BIG INITIATIVE: Sharjah Ruler approves Dh100 million to replace fire-risk cladding on 40 buildings

This initiative demonstrates the commitment of the Sharjah government to ensure the safety and security of its citizens and residents. The replacement of the cladding is particularly important as it reduces the risk of fire spreading in high-rise buildings, which can have devastating consequences. “I commend the Sharjah Municipality for taking this proactive approach to ensure the safety of all residents and stakeholders in the emirate, says Ruler of Sharjah”

His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, today approved Dh100 million for replacing fire-risk cladding on 40 buildings, it was announced on the Direct Line programme broadcast on Sharjah TV and Radio.

The programme hosted Engineer Khalifa bin Hada Al Suwaidi, director of technical services at Sharjah Municipality, who said the move represents the first phase of the project, which will start this
week and last for six months. In the second phase, 163 more buildings, which are comparatively at
low risk, will be covered. All these buildings are above seven floors high.

In fire safety terms, a cladding can be dangerous if the cladding in question contains combustible material such as expanded polystyrene (EPS) or polyurethane (PUR). When such material is
exposed to a fire, the flames can spread to the exteriors of the building.

Aluminium panels consist of two layers. The material’s core typically consists of a mineral-based material, polyethylene or both and the material has differing resistances to fire.