The Department of Municipal Affairs (DMA) is embarking on a broad outreach programme before rolling out a set of new building codes that could transform the construction industry.
The DMA said yesterday it would contact 40,000 building professionals in telephone and online surveys to evaluate how ready the industry would be to implement the regulations.
"The imminent introduction of the new building codes represents a major change to ? construction practices in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, which will create quality buildings that are safe and sustainable," said Rashid al Hajeri, the chairman of the DMA.
"These codes will also protect construction investments from an economic perspective."
The code, expected to be released next year, will be based on the standards of the International Code Council, which sets the standards for the US. Abu Dhabi's buildings have been built according to a range of codes from different jurisdictions.
The DMA is seeking to unify these practices under a recognised system that will also reduce fire dangers.
The code will also deal with accessibility and accommodation for the disabled. Several apartment fires in Abu Dhabi have recently put the lack of safety equipment in the spotlight.
All new buildings will have to meet the standards. Older buildings will require retrofitting, but any changes or additions will have to be in line with the code.
Abu Dhabi Commercial Properties (ADCP), the capital's largest landlord, has hired Schirmer Middle East to conduct a safety audit of more than 2,500 buildings. ADCP has also been issuing fire blankets to residents.
bhope@thenational.ae
Veere di Wedding
Dir: Shashanka Ghosh
Starring: Kareena Kapoo-Khan, Sonam Kapoor, Swara Bhaskar and Shikha Talsania
Verdict: 4 Stars
Company%20Profile
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The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 194hp at 5,600rpm
Torque: 275Nm from 2,000-4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Price: from Dh155,000
On sale: now
Autumn international scores
Saturday, November 24
Italy 3-66 New Zealand
Scotland 14-9 Argentina
England 37-18 Australia
Company%20Profile
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Company%20Profile
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The specs
Engine: 2-litre or 3-litre 4Motion all-wheel-drive Power: 250Nm (2-litre); 340 (3-litre) Torque: 450Nm Transmission: 8-speed automatic Starting price: From Dh212,000 On sale: Now
The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE
Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega
Director: Tim Burton
Rating: 3/5
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Greatest of All Time
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
Apple product price list
iPad Pro
11" - $799 (64GB)
12.9" - $999 (64GB)
MacBook Air
$1,199
Mac Mini
$799
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Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
The specs
Engine: Long-range single or dual motor with 200kW or 400kW battery
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Max touring range: 620km / 590km
Price: From Dh250,000 (estimated)
Section 375
Cast: Akshaye Khanna, Richa Chadha, Meera Chopra & Rahul Bhat
Director: Ajay Bahl
Producers: Kumar Mangat Pathak, Abhishek Pathak & SCIPL
Rating: 3.5/5
The schedule
December 5 - 23: Shooting competition, Al Dhafra Shooting Club
December 9 - 24: Handicrafts competition, from 4pm until 10pm, Heritage Souq
December 11 - 20: Dates competition, from 4pm
December 12 - 20: Sour milk competition
December 13: Falcon beauty competition
December 14 and 20: Saluki races
December 15: Arabian horse races, from 4pm
December 16 - 19: Falconry competition
December 18: Camel milk competition, from 7.30 - 9.30 am
December 20 and 21: Sheep beauty competition, from 10am
December 22: The best herd of 30 camels
Killing of Qassem Suleimani