ICC marks first International Building Safety Day
DUBAI, 24 days ago
The International Code Council (ICC) yesterday (May 22) marked the first-ever International Building Safety Day in a special manner using the occasion to promote and celebrate building safety and the benefits it provides to the communities' health and welfare.
It also celebrated the significant progress made in ensuring the safety of our built environment, acknowledging the challenges that remain and charting a course for the future.
The Middle East has seen a rapid construction boom in recent years, transforming skylines and infrastructure across the region. Alongside this growth, a focus on building safety has emerged as a critical priority, according to experts in ICC.
Many countries have adopted stricter building codes, established dedicated building safety authorities, and invested in fire/structural safety provisions and awareness campaigns.
Dubai has established itself as a frontrunner in building safety with its comprehensive Dubai Building Code (DBC), referencing international standards from ICC.
The DBC is regularly updated, ensuring its regulations reflect the latest advancements in construction practices and safety protocols.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia is also making significant strides in building safety utilizing the I-Codes as the base of their codes , ensuring safety while adapting to specific needs. This approach allows them to tailor regulations to specific needs while still upholding global safety benchmarks.
Oman is poised to join the ranks of regional safety leaders. Partnering with ICC, Oman is developing a set of six building codes expected to be finalized by early 2026, it stated.
These codes will be based on the latest International Codes (I-Codes), ensuring Oman's building industry adheres to the most up-to-date safety practices. The focus on areas like sustainability and technology integration further strengthens Oman's commitment to a safe and future-proofed construction sector.
These initiatives by Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and Oman demonstrate a collective commitment to building safety in the Middle East. The results are undeniable. Improved regulations and enforcement have led to a decrease in construction-related accidents and building collapses.
Advancements in fire safety measures, particularly with regards to high-rise buildings, have also contributed to a safer living and working environment.-TradeArabia News Service
