Fire safety in the UAE is regulated, and fireproofing is part of it. This guide gives a general overview of how fireproofing requirements work for buildings in Dubai and the UAE. It is not legal or engineering advice. Always confirm the requirements for your project with your consultant and with Civil Defence.
Who sets the rules
In the UAE, fire and life safety requirements are set out in the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice, which Civil Defence applies. Civil Defence authorities in each emirate, such as Dubai Civil Defence and Abu Dhabi Civil Defence, review plans, approve products and inspect buildings. The exact requirements depend on the building type, height and use.
What affects the fireproofing you need
- Building use: offices, hotels, residential towers, warehouses and industrial buildings are treated differently.
- Building height and size: taller and larger buildings usually need higher fire ratings for structure.
- Structure type: steel frames need fireproofing to keep their strength in a fire.
- Interior materials: timber, fabric and finishes may need fire retardant treatment.
- Services: cable runs may need fire retardant cable coating.
Fire rating explained
A fire rating is the time a building element can keep doing its job in a standard fire test, often given as 30, 60, 90 or 120 minutes. Your consultant sets the rating for each element. Your contractor then applies a system that has been tested and approved for that rating.
Approved products and contractors
Civil Defence requires products and companies to be approved. Check that the contractor is approved by the Civil Defence authority for the emirate where the work is done, and that the products used have the required approvals. Evora is approved by Dubai Civil Defence and Abu Dhabi Civil Defence.
A simple checklist
- Ask your consultant for the required fire ratings.
- Choose the system for each element, for example intumescent paint or cementitious fireproofing.
- Confirm product and contractor approvals.
- Keep inspection and handover records for the Civil Defence inspection.
Need help choosing a system? Read the fireproofing FAQs, see our Abu Dhabi fireproofing or contact Evora for a quote.
Read more: fire proofing contractors in the UAE, what to look for in a fire proofing company in Dubai, fire proofing materials suppliers in the UAE, passive fire protection companies in the UAE. Call or WhatsApp +971 52 6700 119.