Sharjah begins Dh100 million safety drive to remove fire-hazard cladding

The Emirate is preparing to upgrade around 200 buildings to help lower the number of fires and aid emergency response time.

In a concerted effort to enhance fire safety in Sharjah, authorities have launched a Dh100 million safety drive aimed at removing fire-hazard cladding from high-risk buildings.

Identification of High-Risk Buildings

In April, authorities identified 203 residential towers and commercial buildings, both privately and government-owned, as having flammable building materials that needed replacement.

Replacing Flammable Cladding with Fire-Resistant Materials

The primary objective of this initiative is to replace existing flammable cladding with fire-resistant materials. This measure is crucial to reduce the risk of fires spreading rapidly within these structures.

Providing Time for Emergency Response

The replacement of cladding with fire-resistant materials not only reduces the risk of fire incidents but also provides potentially life-saving additional time for emergency services to respond.

Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi’s Directive

This ambitious safety drive was launched under the directives of Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, reflecting the government’s commitment to public safety.

Protecting the Public

The ultimate goal of this project is to cut down the number of building fires and protect the public, making Sharjah a safer place for residents and visitors.

Phased Approach: Initial High-Priority Buildings

The removal of fire-hazard cladding has commenced with the first of 40 high-risk buildings. Safety upgrades on the remaining 163 buildings will be carried out once the initial high-priority stage of the project is complete.