Introduction to Hassantuk

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken a significant step towards enhancing fire safety in residential properties with the implementation of the Hassantuk fire safety system.

This initiative, part of the UAE National Agenda 2021, aims to make the country one of the safest in the world by reducing the rate of fires and fire-related deaths.

Hassantuk, which began in 2018, links fire alarms and smoke detectors to a centralised Alarm Receiving Centre, enabling quick verification and response to fire incidents.

Mandatory installation and compliance

As of January 1, 2024, UAE homeowners who have not installed the Hassantuk system face an initial warning followed by a Dh1,000 fine.

The mandate, stemming from a 2020 cabinet decision, seeks to safeguard lives and properties following several fatal house fires.

Officials have emphasised the responsibility of homeowners and landlords in installing and subscribing to the system, which is mandatory for villas and townhouses, as apartments are already equipped with fire detection systems.

System specifications and installation requirements

The wireless safety system connects directly to a command room, where emergency workers are alerted in case of a fire.

It is already operational in public buildings and now extends to private residences.

The Ministry of Interior has reported the installation of 43,000 detectors in villas by September 2020, excluding Dubai.

The installation requires a functioning plug socket near the front door, with homeowners given five days from the survey date to install a power supply if absent.

Penalties and fines for non-compliance

Non-compliant owners will first receive a warning, then a fine.

Additionally, any person, including tenants, found damaging or disabling the fire alarm system, will also face a Dh1,000 fine.

The Hassantuk command centre will attempt to verify the fire by phone; unanswered calls will result in a Dh200 fine.

Landlords are required to update contact information for tenant notifications.

Significant impact and public response

Hassantuk has successfully prevented over 400 real fire incidents, showcasing its effectiveness in fire prevention.

Ayman Al Sebeyi, General Manager of Hassantuk, noted that over 15,000 buildings had been connected to the system by 2021, with an aim to link 150,000 by year-end.

The system’s success has led to a 500% increase in monthly orders from villa owners as the deadline approached.

Etisalat by e & offers a Bukhoor mode in the system, allowing incense burning without triggering alarms.

Public opinion and endorsement

Emirati citizen Yaqoob Al Hammadi expressed support for the system, citing its role in ensuring safety and peace of mind.

Abdullah Al Ahmed, senior vice president of government sales at Etisalat by e &, also reported a surge in interest as the deadline approached.

Challenges in implementation

Despite progress, challenges remain, particularly with older buildings incompatible with the system.

Door-to-door inspections identify buildings ready for installation, with Civil Defence working to resolve any issues.

IFSJ Comment

The implementation of the Hassantuk fire safety system marks a crucial step in the UAE’s commitment to fire safety and public welfare.

By mandating this system in residential properties, the UAE government demonstrates a proactive approach to fire prevention, potentially setting a benchmark for other nations.

However, the challenges in integrating the system into older buildings highlight the complexities of modernising infrastructure for safety purposes.

As the UAE strives towards its goal of becoming one of the safest countries in the world, Hassantuk’s role in achieving this objective will be significant.

This initiative not only enhances fire safety but also promotes a culture of responsibility among homeowners and landlords, contributing to the broader goal of community safety.