New security code to apply to all new buildings

All new buildings to face stricter security regulations within three years.

ABU DHABI // A revised security code will apply to all new buildings within three years, officials said yesterday.

The guidelines, already implemented in more than two-thirds of newly constructed police facilities, will set security standards that developers must follow, regulating items such as surveillance-camera placement, access-control systems and site layout.

"Buildings' requirements are classified based on their sensitivity level," said Brig Gen Faris al Faresi, director general of guarding and special tasks at the Abu Dhabi Police Department.

High-security structures, for example, must include bulletproof glass and sensors. These types of buildings include government facilities and infrastructure such as airports.

The police department's 120 buildings have incorporated the code's requirements since last year. The law affecting high-security buildings came into effect this month and is being implemented in co-ordination with Secure, a company that is working under the umbrella of the Ministry of Interior.

"If any developer contradicts any element of the code, the company has the authority to stop the project," a police official said.

The broader law, which would include all buildings, has not been finalised. The announcements concerning the security regulations were made at the World Class Protection and Security of Public Facilities conference taking place in the capital.

Also at the conference, Dubai Police said they are working to establish a regional centre that would focus on the training of safety personnel.

Col Abdullah al Ghaithi, deputy director of the General Directorate for Infrastructure Security and the general supervisor for transport security at Dubai Police, said the centre would help improve security standards and performance.