Abu Dhabi to train industry for new building codes

The codes will guide construction across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The Abu Dhabi Department of Municipal Affairs (DMA) will offer workshops to the construction industry to prepare for the adoption of the International Building Codes (IBC) across the emirate.

The codes are set to take effect from January next year. They will be used as a basis for the DMA to adopt its own codes suited to local requirements.

The codes will be applied throughout the emirate by developers, code administrators, and construction design professionals, and will be enforced through a program of inspections and legislation by the relevant authorities.

The codes will cover a broad range of areas, including health and safety, energy efficiency, durability and property maintenance.

“The new building codes will help developers create better places in which to live and work across the emirate by improving construction standards,” said DMA and Building Codes Higher Council chairman HE Rashid Mubarak Al Hajeri.

“That means improved public health and safety in homes and offices, greater energy efficiency and ultimately buildings which are more durable and long-lasting. Our goal is to adopt the best codes in the world for Abu Dhabi.”

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On Sunday the DMA met with the Building Codes Higher Committee, a cross-Abu Dhabi government panel, to discuss development and implementation of the codes.

The building codes higher committee includes senior representatives from the Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Gharbia municipalities, the Urban Planning Council, the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company and the Abu Dhabi Police among others.

The International Code Council (ICC), which developed the IBC, signed an MoU with the DMA to develop Abu Dhabi’s codes last November.

“The MoU established the framework for both adoption of the IBC, which will take effect by January next year, and development of the Abu Dhabi International Building Code,” said DMA undersecretary HE Ahmad Shareef.

“The localised set of standards will guide the development of building construction projects in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi,” Shareef added.

Abu Dhabi’s own codes will be updated continuously through a code development program that forms part of the international codes.
 

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