Dubai, Beale & Company - Burning Questions - Dubai Fire

The fire at The Address hotel in Dubai on New Year’s Eve has renewed concerns for fire safety in Dubai. In 2012 the UAE Fire & Life Safety Code of Practice came into force which included the requirement that all Aluminum Composite Panels (“ACPs”) or other cladding to be fitted to new buildings must be fire rated. However, in respect of buildings erected before the Code came into force, there is a risk of further incidents where non fire-rated panels may have been used. This leaves many of the high-rise buildings in the UAE potentially vulnerable (there are currently approximately 250 high-rise buildings in Dubai). Thankfully the fire on New Year’s Eve was brought under control quickly and there were no serious injuries reported. The cause is as yet unknown, however a review of all buildings designed and constructed before the UAE Code came into force would be prudent. Beale & Company Partner Sheena Sood was interviewed by BBC World on New Year’s Day in relation to this most recent fire, which you can view here. Please contact Sheena on s.sood@beale-law.com or Nathan Modell on n.modell@beale-law.com if you would like further information.