Fire safety inspections have uncovered more than 21,000 non-compliant buildings in Abu Dhabi, prompting officials to take swift action. According to the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, over 10,000 residential and commercial properties were inspected, leading to the issuance of 21,271 warnings. The vast majority of these buildings were located in Abu Dhabi city, with others in Al Ain and Al Dhafra.
Abu Dhabi accounted for 16,053 of the notices issued, while Al Ain and Al Dhafra were given 4,212 and 1,006 warnings, respectively. Brig Gen Salem Al Dhaheri, the acting director general of the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that it is crucial to assess and enhance safety and fire prevention standards in the emirate.
Property owners have been given a grace period to rectify any non-compliance issues before facing fines of up to Dh50,000. In addition to these penalties, buildings may also be temporarily closed until all safety issues are addressed. This move aims to greatly improve fire safety standards across Abu Dhabi. To ensure that buildings meet the necessary requirements, installations of fire detectors and alarm systems are required.
According to Lt Col Amir Al Otaibi, failure to adhere to these regulations will result in fines and possible closure of the building until compliance is achieved. By taking these measures, authorities aim to reduce the number of building fires in the emirate.
In 2022, the Civil Defence responded to over 3,000 incidents, with the majority of them taking place in residential areas. However, the data did not include details about deaths or injuries. Last year, emergency services similarly responded to around 860 fires in Abu Dhabi. These sobering statistics highlight the importance of taking proactive steps to improve fire safety measures in the region. The Civil Defence has emphasized that the safety of residents and compliance with regulations are the top priorities, and they will continue to monitor and enforce compliance across the emirate.
Abu Dhabi has issued over 21,000 fire safety warnings in the span of five months.
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