Noise from planes forced family to splash out on soundproofing

At a cost of Dh135,000, technologies normally in use in recording studios were applied to the room.

DUBAI // Unable to control outdoor noise levels, one family has opted for an unorthodox solution at their Mirdif house – soundproofing.

“It is a disturbing sound,” says Abdulghafar Al Fajar, 34, of the noise from planes landing and taking off from the nearby Dubai International Airport.

“Every hour we get three or four planes above our heads.”

The Emirati senior manager says that after five years of living in the area most of the family had grown accustomed to the noise, except for Mr Al Fajar’s father who was unable to sleep at night.

“We got used to it but my father could not cope with the noise,” he says. “When he sleeps he does not want to hear anything.”

This is what prompted the decision to soundproof one of the bedrooms in the house.

At a cost of Dh135,000, technology normally used in recording studios was applied to the room.

The process included fitting special insulation on the walls, floor and ceiling of the room.

Windows had to be reduced in size and sealed with a special material.

The high cost prevented the family from applying the same solution to the entire house, Mr Al Fajar says.

The refurbishment started in the middle of March this year and continued until the end of April.

Dubai Airports says measures have been put in place to reduce noise pollution, in line with the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s environment and safety guidelines.

“Dubai Airports has, among many initiatives, implemented a number of measures including the banning of Chapter 2 aircraft at Dubai International in 2010. This reduces emissions as well as noise.”

After noise measurements, aircraft are categorised as Chapter 2, 3 or 4, with Chapter 4 being the quietest.

“We will continue to invest in technologies that can streamline and optimise air traffic movements on ground and in the air,” Dubai Airports says.

“Airlines are increasingly employing and adopting approaches and techniques that will reduce noise profiles.

“Manufacturers are designing and building aircraft that produce less noise and burn less fuel.

“According to the International Air Transport Association, aircraft noise has reduced by over 75 per cent since the 1970s.

“Dubai International provides efficient capacity and we are fortunate to have two home airlines that sport young, fuel-efficient and quiet fleets.

“That will continue to be the case as both airlines have placed orders for newer and increasingly fuel-efficient, quiet aircraft.”

Aircraft noise is still audible in Al Fajar family’s soundproof room, but it sounds more like a distant whisper.

Mr Al Fajar says his father now enjoys a more peaceful sleep.

“He is happy now.”