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IAS eNews

Abu Dhabi to Develop Safety Codes

The Department of Municipal Affairs (DMA) of Abu Dhabi has hired a leading international organization to develop and enhance building safety standards in the emirate that are required to comply with the International Building Code (IBC). To help implement the IBC in the Emirate, the DMA signed a memorandum of understanding with the International Code Council, the world's leading building code authority and developers of the International Codes—the best-practice standards that are used throughout the United States and other countries.

Under the agreement, the Code Council will lay the foundation for the Abu Dhabi International Building Code for construction projects. The agreement was signed by Dr Ju'an Salem Al Dhaheri, DMA Chairman, and Drew Azzara, Vice President of International Services for the International Code Council.

"This is an important step to enhance construction standards in Abu Dhabi and safeguard the long-term security of the Emirate's population," Al Dhaheri said after the signing ceremony, which was held at the DMA offices. He said the DMA views this initiative as an important step in guiding the growth of Abu Dhabi.

The codes developed by the Code Council will be applied by code administrators, construction design professionals and developers, and enforced through a rigorous program of inspections.

Azzara said the new codes will improve building quality, efficiency and safety in the Emirate. "We look forward to contributing to the promising future developments of Abu Dhabi and its continued prosperity, by implementing the Code Council family of codes and conformance program," he said.

Ahmed Shareef, DMA Undersecretary, said the objective was to establish the Abu Dhabi International Building Code through the collaborative efforts of experts from government, developers, global engineering and architectural firms, contractors and the industrial sector.

H.E.‚ Dr. Ju’an Salem Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Department of Municipal Affairs (seated left)‚ and Drew Azzara‚ Vice President of International Services for the International Code Council (seated right)‚ sign a Memorandum of Understanding that lays the foundation for the development of the Abu Dhabi International Building Code.