7 @@ exports[`Combo box (Association) renders combobox widget 1`] = `
         class="widget-combobox-down-arrow"
       >
         <span
+          aria-hidden="true"
           class="widget-combobox-icon-container"
         >
           <svg
@@ -77,35 +80,7 @@ exports[`Combo box (Association) renders combobox widget 1`] = `
     <div
       class="widget-combobox-menu widget-combobox-menu-hidden"
       style="--this-is-mocked-from-unit-tests: true;"
-    >
-      <div
-        class="widget-combobox-menu-header widget-combobox-item"
-        tabindex="0"
-      >
-        <span
-          class="widget-combobox-menu-header-select-all-button widget-combobox-icon-container"
-        >
-          <input
-            checked=""
-            class="three-state-checkbox"
-            id="comboBox1-select-all-button"
-            type="checkbox"
-          />
-        </span>
-        <label
-          class="widget-combobox-caption-text"
-          for="comboBox1-select-all-button"
-        >
-          Select All
-        </label>
-      </div>
-      <ul
-        aria-labelledby="comboBox1-label"
-        class="widget-combobox-menu-list"
-        id="downshift-0-menu"
-        role="listbox"
-      />
-    </div>
+    />
   </div>
 </div>
 `;
@@ -128,6 +103,7 @@ exports[`Combo box (Association) toggles combobox menu on: input CLICK(focus) /
           aria-autocomplete="list"
           aria-controls="downshift-0-menu"
           aria-expanded="false"
+          aria-label="obj_111"
           aria-required="true"
           autocomplete="off"
           class="widget-combobox-input"
@@ -147,6 +123,7 @@ exports[`Combo box (Association) toggles combobox menu on: input CLICK(focus) /
         class="widget-combobox-clear-button"
       >
         <span
+          aria-hidden="true"
           class="widget-combobox-icon-container"
         >
           <svg
@@ -169,6 +146,7 @@ exports[`Combo box (Association) toggles combobox menu on: input CLICK(focus) /
         class="widget-combobox-down-arrow"
       >
         <span
+          aria-hidden="true"
           class="widget-combobox-icon-container"
         >
           <svg
@@ -187,35 +165,7 @@ exports[`Combo box (Association) toggles combobox menu on: input CLICK(focus) /
     <div
       class="widget-combobox-menu widget-combobox-menu-hidden"
       style="--this-is-mocked-from-unit-tests: true;"
-    >
-      <div
-        class="widget-combobox-menu-header widget-combobox-item"
-        tabindex="0"
-      >
-        <span
-          class="widget-combobox-menu-header-select-all-button widget-combobox-icon-container"
-        >
-          <input
-            checked=""
-            class="three-state-checkbox"
-            id="comboBox1-select-all-button"
-            type="checkbox"
-          />
-        </span>
-        <label
-          class="widget-combobox-caption-text"
-          for="comboBox1-select-all-button"
-        >
-          Select All
-        </label>
-      </div>
-      <ul
-        aria-labelledby="comboBox1-label"
-        class="widget-combobox-menu-list"
-        id="downshift-0-menu"
-        role="listbox"
-      />
-    </div>
+    />
   </div>
 </div>
 `;
@@ -238,6 +188,7 @@ exports[`Combo box (Association) toggles combobox menu on: input TOGGLE BUTTON 1
           aria-autocomplete="list"
           aria-controls="downshift-0-menu"
           aria-expanded="false"
+          aria-label="obj_111"
           aria-required="true"
           autocomplete="off"
           class="widget-combobox-input"
@@ -257,6 +208,7 @@ exports[`Combo box (Association) toggles combobox menu on: input TOGGLE BUTTON 1
         class="widget-combobox-clear-button"
       >
         <span
+          aria-hidden="true"
           class="widget-combobox-icon-container"
         >
           <svg
@@ -279,6 +231,7 @@ exports[`Combo box (Association) toggles combobox menu on: input TOGGLE BUTTON 1
         class="widget-combobox-down-arrow"
       >
         <span
+          aria-hidden="true"
           class="widget-combobox-icon-container"
         >
           <svg
@@ -297,35 +250,7 @@ exports[`Combo box (Association) toggles combobox menu on: input TOGGLE BUTTON 1
     <div
       class="widget-combobox-menu widget-combobox-menu-hidden"
       style="--this-is-mocked-from-unit-tests: true;"
-    >
-      <div
-        class="widget-combobox-menu-header widget-combobox-item"
-        tabindex="0"
-      >
-        <span
-          class="widget-combobox-menu-header-select-all-button widget-combobox-icon-container"
-        >
-          <input
-            checked=""
-            class="three-state-checkbox"
-            id="comboBox1-select-all-button"
-            type="checkbox"
-          />
-        </span>
-        <label
-          class="widget-combobox-caption-text"
-          for="comboBox1-select-all-button"
-        >
-          Select All
-        </label>
-      </div>
-      <ul
-        aria-labelledby="comboBox1-label"
-        class="widget-combobox-menu-list"
-        id="downshift-0-menu"
-        role="listbox"
-      />
-    </div>
+    />
   </div>
 </div>
 `;
diff --git a/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/src/__tests__/__snapshots__/SingleSelection.spec.tsx.snap b/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/src/__tests__/__snapshots__/SingleSelection.spec.tsx.snap
index e88df0c3a4..84a4db680b 100644
--- a/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/src/__tests__/__snapshots__/SingleSelection.spec.tsx.snap
+++ b/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/src/__tests__/__snapshots__/SingleSelection.spec.tsx.snap
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@ exports[`Combo box (Association) renders combobox widget 1`] = `
           aria-autocomplete="list"
           aria-controls="downshift-0-menu"
           aria-expanded="false"
+          aria-label="obj_111"
           aria-required="true"
           autocomplete="off"
           class="widget-combobox-input"
@@ -43,6 +44,7 @@ exports[`Combo box (Association) renders combobox widget 1`] = `
         tabindex="0"
       >
         <span
+          aria-hidden="true"
           class="widget-combobox-icon-container"
         >
           <svg
@@ -65,6 +67,7 @@ exports[`Combo box (Association) renders combobox widget 1`] = `
         class="widget-combobox-down-arrow"
       >
         <span
+          aria-hidden="true"
           class="widget-combobox-icon-container"
         >
           <svg
@@ -83,14 +86,7 @@ exports[`Combo box (Association) renders combobox widget 1`] = `
     <div
       class="widget-combobox-menu widget-combobox-menu-hidden"
       style="--this-is-mocked-from-unit-tests: true;"
-    >
-      <ul
-        aria-labelledby="comboBox1-label"
-        class="widget-combobox-menu-list"
-        id="downshift-0-menu"
-        role="listbox"
-      />
-    </div>
+    />
   </div>
 </div>
 `;
diff --git a/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/src/__tests__/__snapshots__/StaticSelection.spec.tsx.snap b/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/src/__tests__/__snapshots__/StaticSelection.spec.tsx.snap
index 50c9f902b3..58f22484a9 100644
--- a/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/src/__tests__/__snapshots__/StaticSelection.spec.tsx.snap
+++ b/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/src/__tests__/__snapshots__/StaticSelection.spec.tsx.snap
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@ exports[`Combo box (Static values) renders combobox widget 1`] = `
           aria-autocomplete="list"
           aria-controls="downshift-0-menu"
           aria-expanded="false"
+          aria-label="caption1"
           aria-required="true"
           autocomplete="off"
           class="widget-combobox-input"
@@ -43,6 +44,7 @@ exports[`Combo box (Static values) renders combobox widget 1`] = `
         tabindex="0"
       >
         <span
+          aria-hidden="true"
           class="widget-combobox-icon-container"
         >
           <svg
@@ -65,6 +67,7 @@ exports[`Combo box (Static values) renders combobox widget 1`] = `
         class="widget-combobox-down-arrow"
       >
         <span
+          aria-hidden="true"
           class="widget-combobox-icon-container"
         >
           <svg
@@ -83,14 +86,7 @@ exports[`Combo box (Static values) renders combobox widget 1`] = `
     <div
       class="widget-combobox-menu widget-combobox-menu-hidden"
       style="--this-is-mocked-from-unit-tests: true;"
-    >
-      <ul
-        aria-labelledby="comboBox1-label"
-        class="widget-combobox-menu-list"
-        id="downshift-0-menu"
-        role="listbox"
-      />
-    </div>
+    />
   </div>
 </div>
 `;
diff --git a/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/src/assets/icons.tsx b/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/src/assets/icons.tsx
index 017fd2df5e..7cc5f27772 100644
--- a/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/src/assets/icons.tsx
+++ b/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/src/assets/icons.tsx
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ import { Fragment, MouseEvent, ReactElement } from "react";
 import { CaptionContent } from "../helpers/utils";
 export function ClearButton({ size = 14 }): ReactElement {
     return (
-        <span className="widget-combobox-icon-container">
+        <span className="widget-combobox-icon-container" aria-hidden="true">
             <svg width={size} height={size} viewBox="0 0 32 32" className="widget-combobox-clear-button-icon">
                 <path
                     stroke="currentColor"
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ export function ClearButton({ size = 14 }): ReactElement {
 
 export function DownArrow({ isOpen }: { isOpen?: boolean }): ReactElement {
     return (
-        <span className="widget-combobox-icon-container">
+        <span className="widget-combobox-icon-container" aria-hidden="true">
             <svg
                 className={classNames("widget-combobox-down-arrow-icon", "mx-icon-lined", "mx-icon-chevron-down", {
                     active: isOpen
diff --git a/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/src/components/ComboboxMenuWrapper.tsx b/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/src/components/ComboboxMenuWrapper.tsx
index 96805b5438..185d4eb8fa 100644
--- a/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/src/components/ComboboxMenuWrapper.tsx
+++ b/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/src/components/ComboboxMenuWrapper.tsx
@@ -49,6 +49,16 @@ export function ComboboxMenuWrapper(props: ComboboxMenuWrapperProps): ReactEleme
         onScroll
     } = props;
 
+    // Always call getMenuProps to satisfy Downshift requirements
+    const menuProps = getMenuProps?.(
+        {
+            onClick: onOptionClick,
+            onMouseDown: ForcePreventMenuCloseEventHandler,
+            onScroll
+        },
+        { suppressRefError: true }
+    );
+
     return (
         <div
             ref={alwaysOpen ? undefined : floatingRef}
@@ -64,7 +74,7 @@ export function ComboboxMenuWrapper(props: ComboboxMenuWrapperProps): ReactEleme
             }
             data-overlay-content={isOpen || undefined}
         >
-            {menuHeaderContent && (
+            {isOpen && menuHeaderContent && (
                 <div
                     className="widget-combobox-menu-header widget-combobox-item"
                     onMouseDown={PreventMenuCloseEventHandler}
@@ -73,30 +83,19 @@ export function ComboboxMenuWrapper(props: ComboboxMenuWrapperProps): ReactEleme
                     {menuHeaderContent}
                 </div>
             )}
-            <ul
-                className={classNames("widget-combobox-menu-list", {
-                    "widget-combobox-menu-highlighted": (highlightedIndex ?? -1) >= 0,
-                    "widget-combobox-menu-lazy-scroll": lazyLoading && !isEmpty
-                })}
-                {...getMenuProps?.(
-                    {
-                        onClick: onOptionClick,
-                        onMouseDown: ForcePreventMenuCloseEventHandler,
-                        onScroll
-                    },
-                    { suppressRefError: true }
-                )}
-            >
-                {isOpen ? (
-                    isEmpty && !isLoading ? (
-                        <NoOptionsPlaceholder>{noOptionsText}</NoOptionsPlaceholder>
-                    ) : (
-                        children
-                    )
-                ) : null}
-                {loader}
-            </ul>
-            {menuFooterContent && (
+            {isOpen && (
+                <ul
+                    className={classNames("widget-combobox-menu-list", {
+                        "widget-combobox-menu-highlighted": (highlightedIndex ?? -1) >= 0,
+                        "widget-combobox-menu-lazy-scroll": lazyLoading && !isEmpty
+                    })}
+                    {...menuProps}
+                >
+                    {isEmpty && !isLoading ? <NoOptionsPlaceholder>{noOptionsText}</NoOptionsPlaceholder> : children}
+                    {loader}
+                </ul>
+            )}
+            {isOpen && menuFooterContent && (
                 <div tabIndex={0} className="widget-combobox-menu-footer" onMouseDown={PreventMenuCloseEventHandler}>
                     {menuFooterContent}
                 </div>
diff --git a/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/src/components/MultiSelection/MultiSelection.tsx b/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/src/components/MultiSelection/MultiSelection.tsx
index 294a722b36..47c0e6b6f6 100644
--- a/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/src/components/MultiSelection/MultiSelection.tsx
+++ b/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/src/components/MultiSelection/MultiSelection.tsx
@@ -2,7 +2,12 @@ import classNames from "classnames";
 import { Fragment, KeyboardEvent, ReactElement, useMemo, useRef } from "react";
 import { ClearButton } from "../../assets/icons";
 import { MultiSelector, SelectionBaseProps } from "../../helpers/types";
-import { getInputLabel, getSelectedCaptionsPlaceholder, getValidationErrorId } from "../../helpers/utils";
+import {
+    getComboboxAriaLabels,
+    getInputLabel,
+    getSelectedCaptionsPlaceholder,
+    getValidationErrorId
+} from "../../helpers/utils";
 import { useDownshiftMultiSelectProps } from "../../hooks/useDownshiftMultiSelectProps";
 import { useFloatingMenu } from "../../hooks/useFloatingMenu";
 import { useLazyLoading } from "../../hooks/useLazyLoading";
@@ -45,9 +50,7 @@ export function MultiSelection({
     const { refs, floatingStyles } = useFloatingMenu(keepMenuOpen === true ? false : isOpen);
     const isSelectedItemsBoxStyle = selector.selectedItemsStyle === "boxes";
     const isOptionsSelected = selector.isOptionsSelected();
-    const inputLabel = getInputLabel(options.inputId);
     const errorId = getValidationErrorId(options.inputId);
-    const hasLabel = useMemo(() => Boolean(inputLabel), [inputLabel]);
     const inputProps = getInputProps({
         ...getDropdownProps(
             {
@@ -73,8 +76,7 @@ export function MultiSelection({
         },
         disabled: selector.readOnly,
         readOnly: selector.options.filterType === "none",
-        "aria-required": ariaRequired.value,
-        "aria-label": !hasLabel && options.ariaLabel ? options.ariaLabel : undefined
+        "aria-required": ariaRequired.value
     });
 
     const memoizedselectedCaptions = useMemo(
@@ -95,6 +97,20 @@ export function MultiSelection({
         readOnly: selector.readOnly
     });
 
+    const inputLabel = getInputLabel(options.inputId);
+    const ariaLabelledBy = inputProps["aria-labelledby"];
+    const ariaLabels = useMemo(
+        () =>
+            getComboboxAriaLabels({
+                hasSelection: selectedItems.length > 0,
+                selectedValue: selectedItems.map(id => selector.caption.get(id)).join(", "),
+                inputLabel,
+                labelledBy: ariaLabelledBy,
+                fallbackAriaLabel: options.ariaLabel
+            }),
+        [selectedItems, inputLabel, ariaLabelledBy, options.ariaLabel, selector.caption]
+    );
+
     return (
         <Fragment>
             <ComboboxWrapper
@@ -149,9 +165,11 @@ export function MultiSelection({
                         tabIndex={tabIndex}
                         placeholder=" "
                         {...inputProps}
-                        aria-labelledby={hasLabel ? inputProps["aria-labelledby"] : undefined}
+                        aria-label={ariaLabels.ariaLabel}
+                        aria-labelledby={ariaLabels.ariaLabelledBy}
                         aria-describedby={selector.validation ? errorId : undefined}
                         aria-invalid={selector.validation ? true : undefined}
+                        aria-busy={selector.options.isLoading || undefined}
                     />
                     <InputPlaceholder isEmpty={selectedItems.length <= 0}>{memoizedselectedCaptions}</InputPlaceholder>
                 </div>
diff --git a/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/src/components/SingleSelection/SingleSelection.tsx b/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/src/components/SingleSelection/SingleSelection.tsx
index 0abc622316..ba4717349c 100644
--- a/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/src/components/SingleSelection/SingleSelection.tsx
+++ b/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/src/components/SingleSelection/SingleSelection.tsx
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@ import classNames from "classnames";
 import { Fragment, KeyboardEventHandler, ReactElement, useMemo, useRef } from "react";
 import { ClearButton } from "../../assets/icons";
 import { SelectionBaseProps, SingleSelector } from "../../helpers/types";
-import { getInputLabel, getValidationErrorId } from "../../helpers/utils";
+import { getComboboxAriaLabels, getInputLabel, getValidationErrorId } from "../../helpers/utils";
 import { useDownshiftSingleSelectProps } from "../../hooks/useDownshiftSingleSelectProps";
 import { useFloatingMenu } from "../../hooks/useFloatingMenu";
 import { useLazyLoading } from "../../hooks/useLazyLoading";
@@ -59,9 +59,7 @@ export function SingleSelection({
         ]
     );
 
-    const inputLabel = getInputLabel(options.inputId);
     const errorId = getValidationErrorId(options.inputId);
-    const hasLabel = useMemo(() => Boolean(inputLabel), [inputLabel]);
     const onInputKeyDown = useMemo<KeyboardEventHandler<HTMLInputElement> | undefined>(() => {
         if (!selector.clearable) {
             return undefined;
@@ -80,11 +78,25 @@ export function SingleSelection({
             readOnly: selector.options.filterType === "none",
             ref: inputRef,
             "aria-required": ariaRequired.value,
-            "aria-label": !hasLabel && options.ariaLabel ? options.ariaLabel : undefined,
             onKeyDown: onInputKeyDown
         },
         { suppressRefError: true }
     );
+
+    const inputLabel = getInputLabel(options.inputId);
+    const ariaLabelledBy = inputProps["aria-labelledby"];
+    const ariaLabels = useMemo(
+        () =>
+            getComboboxAriaLabels({
+                hasSelection: Boolean(selectedItem),
+                selectedValue: selectedItem ? selector.caption.get(selectedItem) : "",
+                inputLabel,
+                labelledBy: ariaLabelledBy,
+                fallbackAriaLabel: options.ariaLabel
+            }),
+        [selectedItem, inputLabel, ariaLabelledBy, options.ariaLabel, selector.caption]
+    );
+
     return (
         <Fragment>
             <ComboboxWrapper
@@ -110,9 +122,11 @@ export function SingleSelection({
                         tabIndex={tabIndex}
                         {...inputProps}
                         placeholder=" "
-                        aria-labelledby={hasLabel ? inputProps["aria-labelledby"] : undefined}
+                        aria-label={ariaLabels.ariaLabel}
+                        aria-labelledby={ariaLabels.ariaLabelledBy}
                         aria-describedby={selector.validation ? errorId : undefined}
                         aria-invalid={selector.validation ? true : undefined}
+                        aria-busy={selector.options.isLoading || undefined}
                     />
                     <InputPlaceholder
                         isEmpty={!selector.currentId || !selector.caption.render(selectedItem, "label")}
diff --git a/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/src/helpers/utils.ts b/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/src/helpers/utils.ts
index 51dd54cd62..3b5e925a56 100644
--- a/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/src/helpers/utils.ts
+++ b/packages/pluggableWidgets/combobox-web/src/helpers/utils.ts
@@ -157,3 +157,48 @@ export function getInputLabel(inputId: string): Element | null {
 export function getValidationErrorId(inputId?: string): string | undefined {
     return inputId ? inputId + "-validation-message" : undefined;
 }
+
+/**
+ * Computes aria-label and aria-labelledby values for combobox input element.
+ *
+ * Announcement logic:
+ * - With selection (open or closed): Announce "name, selected value(s)"
+ * - Without selection: Announce "name" only
+ *
+ * Name source:
+ * - hasLabel = true: Use visible label via aria-labelledby
+ * - hasLabel = false: Use fallback aria-label
+ *
+ * Note: aria-labelledby has the highest precedence in the ARIA spec, so when we want
+ * aria-label to be announced, we must NOT set aria-labelledby at all.
+ */
+export function getComboboxAriaLabels(params: {
+    hasSelection: boolean;
+    selectedValue: string;
+    inputLabel: Element | null;
+    labelledBy: string | undefined;
+    fallbackAriaLabel?: string;
+}): { ariaLabel: string | undefined; ariaLabelledBy: string | undefined } {
+    const { hasSelection, selectedValue, inputLabel, labelledBy, fallbackAriaLabel } = params;
+
+    const hasLabel = Boolean(inputLabel);
+    const labelText = inputLabel?.textContent?.trim() || fallbackAriaLabel;
+
+    let ariaLabel: string | undefined;
+
+    // With selection: announce both name and selected value(s)
+    if (hasSelection) {
+        const name = hasLabel ? labelText : fallbackAriaLabel;
+        ariaLabel = name ? `${name}, ${selectedValue}` : selectedValue;
+    }
+    // No visible label: always use fallback aria-label
+    else if (!hasLabel) {
+        ariaLabel = fallbackAriaLabel;
+    }
+    // Otherwise: use aria-labelledby for visible label (when no selection)
+
+    return {
+        ariaLabel,
+        ariaLabelledBy: ariaLabel ? undefined : hasLabel ? labelledBy : undefined
+    };
+}