ABU DHABI // Unified building codes for all GCC countries have been moved a crucial step closer.
Ministry officials, construction chiefs and municipality representatives from the six-country group met in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.
They said harmonised standards would be published by the end of next year and would boost sustainable development.
“The first version of the GCC building codes will be announced before the end of 2014,” said Ahmed Al Shareef, undersecretary at the Department of Municipal Affairs.
“Lots of activities are coming up in the region, which need better preparation, more investment and sustainable infrastructure.”
Tough new building codes were announced by Abu Dhabi in September.
Under the rules, there must be a “minimum safety requirement”, projects must be reviewed in the design phase and there will be regular inspections with fines for infringements.
While these will be compulsory for all Government projects from next October, GCC codes will be guidelines only.
The codes are to be based on international standards, customised to local circumstances and a reference point for the region, Mr Al Shareef said.
“We are coordinating with the GCC countries on so many issues and building codes is one of them,” he said.
“The GCC countries have been witnessing big developments in construction, which requires regulations and stronger rules.
“Another aspect is that the demography of the region has been swelling year by year,” he said.
“This means we need more sustainable plans and sustainable building codes for infrastructural development in the region.”
According to the municipality, the GCC region spent about US$87 billion on construction this year and this figure is set to grow in the next decade.
Dubai’s successful Expo 2020 bid and Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 World Cup mean all countries must prepare for the opportunities ahead, Mr Al Shareef said.
“Of course, 2020 Expo and 2021 [Fifa Confederations Cup in Qatar] will increase the movement in the region and bring more business and trade opportunities.
“This is also something in preparation of that to accommodate the influx of people to the region.”
anwar@thenational.ae
