Deal signed to raise Abu Dhabi building standards

A deal has been signed between Abu Dhabi Department of Municipal Affairs (DMA) and the International Code Council (ICC), the world’s leading building code authority, to improve construction standards in the emirate.

The memorandum of understanding will see the DMA adopt the International Building Code and open the way for the development of the Abu Dhabi International Building Code, which are the standards that will guide the building of construction projects in the emirate.

“This is an important step to enhance construction standards in Abu Dhabi and safeguard the long-term security of the emirate’s population,” said Dr Ju’an Salem Al Dhaheri, chairman of the DMA.

“We are confident that through the new codes we will achieve a state-of-the-art regulatory structure that will boost the public safety and building longevity.”

ICC President Adolf Zubia said: “This will improve building quality, efficiency, safety and do it in a consistent way.”

Once developed, the codes will be applied throughout Abu Dhabi by code administrators, construction design professionals and developers and enforced through a rigorous program of inspections and legislation by the authorities.

The ICC develops international building codes, best practice standards that are used across the USA and in many countries around the world.