Leading manufacturers of construction equipments highlighted new approaches to safety design and engineering amid risks and security concerns related to combustible facades at the ongoing Windows Doors & Facades show.

More than 300 exhibitors from 64 countries are displaying over 1,000 innovative products at the second edition of the event, which opened yesterday (September 25) at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Speaking at the panel, experts discussed the current approach to fire safety in the region and what is being done to ensure the highest standards are being put into place, said the organisers dmg events Middle East, Asia and North Africa.

The panel discussed the development of the façade industry in light of the growing industry needs and requirements, particularly in terms of fire safety and security of facades following the latest UAE code update, it stated.

The experts urged regional developers to adopt correct engineering principles of fire safety in various phases of building construction - such as design, control of combustible materials and regular audits - to help tackle this menace.

This exhibition is important as it coincides with updating of the Emirates Guidelines to prevent fires and protect lives, Emirates Code 2017, said the organisers.

It is considered the only platform in the region to host awareness seminars on fire risks, as well as the nature and characteristics of combustible construction materials, they added.

At the event, leading industry giants are discussing the best followed international practices in fire safety.

The UAE is keen to apply the best solutions and technological innovations in the field of fire safety and the security of building interfaces," remarked Peter Stephenson, the associate head of fire engineering at BuroHappold.

Dubai has benefitted from its considerable social diversity, which includes people with various expertise that could be used to adopt the best international practices, he added.

Stephenson pointed out that the appropriate and most successful strategy for tacking the fire safety issue is the adoption of the correct engineering principles during the construction stage with focus on areas of design, prevention procedures, risk management and the control of combustible materials, as well as through regular internal and external audits and evacuation plans.

Mohammed Kazi, the director of the exhibition, said many authorities in the region are seeking to adopt the correct fire safety strategies and a group of related international companies are developing new products and solutions, with the aim of reducing the risks caused by combustible interfaces.

The expo, he stated, is a unique opportunity to learn about these trends and solutions, as well as the main experts in this field.

The three-day event is expected to draw more than 8,000 visitors from the Middle East and North Africa, reaching out to real estate developers, investors, consultants, architects and contractors from around the world.-TradeArabia News Service