Staying smart in growing cities: Fire safety engineering for a growing UAE
Iain Hoey
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Engr. Muhammad Ajmal Saeed, Managing Director of AMTIDAAD, discusses tailored safety engineering, regulatory alignment and the role of tech in protecting UAE’s growing urban landscape
Can you tell us a bit about your professional background and what led you to establish AMTIDAAD?
I’m an electronics engineer and Certified Fire Protection Specialist, approved by both Civil Defense and SIRA. I’ve worked in the fire and security field for more than 19 years, across a wide range of projects. I started AMTIDAAD with a clear goal—to provide integrated, compliant safety solutions across the UAE.
We specialise in fire alarms, suppression, firefighting systems, CCTV and low-current systems. Our clients include businesses in commercial, industrial and residential sectors and we’re known for delivering reliable and cost-effective engineering that protects lives and assets.
Our track record, along with full regulatory approvals, means clients trust us with high-risk sites. We’re also active members of several professional groups—CAIME, HSMAI, MEMFA, BITADUBAI and EURASIA—which keeps us aligned with the latest technical updates. Our focus is always on long-term relationships built on trust, backed by systems that deliver measurable results.
What sets your approach apart when delivering turnkey fire protection systems for clients?
We take a very clear, three-part approach.
First, everything we do is built on regulatory accuracy. Every design and installation is aligned with UAE Civil Defense and SIRA requirements from the start. Our engineers and security specialists are certified in-house, which helps avoid delays and ensures that all systems are properly integrated.
Second, our systems are built to suit the specific needs of each client. We don’t reuse designs. Whether we’re working on a small shop or a large industrial site, the solution is tailored to the risks, layout and budget. Our experience in MEP integration allows us to keep systems lean while still fully compliant.
Finally, we offer strong post-installation support. Our maintenance contracts include real-time monitoring, predictive checks, room integrity testing and suppression refills, all handled by our in-house team. That means fewer breakdowns, faster regulatory approvals and systems that hold up over time.
With so many different types of projects—from schools to oil facilities—how do you tailor your solutions for each environment?
Each type of site comes with its own risks, so we always begin with a detailed hazard analysis.
We don’t reuse designs. Whether it’s a small shop or a large industrial site, the solution is tailored to the risks, layout and budget.
Engr. Muhammad Ajmal Saeed
For example, in schools and hospitals, we focus on early detection and clear voice evacuation systems. Oil and gas sites need explosion-proof equipment and foam suppression systems that can handle flammable liquids. High-rises require pressurised stairwells and addressable alarm systems. In data centres, we use clean agent suppression to protect electronics.
We also make sure systems are adaptable. We use modular designs so they can be expanded or upgraded later. Our installations are also built to connect with smart building systems like BMS or IoT platforms.
One project stands out—we recently used early suppression fast response (ESFR) sprinklers in a warehouse instead of standard heads. This reduced water damage risk by 40% while still meeting DCD requirements.
How are client needs in the UAE changing when it comes to fire and life safety?
We’re seeing a clear shift toward smarter, more integrated safety systems.
Where clients used to ask for basic alarms, now they want systems that link fire detection with access control and automation. We’ve responded by offering platforms that share data directly with Civil Defense in real time.
Sustainability is another priority. Clients want fire systems that align with LEED or Estidama standards. In response, we’re using water mist systems that reduce water usage by up to 70%.
There’s also growing focus on business continuity. Our modular suppression designs let high-rises isolate incidents without a full evacuation. And in maintenance, we’re moving away from reactive models toward predictive ones—using thermal imaging and vibration sensors to spot risks early.
Security is being integrated more tightly, too. Instead of separate teams for fire and security, many clients now prefer unified command centres with AI tools that help verify threats and coordinate response.
What challenges do companies in your sector face when trying to meet modern safety standards in fast-developing cities like Dubai?
The pace of development here is intense and staying ahead of changing standards is a major challenge. Civil Defense and SIRA frequently update their codes, so we’ve set up a team specifically to monitor these changes and adapt our systems early—even before new rules come into force.
High-rise buildings also present unique problems. They often have mixed uses—like shops, hotels and apartments in one tower. To handle this, we use zoned smoke control and AI-powered evacuation tools that match the building’s layout.
Older buildings are another hurdle. Many need upgrades, but can’t afford to shut down operations. We use phased installation and laser scanning to retrofit systems with minimal downtime—usually cutting disruption by half.
We also have to work with extreme weather. Summer temperatures can trigger false alarms or damage sensitive equipment, so we use certified weather-resistant hardware.
Older buildings need upgrades, but can’t afford to shut down operations. We use phased installation and laser scanning to retrofit systems with minimal downtime.
Engr. Muhammad Ajmal Saeed
There’s also a shortage of certified technicians. To address that, we work closely with SIRA and Civil Defense training centres to ensure a steady pipeline of skilled workers.
Lastly, integration with Dubai’s Smart City systems is becoming a requirement. Our panels are API-ready, which means they can connect directly with government monitoring platforms.
Looking ahead, how do you see fire and life safety evolving in the UAE and how is AMTIDAAD preparing for that future?
The UAE is moving quickly toward smarter, safer cities. Projects like NEOM and Dubai 2040 require safety systems that are intelligent, fast and reliable.
We’re seeing more AI-based risk analysis, real-time alerts and automated response tools. Suppression systems are shifting to cleaner alternatives to match the country’s Net Zero targets.
Regulations are getting tougher, especially for large-scale developments and mixed-use sites. Drones and robots are beginning to take on more tasks in inspections and emergency response. And fire safety training is moving into virtual formats to better prepare both professionals and the public.
At AMTIDAAD, we’re investing in these areas. We’ve added AI-integrated ERP tools to improve reporting and oversight. Our team is continuously trained on updated codes. We’re offering greener products. And we’re expanding our advanced training services for both private companies and government departments.
Our approach is clear—prepare early, stay flexible and focus on solutions that work in the real world.
