Abu Dhabi's Department of Municipal Affairs (DMA) has announced its plans to implement a building code across the emirate.
The move follows a meeting with the "Building Codes Higher Committee", a cross-Abu Dhabi government panel formed to ensure the adaption of the International Building Codes (IBC) across the emirate.
The meeting also focused on the need for close colla-boration between the public and private sectors.
HE Rashid Mubarak Al Hajeri, chairman of DMA and chairman of the Building Codes Higher Council, said: "The new building codes will help developers create better places in which to live and work across the entire emirate by improving construction standards. That means improved public health and safety in homes and offices, greater energy efficiency and ultimately buildings which are more durable and long-lasting. Our goal is to adopt the best codes in the world for Abu Dhabi."
The building code was described as a "great initiative" by Fabio Casula, head of the Chartered Institute of Building.
"I think it's even more important in challenging economic climate to think about standards in cons-truction," Casula said.
"The UAE has particularly been exposed to the issue of quality and standards in construction due to the boom in the last few years. It is timely that a building code is developed so that the UAE can continue its development plans thinking about issues such as health and safety, sustainability and building practices," Casula added.
The building codes, which will take effect by January 2010, will be enforced through a programme of inspections and legislation by the authorities.
© 7Days 2009
