First four weeks of sessions witness unprecedented attendance

Abu Dhabi, October 25, 2009: More than thousand professionals from the private and public sector attended the first four weeks of Building Codes Training held across Abu Dhabi emirate. The workshops have focused on the guidelines set by the International Building Code and supporting codes such as the International Energy Conservation Code, International Fire Code and Accessibility and Usability 2009.

The Department of Municipal Affairs is on-track to launch its new building codes in early 2010. The new codes will address safety, efficiency and sustainability offering the residents and businesses more reliable buildings.

H.E. Rashid Mubarak Al Hajeri, Chairman of DMA, says "Buildings in Abu Dhabi are safe. To enhance the safety and sustainability, DMA is adopting and will be enforcing the highest standards by introducing a unified and well coordinated family of codes that are compatible with each other and customised to the emirate.

"The new set of codes will allow for construction to be more cost effective and produce more durable buildings."

Speaking about the attendance at workshops, H.E. Engineer Ahmad Shareef, Undersecretary of the DMA says, "We have received positive response and participation from both private and public sector for the workshops. More than thousand professionals have registered for the courses until now. We are expecting many more attendees over the coming few weeks and hope to continue the momentum till the end of the training programme. We encourage interested companies to register and take advantage of the world class training series."

DMA's daily workshops are being held in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. Best practice guidelines for the emirate's Building Codes and other supporting codes are being communicated in the sessions. The training programme extends to public and private sector professionals across the emirate. Online registration is available for all courses on the DMA website (www.dma.abudhabi.ae).

Earlier this year, DMA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and service agreement with the International Code Council (ICC), the world's leading building code authority and developers of the International Codes.

The MOU establishes the framework for adoption of the International Building Code (IBC), which will take effect by January 2010 and the development of the Abu Dhabi International Building Code, the new localised set of standards which will guide the development of Building construction projects in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

-Ends-

About Department of Municipal Affairs:
The Department of Municipal Affairs (DMA) commenced operations in May 2007, following the Abu Dhabi Executive Council's decision to integrate the Emirate's municipal system. As a new government entity, the Department of Municipal Affairs was created to lead, coordinate and oversee three municipalities in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western Region.  The DMA has a regulatory role while the service delivery and operations are at the municipality level.

On the 5th of May 2008, the Department of Municipal Affairs along with the Abu Dhabi Municipality, Al Ain Municipality and Western Region Municipality embarked upon a new municipal services journey, with the signing of the historic Municipal Charter which aligns the DMA and three municipalities towards greater collaboration and cooperation.

For further information, please contact:
Department of Municipal Affairs 
Mrs. Amal Al Jarwan
Tel: 971-2-4030311
Email: amal@dma.abudhabi.ae 

Impact Porter Novelli
Sarika Aidasani
Mobile:  971-50-612 7765
Email: s.aidasani@ipn.ae   

© Press Release 2009