Rigorous Inspection and Enforcement

The Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority has conducted a thorough field survey of fire safety compliance, resulting in over 21,000 warnings issued to non-compliant buildings.

Between May and October, the authority inspected 10,753 residential and commercial buildings across the emirate, including Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra.

The inspections led to the issuance of 21,271 warnings for buildings failing to meet fire safety requirements​​​​.

Regional breakdown of non-compliance in Abu Dhabi

In terms of geographical distribution, the majority of the warnings were issued in Abu Dhabi city, amounting to 16,053 notices.

The Al Ain region and Al Dhafra followed with 4,212 and 1,006 notices respectively.

This extensive initiative underscores the authority’s commitment to upholding stringent fire safety standards across the emirate​​​​.

Emphasising safety and prevention standards

Brig Gen Salem Al Dhaheri, acting director general of the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, highlighted the pivotal role of these inspections in enhancing safety and fire prevention standards in the emirate.

The authority’s efforts are continuous and focused on raising the level of safety and fire prevention throughout Abu Dhabi​​​​.

Strategic Partnerships and Criteria for Compliance

The initiative’s success is attributed to the concerted efforts and teamwork with strategic partners.

The criteria for buildings and commercial facilities include the presence of fire detectors and alarm devices, as well as maintenance contracts with companies approved by the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority.

This collaborative approach has significantly contributed to raising the safety and sustainability index in the emirate​​.

Focus on community protection

The Director of the Inspection and Survey Branch at the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, Captain Khaled Ahmed Al Wahidi, emphasised the aim of enhancing community protection through assessing and analysing safety risks.

The field survey initiative revealed several violations and malpractices in buildings, affecting the general safety of residents and visitors​​.

A call for compliance

The authority has urged owners of buildings and facilities to ensure compliance with safety and prevention measures, highlighting the importance of maintaining fire systems and contracts with approved maintenance companies.

This proactive stance demonstrates the authority’s commitment to providing the best services to ensure the necessary prevention and safety measures in various buildings and installations​​.

Related Fire Safety Campaign in Wedding Venues

In a related initiative, the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority has launched a campaign focusing on fire safety compliance in wedding venues.

This campaign assesses the availability of firefighting equipment and first aid facilities in these venues, emphasizing the importance of training venue workers on evacuation procedures and dealing with fire incidents​​.

IFSJ Comment

The extensive fire safety campaign in Abu Dhabi, encompassing a wide range of buildings and facilities, marks a significant step in enhancing fire safety standards in the region.

The meticulous inspection process and the issuance of a substantial number of warnings demonstrate the authority’s rigorous approach to ensuring compliance.

This proactive stance is crucial, as it not only addresses current safety concerns but also sets a precedent for future safety measures.

The focus on collaborative efforts with strategic partners and the emphasis on community protection highlight a holistic approach to fire safety.

Additionally, the extension of this campaign to specific sectors such as wedding venues reflects a tailored strategy to address unique risks in different settings.

This comprehensive approach to fire safety is indicative of Abu Dhabi’s commitment to ensuring the well-being and safety of its residents and visitors, contributing to a safer and more secure living environment.