Fire safety is getting stronger in the UAE. Authorities are
rolling out new rules to protect people and buildings better than before. These
changes affect homes, buildings, and even buses. Here is a clear look at what
is new — and why it matters.
In Abu Dhabi, this system has been upgraded. The Civil
Defence teamed up with a telecom company (e&) to use AI. This helps detect
fire early and sends alerts more precisely.
If a homeowner fails to install the system, they may face a
fine of AED 1,000. The cost of the system depends on the size of the house. For
a typical three-bedroom villa, the one-time install cost is about AED 5,903.
A major change comes in building materials. The updated Fire
and Life Safety Code of Practice now requires non-combustible cladding for new
high-rise buildings.
Cladding refers to the external panels on buildings. In the
past, these panels often used plastic or other materials that could feed a
fire. The new code demands mineral-based cores with very low polymer content —
roughly 10–12% — to reduce how fast fires can spread.
Importantly, not only must each panel be tested, but the
entire façade system must be tested together. This ensures what is installed
really meets safety standards when fully built.
The UAE has also updated its broader Fire-Safety Code. The
new version is long — over 1,300 pages in Arabic and English. It includes 20
chapters and many practical illustrations.
Some of the major focus areas are:
- Fire doors: Rules for how they must be built, installed,
and maintained.
- Facade safety: As mentioned, new rules on cladding.
- Access for fire trucks: The code mandates better access so
Civil Defence can respond quickly.
- Flammable liquids and renewable energy: How buildings
should store dangerous liquids and manage solar panels safely.
The code also clarifies who is responsible for what.
Designers, builders, and building owners all have clearly defined duties.
Public transport is not left out. From April 15, 2025, all
school buses (and other buses with more than 22 passengers) in the UAE must
have automatic fire suppression systems.
These systems can detect a fire in a bus’s engine
compartment and extinguish it automatically. The rule is meant to protect about
500,000 children who ride school buses every day.
The system must be certified by the Ministry of Industry and
Advanced Technology (MoIAT). Permits for buses that do not have the system will
not be renewed. There will also be regular audits of manufacturers and
installers to make sure everything is done right.
A new law was passed: Law No. (4) of 2025 establishes the Dubai
Civil Defence General Command. This law sets clear roles for preventing fires,
fighting fires, and dealing with disasters.
This legal change strengthens how Civil Defence works,
giving it more power and clarity over its duties. It makes sure fire safety is
part of a bigger, coordinated strategy across the emirate.
These new rules make fire safety more serious in key ways:
- They protect people: Homeowners get early detection and
faster help. Bus riders, especially children, are safer in transport.
- They raise the standard for building safety: By requiring
fire-resistant materials, future buildings will be safer.
- They improve emergency response: With better access for
fire trucks and stricter design rules, Civil Defence can work faster.
- They hold everyone accountable: The code clarifies who
must do what — from architects to building owners.
If you own a villa or townhouse, do not delay installing the
required fire alarm system. Use the official Hassantuk portal to apply.
Make sure you understand the costs. There are payment plans,
or you can pay in full for one-time installation.
If you are a building owner or developer, check the new
Fire-Safety Code. Confirm that your materials and plans meet the new standards
— especially for cladding and access routes.
If you run transport or you are part of a bus company, make
sure your vehicles comply with the suppression system rule. Get certified
equipment and work with approved installers.
The UAE’s new fire safety rules are not just small tweaks.
They are a major step forward. By bringing homes, vehicles, and buildings under
tighter safety rules, the country is pushing to prevent fire incidents and make
sure everyone is safer.
These changes matter for all of us — whether we live in a
villa, ride a school bus, or just think about how safe our buildings are. If
you take the right steps now, you will not only follow the rules — you will
protect lives.
