Why modern codes matter: ICC MENA’s role in reshaping regional construction standards
Iain Hoey
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Mohamed Amer, Managing Director of ICC MENA, discusses how modern codes are reshaping construction practices and supporting safer, more resilient building across the MENA region
Outdated or poorly enforced building codes continue to contribute to preventable risks in the built environment, from structural failures to fire hazards in high-rise developments.
In response, the International Code Council (ICC) has expanded its global operations to support better alignment between local construction practices and internationally recognised standards.
Established in 2019, ICC MENA is the organisation’s first regional hub outside the United States.
Based in Dubai, it works with regulators, private sector leaders and technical professionals to improve safety, sustainability and resilience across the construction sector.
The office supports the adoption and implementation of the International Codes (I-Codes), provides Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC) services and contributes to knowledge exchange through trade events and stakeholder engagement.
Over the past five years, ICC MENA has addressed regional priorities including offsite construction and 3D concrete printing, while helping streamline regulatory frameworks in fast-developing cities.
Mohamed Amer is Managing Director of ICC MENA.
He leads the council’s strategic partnerships, business development and senior-level collaboration across the Middle East and North Africa.
With more than 15 years’ experience in project management and certification, he plays a central role in promoting safe and efficient building practices.
In this interview, Amer outlines the role of ICC MENA and explains the importance of building safety codes.
What exactly does the ICC do and how do its codes and standards impact building safety?
We are a leading global source of building safety solutions.
ICC is widely recognized as the organization responsible for developing building codes and safety standards.
These codes serve as the regulatory foundation for how buildings and structures are designed, constructed and how their systems and materials are installed and maintained, all to ensure public health, safety and resilience.
But ICC’s role goes beyond just code development.
We offer a comprehensive suite of services, including Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC), training and credentialing, accreditation, code consulting and more.
What are I-Codes and why are they used by so many different countries?
The International Codes, or I-Codes, are a family of model building codes developed by the ICC to promote the safety, sustainability and resilience of the built environment.
These codes cover all aspects of building design, construction and maintenance, including structural systems, fire safety, energy efficiency, plumbing, mechanical systems and more.
What sets the I-Codes apart and makes them widely adopted globally is that they are:
Comprehensive: They address all phases of building construction for various occupancy types and apply to both new and existing structures.
Coordinated: Each code is designed to work seamlessly with the others, with clear scoping provisions that prevent overlap or conflict across disciplines.
Contemporary: The codes are updated on a three-year cycle through a transparent, consensus-driven process to reflect the latest in safety science, construction practices and technology.
Why is building safety such an issue for regions like the Gulf and North Africa?
The pace of urbanization, combined with ambitious national development goals, makes building safety, security and sustainability more critical than ever.
As cities expand and innovative construction methods both emerge and evolve, ensuring that buildings are safe, code-compliant and future-ready is essential.
There’s a strong regional and global shift toward aligning the built environment with sustainability goals and ICC is well-positioned to be part of the team that leads this transformation.
What are some common building safety risks you see in the MENA region?
Several building safety challenges continue to surface, acting as hurdles that require thinking outside the box and continued progress in alignment with international best practices.
Common areas requiring continued attention include ensuring consistent application and enforcement of building codes and standards, especially in fast-paced or resource-constrained project environments.
There is also room to enhance regulatory clarity and market access pathways for building materials and systems, which is essential for maintaining quality and compliance as the market grows more innovative.
Additionally, there is an opportunity to strengthen training and credentialing for professionals involved in installation, inspection and maintenance, phases that are critical to ensure safety and performance, even when products and designs meet compliance requirements.
How do building codes actually help reduce the risk of disasters?
Building codes are foundational tools for risk reduction; they establish minimum safety and performance requirements for all aspects of construction, from structural integrity and fire protection to energy efficiency and system installation.
By clearly defining how buildings should be designed, built and maintained, codes help prevent failures that can lead to disasters such as fires, collapses, or unsafe living conditions.
For example, they require proper fire-rated assemblies and compartmentation, define structural load requirements to ensure stability and set standards for ventilation, egress and material use.
Codes also create a framework for accountability by ensuring that all market players, from designers and contractors to inspectors, follow a unified set of expectations.
How does the ICC work with stakeholders to support the use of better building practices?
At ICC MENA, we take a collaborative and relationship-driven approach to supporting better building practices across the region.
From day one, we have capitalized on our longstanding relationships while also extending ICC’s legacy by establishing new connections through a mix of in-person and virtual engagement, including bilateral meetings, webinars, technical workshops and participation in regional conferences.
In practice, our support begins with helping local authorities adapt and implement modern building codes, such as the I-Codes, tailored to regional conditions and regulatory priorities.
We also provide evaluation reports and compliance support to developers, engineers and regulators to ensure that innovative construction materials and systems are integrated safely and effectively.
Beyond direct engagements, we promote active stakeholder collaboration through structured platforms and initiatives.
For example, we organize workshops, code hearings and technical committee meetings focused on new standards and acceptance criteria.
What challenges are there when trying to update or enforce modern building codes?
In the MENA region, most countries follow a centralized approach, where building codes are typically developed and enforced at the national level by ministries or Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs).
Regulatory agencies, large developers, or major infrastructure programs often have direct jurisdiction to enforce the building code, either through national mandates or project-specific requirements.
While this centralized model allows for faster alignment with national goals and more uniform application, it also presents challenges at a local level.
The private sector may face difficulties navigating revisions to the codes particularly where such revisions introduce non-traditional or innovative construction systems like off-site manufacturing or advanced materials.
This presents difficulties to successful implementation and compliance related to cost, lack of awareness, or limited access to certified professionals.
What message is ICC trying to send to the international community?
With this year’s Building Safety Month theme being ‘Game On!’, we’re turning up the volume for the global building community to step up efforts, ramp up resources and keep safety at the forefront of every project and policy discussion.
It’s about encouraging professionals to stay proactive, adopt modern codes and embrace innovation responsibly.
At the same time, it’s a call to the general public to understand the basic principles of building safety, like fire protection, structural integrity and safe egress, because everyone plays a role in shaping safer communities.
How do you see building safety practices changing in this region over the next decade?
The construction industry is no longer stagnant.
In the coming years, building safety in the MENA region will become increasingly shaped by smart technologies, digital tools and sustainable design practices.
Innovations like BIM, IoT-enabled systems, AI-driven safety solutions and digital codes will help improve code compliance, real-time monitoring and overall building performance.
As the region moves toward net-zero goals and high-performance building standards, we expect a stronger emphasis on energy efficiency, resilience and data-informed decision-making.
ICC will continue to play a key role in supporting this shift by promoting modern codes, enabling regulatory alignment and fostering partnerships that advance both safety and innovation.