Dubai: Mandatory fire alert systems will soon be installed at all new villas and apartments in Dubai as the Dubai Civil Defence overhauls fire safety at homes, say fire protection officials.
The announcement was made during a press conference for the launch of Intersec 2014, the 16th edition of the largest international exhibition and conference for safety, security and fire protection in the region, to be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from January 19 to 21.
“The new system will automatically alert the nearest fire station in case of fire or any emergency in any house. Firefighters will be alerted even if there are people at home or not,” said Lt Col Jamal Ahmad Ebrahim, Director of Preventive Safety Department, Dubai Civil Defence.
In the first phase, the project will involve installation of fire alert systems at new villas and apartments.
No deadline was given for building owners to comply but the initial phase of installations will likely begin before the year is out.
No fire alert system cost estimates for building owners were released on Tuesday.
“The project is part of Dubai government’s efforts to make the city the safest in the world. We have realised that currently fire safety in villas is not at the highest level. So we are planning to overhaul the safety system. In the first phase we will start with new villas and buildings and in the next phase will move to existing buildings,” Ebrahim added.
The project will be unveiled during Intersec 2014, where people will also be able to see live demonstration of the advanced safety system.
Organised by Epoc Messe Frankfurt, the event will see participation from 1,210 exhibitors from 54 countries and is supported by Dubai Civil Defence, Dubai Police and G4S security firm.
Intersec’s major focus this year will be Dubai’s winning of the Expo 2020 bid and all exhibitors as well as stakeholders will be showcasing products and projects that may add to the success of the mega exhibition.
“Security is the biggest issue for the Expo 2020. Though Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world, our aim is to be number one in safety, particularly keeping an eye on the future developments. Intersec is a great platform for the experts to come together and exchange ideas,” said Col Humaid Mohammad Al Ansari, Director, Sports Affairs Department, General Department of Community Services, Dubai Police.
He added that plans are already in place to beef up security in the city leading up to the mega event.
“We are evaluating our strategies every year. Dubai Police are looking to increase their force by at least 30 per cent in the next few years and enhance the city’s safety and security infrastructure by at least 50 per cent. We just want people to feel more secure when they go out, whether it’s day or night and in all parts of the city,” he said.
According to market research conducted by international security solutions group G4S, the total Middle East security market is estimated at $6.3 billion (Dh23.12 billion) with a growth of 10 per cent expected in the next four years.
“Private security firms have a major role to play in the safety and security of big cities. Demand for private security is growing at the highest rate in the region. We are working in cooperation with police and government authorities. We are providing training, and we work on security strategies and design,” said Mark Horton, Regional Sales Director, G4S.
He added that the growth is being driven by the ongoing development the region is experiencing, particularly in terms of infrastructure.
As part of the exhibition, two major conferences are also taking place. A seminar on Mobile Phone Crime is being organised by the Department of Protective Systems of Dubai Police in association with ICSS while the Safety Design in Buildings Conference is being held under the patronage of the Directorate General of Civil Defence – Dubai.
Also on the conference calendar are the IOSH Middle East Occupational Health Seminar, the IWMA Seminar and the Techtextil Middle East Symposium.
