New Abu Dhabi building code
The voluntary implementation of the Abu Dhabi International Building Codes on the governmental projects for a period of one year begins today.
The Department of Municipal Affairs (DMA) announced that compulsory implementation on all government projects in Abu Dhabi will be effective October 1, 2014.
This comes after the Executive Committee of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council formally adopted the codes to be applied voluntarily on the government projects in the emirate for one year before it is made compulsory in the public sector.
In cooperation with the private sector and related strategic partners, the Department of Municipal Affairs will provide all support required to enhance the implementation of these codes in all projects implemented in both the public and private sectors.
Majed Ali Al Mansouri, Chairman, Department of Municipal Affairs, said, "These codes come within the framework of Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 and the pursuit of the municipal system to achieve this vision requirements with respect to municipal work by improving construction standards in the emirate and to achieve sustainable development in this sector."
He added that these codes guarantee best practices and standards of construction in the building sector and they will enhance the construction process in the emirate and reflect positively on the economy, environment and society where the codes supports the government's efforts towards the preservation of the environment and sustainable development.
Al Mansouri noted that the code will help attract investments to the construction sector and strengthen the competitiveness of the local economy, as well as they enhance the quality of life for residents of the emirate and support the establishment of sustainable residential communities with the highest safety and environmental standards, and this is a top priority of the government 's development agenda.
Ahmed Mohammed Al Shareef, Undersecretary, Department of Municipal Affairs, said, "These Codes unify construction practices across the emirate to create better, safer, greener buildings that are more cost-effective and durable, and that are built to even higher health and safety standards, and the formal adoption comes from the keenness of our government on enhancing the standard and best practice in the construction sector and to promote the principles of governance and transparency in this sector."
He added the move comes in recognition of the strategic importance of the code and its positive impact on the local economy and community members and the levels of health and safety at the buildings of the emirate.
The six new Abu Dhabi Building Codes consist of the Abu Dhabi International Building Code, the Abu Dhabi International Energy Conservation Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International Mechanical Code, International Private Sewage Disposal Code, and International Property Maintenance Code.
They are based on the International Codes published by the International Code Council, and have been specifically adapted to provide clear and effective guidelines that address the unique requirements of Abu Dhabi's construction industry.