MAKE UAE THE SAFEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD
NO COMPROMISE OVER SAFETY
Demand for fire safety systems and equipment is on the rise in the UAE
Anam Khan anam@khaleejtimes.com
Demand for fire safety systems and equipment is on the rise in the UAE following a growing awareness among the people as well as the surging construction sector. The strict government regulations related to general fire safety have also played a key role in this regard as more than 60 per cent of the villas across the country have already been equipped with fire-detecting systems and the rest will be covered by the end of the first half of this year.
The fire detection and alarm systems market in UAE has registered strong growth in the past years and it is expected to grow at a compound aggregate growth rate (CAGR) of 2.1 per cent during 2020 to 2026 as against 1.6 per cent between 2015 and 2019, according to 6Wresearch report.
Smoke detectors are the largest contributor to the UAE fire detectors market. New fire safety guidelines have made it compulsory for every household to install smoke alarm systems this, in turn, would fuel the demand for alarm systems in the country during the forecast period, the report said.
A growing market
The fire safety systems and equipment market in the Middle East region grew moderately in the past years. However, a few countries in the region such as UAE and Qatar, witnessed substantial growth as the construction sector in these countries was undergoing a phase of rapid expansion on the back of major events that were held in these countries.
The Middle East’s fire safety and equipment market revenues are projected to hit $2.16 billion this year compared to $2 billion in 2023, according to a report. The market will continue to sustain steady growth and may rise to $2.24 billion and $2.32 billion in 2025 and 2026, respectively, amid rising awareness
FIRE SAFETY SYSTEM
Fire Fighting Systems & Equipment
Market includes fire suppression systems, fire extinguishers, and fire sprinklers
Fire Detection & Alarm Systems comprising control panels, detectors, aspiration, and control panel accessories
Emergency and Exit Lighting Systems include self contained systems, central battery systems, and self contained monitoring
about the safety and security of residential units in the region.
Public awareness Public education and civic responsibility, along with compliance with fire safety codes, are key to making the UAE one of the safest countries in the world.
The government is undertaking all necessary measures to improve fire safety regulations, especially for villas and high-rise buildings in the country. It is mandatory to install fire safety systems and equipment in all the villas, townhouses and residential units for the safety of the people. As a result of these fire safety measures and awareness, there is a decrease in fire incidents as mentioned by the Ministry of Interiors in a
report saying civil defence teams responded to 2,473 fire incidents last year compared to 3,000 in 2022. Most incidents were reported in residential areas, with homes accounting for 1,636 fires, up from 1,385 the year before.
Fire safety is mandatory
To make homes safer from fires, the UAE has introduced a new rule that requires better fire safety measures in residential buildings. The UAE Cabinet has mandated the installation of Hassantuk systems in all existing and underconstruction residential villas from January 1, 2024. Now, the installation of fire alarms has become mandatory for all homeowners in the UAE, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents.
The UAE is known for its commitment to safety and security, particularly when it comes to residential properties. Fire safety alarms for villas are a common feature in many homes in the UAE, providing residents with peace of mind and added protection against potential threats.
These safety alarms in UAE villas also play a crucial role in safeguarding residents against other dangers, such as carbon monoxide poisoning. Many alarm systems are equipped with sensors that can detect smoke, heat, or dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, triggering an alert to residents and emergency services if necessary. This early warning system can make all the difference in ensuring the safety of residents and mitigating potential damage to the property.
VELOX LIFE SAFETY & ATEIS MIDDLE EAST INNOVATIVE FIRE DETECTION AND ALARM SOLUTIONS
Born and growing in Dubai, VELOX brand of smart fire detection and alarm system, is now exporting to more than 35 countries across the world.
Latha Krishnan
ATEIS Middle East FZCO started operations in the UAE in 2006 in response to the need of bringing innovation in voice evacuation and public address systems, especially by integrating both systems instead of separate systems, which was the norm till then. ATEIS also brought in the pro-audio public address system with speakers that allow high-end users like malls, buildings, and the Dubai Metro to play hi-fi music as well as mass evacuation commands when necessary. This type of systems is in operation in Burj Al Arab, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Festival City and many other mega projects in the Middle East, Africa and India markets.
“Our innovation was our scientific approach to intelligibility with high audio clarity stemming from exhaustive acoustic testing ahead of each installation. We were the path breakers in this type of systems and now they are the norm in the entire Middle East region,” informs Hussam Al Haddad, Chief Executive Officer, ATEIS Middle East FZCO, and Co-Founder, VELOX Fire Detection and Alarm Systems. In 2011, ATEIS voice evacuation and public address systems were first integrated with fire alarm systems to enhance life safety. Consequently, we the first factory for fire detection and alarm systems under the brand name VELOX was set up. Born and growing in Dubai, the VELOX brand of smart fire detection and alarm system, is now exporting in more than 35 countries around the world with offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, India, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and brand new factory in Canada catering to North America.
“We
button. After the event, the system automatically reverts to normal. However, in case of a real fire and
VELOX and Dubai Civil Defense joined forces to protect families and properties from the devastating effects of a fire. We have introduced our cutting-edge wireless fire alarm system, installed in just 30 minutes. No drilling! No hassle! And with 10-year battery life, Just call 800 83569 (VELOX) and we will get you protected.”
Hussam Al Haddad, Chief Executive Officer, ATEIS Middle East FZCO, and Co-Founder, VELOX Fire Detection and Alarm Systems
thicker smoke during the interval, the heat detector detects that and reports the fire overriding the Bakhoor mode. This completely new concept, like other VELOX innovations, facilitates ease of use and simple operation.
“Our products are innovative, easy to install and adds value to your property,” says Abanob Samouel, Regional Marketing Manager of VELOX. The informative and well-designed websites of ATEIS and VELOX provides insights about the companies’ products and services thanks to a good Sales and Marketing department with creative strategies and dedication to give the customer the best products and services.
“We have worked with the Ministry and Departments of Civil Defence in the UAE for home life safety projects since 2015, informs Samouel. Different type of product systems is available for villas the Civil Defence has approved, whether they are under construction or already constructed. Both types come with two different types of installation.
“VELOX engineers visit the villa site and advise the owner on what kind of system is appropriate for his home. If the owner wants wired solutions with all the features, that is available for homes under construction. Alternately, the owner of a constructed home can go for the latest wireless systems.
“Smoke and heat detection, wireless, 868-megahertz MESH technology allowing a number of detectors to communicate with each other wirelessly are some of the innovative features of VELOX. “Up to 50 devices can be installed around the house in 30 minutes,” he assures.
“10 years warranty means there is no need of battery changing or service necessary. Every two or three weeks, the owner can test if the system is functioning well by pressing the test button. In case, something is indeed not working, it is easy to reach VELOX by calling toll free 800 83569. A VELOX service technician will reach in the shortest time possible to set it right,” adds Al Haddad.
Also featuring patented new technology called Thermal Optical Detection, allows the VELOX system to detect the heat of the smoke and recognise the source as dangerous or not and avoid false alarms. A small 10cmX10 cm panel fixed on the wall controls the entire system. An innovative feature button called ‘Auto- Locate’, pressed during a fire incident when all the detectors are ringing, shuts down all but the one nearest to the actual fire. The TRA-approved 868-megahertz frequency does not interfere with other wireless devices like garage door or baby monitor, in the home. Detection of Carbon monoxide emission is optional in some systems.
If the villa already has an older VELOX or other manufacturer’s fire alarm system, VELOX technicians can diagnose and update the system. They can also backward update VELOX firmware. The Open Protocol concept that VELOX has been pioneering since 2011 allows owners to mix and match devices, even nonVELOX systems that work seamlessly.
“We have both men and women technicians to install advanced fire detection and alarm systems in villas. Our competent installation and services will ensure peace of mind to all our customers, who can be confident that VELOX systems, similar to theirs, are installed in several prestigious malls, hotels and iconic buildings in the UAE.”
“We will continue our pursuit for perfection and innovation and support all Civil Defence initiatives. The new rule of installing mandatory fire alarm systems in villas, is a natural evolution to the Civil Defence’s continuous pursuit of protecting lives and property and is immensely innovative and significant,” Al Haddad emphases.