Dubai Building Code (2021)

Dubai Building Code

Part B: Architecture

B 111

B.9.5

Restaurants and food facilities

B.9.5.1.1 General

The requirements in this subsection apply to the following spaces:
a) restaurants;
b) food services and beverage sales outlets such as:

1)  coffee shops;
2)  juice serving outlets;
3)  grocery shops;
4)  farm and fruit slate outlets;
5)  sweet refreshment;
6)

flour mills;

7)  roasters;
8)  frozen and chilled cold stores for food facilities storage;
9)  bakeries and pastries;
10)  retail supermarkets; and
11)  sea food sales outlets.

Spaces shall be equipped with the necessary sanitary, health and safety facilities and

minimum kitchen areas in accordance with health and safety requirements issued

by DM, General Conditions for Licensing of Food Establishments

[Ref. B.55]

B.9.5.1.2 Food preparation

Food preparation areas shall be designed based on the food and beverage items

to be offered and the flow of food between the preparation area and the diner.

The design process in PD ISO/TS 22002-2 shall be followed to control the

operational conditions within a food establishment and to promote environmental

conditions that are favourable for the production of safe food.
Operator brand standards (e.g. hotels, schools) shall be followed where applicable.

Food preparation areas in healthcare facilities shall conform to the DHA regulations

and guidelines

[Ref. B.3 to Ref. B.18]

The intersection between the walls, the floors and the ceiling shall be sealed and

rounded to facilitate the cleaning process.

B.9.5.1.3 Kitchen requirements

The floors, walls and ceilings of kitchens shall be made of a smooth material that is

non-absorbent, non-combustible, non-toxic, crack-free and easily cleaned.

Floors shall be hard-surfaced, non-absorbent and drained. They shall be constructed

with waterproof, non-absorbent washable materials without fissures or crevices.
Wall finishes shall be smooth, waterproof, resistant to fracture, light-coloured and

readily cleanable.
Working surfaces for preparation of food shall be manufactured from stainless steel

or other approved impervious material to facilitate cleaning and maintenance of

hygienic conditions.

Gas supplies shall be in accordance with Ch. 11 of UAE FLSC

[Ref. B.1]

Kitchen hoods and associated kitchen extract ductwork shall be provided to all areas

involving cooking activities, i.e. stoves, gas rings, tandoors, etc.

Dubai Building Code

Part B: Architecture

B 112

Kitchen hoods and associated kitchen extract duct work shall be designed and

installed in accordance with

H.4.12.15

and UAE FLSC

[Ref. B.1]

Chimneys installed in bakeries, restaurants and roasteries shall be located on the rear

side of the plot, or inside shafts and ducts.
The position, height and ventilation of chimneys shall be determined in accordance

with

H.4.12.18

Cold stores and freezers doors shall be openable from both sides. Safety releases

shall be provided on the insides of doors to avoid risk of accidental entrapment.

B.9.6

Educational facilities

B.9.6.1

General requirements

The requirements in this subsection apply to all educational facilities.
Educational facilities shall be located in designated plots in accordance with the

affection plan, land use classification and DCRs. Building heights and number of

floors allowed shall conform to planning regulations.
Educational buildings shall be designed in accordance with the DM PH&SD guides

[Ref. B.49, Ref. B.50]

Educational facilities shall meet the following requirements.
a) Daylighting provisions and acoustical treatment shall be prioritized for classrooms

and teaching spaces.

Educational facilities shall be equipped with a health clinic conforming to DHA

school clinic regulations

[Ref. B.9]

Facilities shall include rooms for management staff, teachers, administrators and

supervisors, and waiting areas for parents. The areas of these rooms shall be

suitable for the number of staff in the facility.

d) The number of students permitted in each classroom shall be determined in

accordance with DM planning guidelines for public amenities

[Ref. B.56]

and the

Ministry of Education requirements.

e) Segregation of vehicular and pedestrian movement shall be provided inside the

facility to avoid intersection with movement of students to and from the facility’s

buildings. Bus pick-up and drop-off areas shall be located in a safe area, away

from vehicular traffic, for student circulation.

f) Separate parking areas should be provided for school buses and cars
g)

Sanitary requirements for students shall be based on the fixture dimensions

defined in

C.8.3.4.4

and the reach ranges defined in

C.5.7.3

B.9.6.2

Schools

Natural and artificial lighting shall be configured to avoid glare on vertical writing

surfaces and on students’ desks. For window orientation, it is preferable that window

openings face the left side of classrooms.
The school shall have a library, with adequate area to accommodate the number

of students in the school.
The school shall include sports courts according to the requirements applied

by the Ministry of Education.
The school shall have at least one canteen or dining hall. The canteen shall

be of an adequate size to serve the students.
The school shall have adequate number of laboratories, computer rooms,

and activities hall (multipurpose hall or auditorium).

School shall have allocated area for playing fields and open spaces. These areas

should not be less than 200% of the area allocated to classrooms, with 30% of these

spaces shaded. A mast for the flag should be provided.
First grade student classrooms shall be located on the ground floor.

Dubai Building Code

Part B: Architecture

B 113

Laboratory facilities shall be distanced from classroom areas.
Laboratories shall be provided with sufficient means of exhaust systems when the

facility is planned to be used for conducting chemical experiments.
Stairways for regular use by school students shall conform to B.6.4.1.6.

Minimum fire separation and egress requirements for schools are provided in Section

5.3.2, Ch. 3 of UAE FLSC

[Ref. B.1]

B.9.6.3

Kindergartens

Kindergartens shall have playgrounds and open space of an area not less than 200%

of the area allocated to classrooms. At least 30% of this area shall be shaded. Part of

this area shall be planted and part of it shall be provided with sand/playground areas.

Play equipment and recreational facilities shall be provided for children.

Kindergartens shall have at least one canteen and a multipurpose hall. The canteen

shall be of an adequate size to serve the students and shall conform to health and

safety requirements

[Ref. B.50, Ref. B.55]

Kindergarten classrooms shall be provided at ground level only.
Minimum fire separation and egress requirements for kindergartens are provided

in Section 5.3.1, Ch. 3 of UAE FLSC

[Ref. B.1]

B.9.6.4

Nurseries

The clear distance between beds in the nursery rooms shall be not less than

1,000 mm.
Nurseries shall be provided with a large shaded and planted playground including

a sand pit, covering an area that is suitable in proportion to the number of children

enrolled, with a minimum area of 0.6 m

per child

Nurseries shall be located at the ground level only.

Minimum fire separation and egress requirements for nurseries are provided

in Section 5.3.1, Ch. 3 of UAE FLSC

[Ref. B.1]

B.9.7

Residential buildings

B.9.7.1

Apartment buildings

Apartment buildings shall be located in designated plots in accordance with the

affection plan, land use classification and DCRs.
Minimum fire separation and egress requirements for apartment buildings are

provided in Section 5.5.1, Ch. 3 of UAE FLSC

[Ref. B.1]

All dwelling units in apartments shall be separated by 1 h fire resisting construction

as required by Table 1.9, Ch. 1 of UAE FLSC

[Ref. B.1]

B.9.7.2

Labour accommodation

B.9.7.2.1 General building requirements

Labour accommodation shall be located in designated plots in accordance with the

affection plan, land use classification and DCRs.
Labour accommodation shall be constructed from permanent use, durable and

sustainable materials. Temporary installations shall not be used.
The accommodation buildings shall be separated from kitchens, workshops and

stores in accordance with UAE FLSC

[Ref. B.1]

Prayer rooms shall be provided in accordance with B.8.3.3. Prayer rooms shall be

accessible to all occupants, with proximity to other communal amenities.
All residential rooms, kitchens, dining rooms and halls shall be provided with

ventilation and air conditioning according to

H.4

Minimum fire separation and egress requirements for labour accommodation are

provided in Section 5.5.3, Ch. 3 of UAE FLSC

[Ref. B.1]

Dubai Building Code

Part B: Architecture

B 114

B.9.7.2.2 Labour accommodation rooms

The number of workers in each room shall not exceed 8 workers.
A supervisor’s room shall be provided for every 40 labourers. The room shall include

separate sanitary facilities for the supervisor.
Doors to rooms shall not open directly into the road or sikka. The building’s main

entrance shall be accessible within plot limits.
If double-deck bunks are used, the clear distance between the lower and upper bunk

shall be not less than 0.9 m. Triple-deck bunks shall not be used.

Toilets and bathroom blocks shall be provided with all necessary fixtures. Water tanks

shall be covered with sun protection to provide room temperature water in summer.

All sleeping units in labour accommodation shall be separated by 1 h fire resisting

construction as required by Table 1.9, Ch. 1 of UAE FLSC

[Ref. B.1]

B.9.7.2.3 Labour accommodation amenities

Labour accommodation amenities shall meet the following requirements.

a) Multipurpose halls (dining and TV) shall have areas proportionate to the number

of workers, accommodating at least 30% of building occupants at a single time.

These halls shall be provided with furniture and equipment for its intended

purpose, as follows.
1) An adequately sized kitchen shall be provided for food preparation with a total

area not less than one third of the dining hall area. Kitchens shall be located

such that they are accessible to all users on the ground floor of the building.

The dining halls shall be located on the ground floor and connect directly to

the kitchen. The design and furnishings of the kitchen shall meet the general

criteria for licensing food facilities

[Ref. B.55]

Indoor recreational facilities shall occupy not less than 25% of the total net area.

c) Space provisions for each of these amenities shall conform to B.5.1.

d) The travel distance between water fountains shall be not more than 30 m.
e)

A first aid room with an area of not less than 10 m

shall be provided at the rate

of one per thousand workers and at a minimum of one per labour accommodation

building. The room shall conform to the DM PH&SD guidelines for first aid

[Ref. B.42]

f) A room for workers’ equipment shall be provided at the rate of 0.1 m

per worker

and an area of not less than 10 m

g) A laundry tray or tub for every 30 persons shall be provided, along with places

for drying laundry.

B.9.7.3

Staff accommodation

Staff accommodation shall be located in designated plots in accordance with the

affection plan, land use classification and DCRs.

Staff accommodation shall be of permanent construction. Temporary structures shall

not be used.

Each floor for staff accommodation shall be provided with communal kitchen, dining

area, and lounge. The dining and lounge area shall be able to accommodate one third

of the floor occupants at a single time. At least one kitchen and one lounge shall be

provided for every 400 m

of NA. The kitchen area shall be not less than 25 m

Rooms shall be limited to single or double occupancy. Each room shall have an

attached toilet.
Rooms sizes for staff accommodation shall conform to Table B.31.

Room type

Minimum area (m

)

Minimum dimensions (m)

Single occupancy – inclusive of en-suite toilet

2.7

Double occupancy – inclusive of en-suite toilet

2.7

Table B.31 Rooms sizes for staff accommodation

Dubai Building Code

Part B: Architecture

B 115

Minimum fire separation and egress requirements for staff accommodation are

provided in Section 5.5.2, Ch. 3 of UAE FLSC

[Ref. B.1]

All sleeping units in staff accommodation shall be separated by 1 h fire resisting

construction as required by Table 1.9, Ch. 1 of UAE FLSC

[Ref. B.1]

B.9.7.4

Student accommodation

Student accommodation shall be located in designated plots in accordance with

the affection plan, land use classification and DCR.

Rooms sizes for student accommodation shall conform to Table B.32.

The sanitary fixtures numbers specified in Table B.18 shall be provided as a minimum.

Rooms may be provided with separate attached toilets.
Space planning of student accommodation shall take into account safety and security.
Privacy of accommodation shall be provided. Male and female residences shall

be segregated.

Room type

Minimum area (m

)

Minimum dimensions – length

and width of a room (m)

Single occupancy – exclusive of

toilet area

2.4

Shared occupancy – exclusive of

toilet area

5 for each student

2.4

Table B.32 Rooms sizes for student accommodation

B.9.8

Industrial and warehouse facilities

Industrial/factory/workshop and warehouse/storage buildings shall be located

in a designated industrial plot in accordance with the affection plan, land use

classification and DCRs.

Setbacks for industrial and warehouse plots shall conform to affection plans

and DCRs.

Office space within industrial and warehouse buildings shall be provided according

to planning Authority’s allowance and shall be limited to a maximum of 20% of the

total GA.
When the operation of the building expects a large quantity of heavy vehicle access

of more than one trip per 100 m

of GA at peak hour

[Ref. B.40]

, segregated access

points should be provided for light vehicles and heavy vehicles or trucks.
No doors shall open directly into roadway side, except for emergency exit doors,

which shall be set at a minimum of 2 m from the roadway edge. A landing shall

be provided on the exterior side of the exit door at the same height as the door

in accordance with Table 3.1, Ch. 3 of UAE FLSC

[Ref. B.1]

Vehicular entrances shall lead to loading/unloading areas.

Loading and unloading areas may be open to sky or covered. The manoeuvring area

in the loading and unloading areas shall conform to B.7.3 or be based on specialist

traffic and manoeuvring analysis.

The net internal height of any factory/workshop or warehouse/storage shall

be sufficient to support the processes occurring within.

Adequate space shall be provided for staff dining rooms, pantries and changing

facilities, accommodating at least 25% of staff at the same time.

Dubai Building Code

Part B: Architecture

B 118

The plot use shall be limited to motor fuel dispensing facilities and the following

supporting facilities:
a) servicing sales outlets such as fast food refreshments, and convenience stores;
b) worker facilities with sanitary provision and accommodation rooms as necessary;

and

c) visitors’ toilets, prayer rooms and services.

Fuelling facilities on highways shall provide male and female prayer rooms to

accommodate 15% of expected facility users during peak hour.

The width of the driveway between two gas station islands shall be not less than

5.5 m for islands with one pump each, and not less than 8 m for an island with two

pumps, as shown in Figure B.96.

Figure B.96 Fuel station minimum dimensions

Key

01:Two short islands

02: Two long islands

≥

5.5 m

5.65 m

≥

1.2 m

≥

1.2 m

≥

8.0 m

≥

1.2 m

≥

1.2 m

≥

10.0 m

Dubai Building Code

Part B: Architecture

B 119

B.9.10

Healthcare facilities

Healthcare buildings shall be located in a designated plot in accordance with the

affection plan, land use classification and DCRs.
Healthcare buildings, including but not limited to hospitals, outpatients’ facilities,

surgical centres, pharmacies and similar facilities, shall be designed according to DHA

regulations and guidelines

[Ref. B.3 to Ref. B.18]

in addition to laws set out by the

ministry of health and the DCD in UAE FLSC

[Ref. B.1]

Design of healthcare facilities for Dubai Healthcare City Authority shall also follow

the FGI guidelines

[Ref. B.56]

The following requirements shall be met in the design of healthcare facilities.
a) The healthcare facility shall be designed ensuring independent access, amenities

and building service systems. The same requirements apply to facilities located

within mixed-use buildings and malls.

b) Prayer rooms shall be provided in healthcare facilities in accordance with B.8.3.3.
c) Privacy of treatment facilities and segregation of men and women shall be

provided.

B.9.11

Hotel establishments

Hotels establishments should adhere to the classification criteria set by the

Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) according to the level

of classification pursued

[Ref. B.19 to Ref. B.36]

Minimum room areas and space provisions shall conform to DTCM requirements

[Ref. B.19 to Ref. B.36]

Minimum fire separation and egress requirements for hotel accommodation

are provided in Section 5.9, Ch. 3 of UAE FLSC

[Ref. B.1]

Hotel suites and standard rooms shall be separated by 1 h fire resisting construction

as required by Table 1.9, Ch. 1 of UAE FLSC

[Ref. B.1]

Hotel apartments shall be separated by 1 h fire resisting construction as required

by Table 1.9, Ch. 1 of UAE FLSC

[Ref. B.1]

B.9.12

Utility buildings

The design of utility buildings, such as substations, waste water treatment plant

and district cooling buildings, shall conform to the minimum requirements

of Ch. 14 of UAE FLSC

[Ref. B.1]

Table 14.1, 5 (viii), Ch. 14 of UAE FLSC

[Ref. B.1]

is amended by DCD to align with

DEWA requirements for access around equipment. Batteries, relay and control panels

and other equipment in the substation shall be arranged such that a minimum

of 1,000 mm exit access width is available between such arrangements or between

equipment and wall.
Detailed requirements for substations are given in

G.7

Dubai Building Code

Part B: Architecture

B 120

B.10 Buildings interaction with outdoor environment

B.10.1

Healthy entrances

To capture particulates from occupant shoes at all regularly used entrance(s)

to the building, one of the following shall be installed:
a) A permanent entryway system, comprised of grilles, grates or slots that allow for

easy cleaning underneath. The system shall be at least the width of the entrance

and 3 m long in the primary direction of travel (sum of indoor and outdoor

length);

b) rollout mats, at least the width of the entrance and 3 m long in the primary

direction of travel (sum of indoor and outdoor length);

c) material manufactured as an entryway walk-off system, at least the width

of the entrance and 3 m long in the primary direction of travel (sum of indoor

and outdoor length).

An example of a healthy entrance is shown in Figure B.97.

Figure B.97

Example of a healthy entrance

2 m

1 m

Dubai Building Code

Part B: Architecture

B 121

B.10.2

Screening of building equipment

All outdoor mechanical equipment, including antennas, rooftop equipment and refuse

storage areas, should be concealed from public view by solid walls, screens, fences,

parapet walls, enclosing structures or landscape.

B.10.3

Building fences and boundary walls

Building fences and boundary walls shall be provided according to each building

or occupancy operational needs and as specified in affection plan or DCR.

When fences are provided, the fence height shall be limited to a maximum of 3 m,

except for utility service buildings. Utility service building fences shall be provided

according to the utility operational requirements.

B.10.4

Smoking areas

Smoking is strictly prohibited in all public areas in accordance with Local Order

No 11 – 2003

[Ref. B.57]

Places where smoking is allowed shall be determined in accordance with the

conditions listed in the Manual of regulating smoking in public places issued by the

Authority

[Ref. B.58]

. This manual defines the public places where smoking is strictly

prohibited and places where smoking is allowed under specific conditions.
Designated smoking areas shall be at least 7.5 m away (see Figure B.98) from

the entrances of the building, doors and operable windows and outdoor air intakes

of ventilation systems.
An annual permit is issued from the competent department of the Authority

for all places where smoking is allowed, upon submission of all required documents

and drawings mentioned in the guideline.

Figure B.98

Illustration of acceptable location of designated smoking area

≥

7.5m

Dubai Building Code

Part B: Architecture

B 122

B.10.5

Landscape and shading

B.10.5.1 Local species

At least 25% of the total planted area within the building plot (see Figure B.99),

including green roofs, shall utilize indigenous plant and tree species, or species that

can adapt to the environment of Dubai.

Figure B.99

Illustration showing ratio of indigenous plants in a provided planted area

Key

01: 25% indigenous plants and trees

02: Total planted area

B.10.5.2 Shading of public access

All pedestrian links within the plot area shall be shaded using materials that have

a solar reflectance index (SRI) equal to or greater than those specified in Table B.33.

Element

Minimum SRI

Steep sloped shading device (slopes steeper than

1:6)

≥29

Flat and low sloped shading device

≥78

Table B.33 SRI requirements

B.10.5.3 Heat island effect reduction - surfaces shading

At least 50% of the hardscape of the development shall achieve at least one of the

following:
a) demonstrate an SRI of at least 33;
b)

use an open grid pavement system (see Figure B.100);

c) be shaded by vegetation;
d)

be shaded by materials with an SRI equal to or greater than those specified

in Table B.33; or

e) be shaded by solar panels.

Dubai Building Code

Part B: Architecture

B 123

B.10.6

Sustainable materials

B.10.6.1 Recycled materials

Based on cost, recycled content (as defined in ISO 14021) shall constitute at least

10% of the total value of the materials in the project. This shall be calculated as

follows:

Value of recycled content = (value of post-consumer recycled content) + half (value of

pre-consumer recycled content)
If only a fraction of a product or material is recycled, then only that percentage

(by weight) can contribute to the recycled content value.
Mechanical, electrical and plumbing components, as well as furniture and specialty

items such as elevators, shall not be included in this calculation. Only materials

permanently installed in the building shall be included.

B.10.6.2 Regional materials

Based on cost, at least 10% of building materials shall have been extracted,

harvested or recovered, as well as manufactured, within 800 km of the project site.
If only a fraction of a product or material is extracted, harvested, or recovered and

manufactured locally, then only that percentage (by weight) can contribute to the

regional value.
Mechanical, electrical and plumbing components as well as furniture and specialty

items such as elevators shall not be included in this calculation. Only materials

permanently installed in the building shall be included.

Figure B.100

Open grid pavement system

Dubai Building Code

Part B: Architecture

B 124

B.10.6.3 Asbestos-containing materials

Asbestos-containing materials shall not be used.

B.10.6.4 Lead or heavy metals containing material

Paints or other materials that might contain a percentage of lead or other heavy

metals that is more than the prescribed limits set by DM, shall not be used, unless

the metal is encapsulated in systems such as a photovoltaic cell. All paints and

materials containing lead or other heavy metals shall be accredited/certified from

Dubai Central Laboratory or any source approved by the Authority.

B.10.6.5 Composite timber products

For composite timber products used in the interior of the building, the percentage of

added urea-formaldehyde resins shall be within the limit prescribed by the Authority.

B.10.6.6

Certified/accredited timber

Based on volume, at least 25% of timber and timber-based products used during

construction, and permanently installed in the building, shall be from a certified/

accredited source, approved by the Authority.

B.10.7

Environmental impact assessment

An environmental impact assessment report (EIAR) and/or an environmental impact

assessment summary (EIAS) shall be submitted to and approved by the environment

department of the Authority in the following cases:
a) industrial buildings;
b) buildings with the potential to generate hazardous or toxic wastes, such as

laboratories, waste recycling or waste treatment facilities;

c) buildings with a marina component;

Figure B.101

Illustration of building types

Key

01: Industrial buildings and treatment facilities

02: Buildings with a marina component

03: Buildings adjacent to protected areas

d) buildings located adjacent to or within protected areas or ecologically sensitive

areas; and

e) buildings requiring an environmental assessment where the relevant Authority

requests it.

Some of the types of buildings that require an environmental assessment are

illustrated in Figure B.101.

The relevant Authorities’ regulations or technical guidelines for the development

of the EIA shall be followed.
Buildings in a development with an approved masterplan shall conform to the

requirements in the approved EIA study and DM environmental clearance or other

relevant Authority’s certificate of environmental compliance as applicable.

Dubai Building Code

Part B: Architecture

B 125

B.11

Wayfinding in buildings

B.11.1

General

When there is a well-designed wayfinding system, people are able to understand

their environment. This provides users with a sense of control and reduces anxiety,

fear and stress.

From the user perspective, the wayfinding process involves four stages as given

in Table B.34.

Stage of process

Description of stage

Orientation

The attempt to determine one’s own location in a physical space in

relation to the chosen destination.

Route decision

The selection of a course of direction to the destination.

Route monitoring

Checking to make sure that the selected route is heading towards to

the destination.

Destination recognition

When the destination is recognized.

Table B.34

Wayfinding process

B.11.2

General requirements

The following requirements and recommendations apply to wayfinding elements,

including visual, acoustic and tactile references.
a) People shall be able to identify their location in a building without walking more

than 70 m in open spaces and 30 m inside buildings.

b) All business and administration buildings shall display the name of the building

in the façade and shall provide a directory adjacent to the entrance which lists

all facilities or services contained in the building. This building directory may

be digital/dynamic or static.

c) Orientation signs to the exit, toilet and select destination or amenities shall

be present at corridor intersections and at every 30 m.

Fire exit access and fire exits shall be identified by exit signs as mandated

by Ch. 5 of UAE FLSC

[Ref. B.1]

e) Visual clutter caused by inappropriately designed or located signage and other

elements in the environment shall be avoided.

f) The environment’s identity shall be clearly and consistently communicated

through the design of graphic elements to increase the users’ recognition during

navigation.

g) Signage should be positioned at key decision-making points on the path of travel.

It should be positioned over the path of travel at a height of not less than 2,100

mm, measured from FFL to the bottom of the sign, and high above head level

in high pedestrian traffic areas. Signage should be positioned to avoid shaded

areas and glare.

h) Information on signs should be kept to a minimum, without duplication.

Complex information should be broken down, beginning with general

information and moving towards more specific information.

i) Standardized nomenclature should be adopted to organize information

in similar environments.

j) Signage should be provided with both English and Arabic text. Arabic,

being the primary language texts, shall be aligned to the right.

Dubai Building Code

Part B: Architecture

B 126

Figure B.102

Position of signs during navigation

Key

01: Route decision

02: Directional sign

03: Route monitoring

< 30 m

B.11.3

Position

Directional signs on a long route should be repeated sequentially starting from

the decision-making point/junction. These serve as confirmation signs and repeater

signs along the route, as shown in Figure B.102.

Signs shall not be located such as to obstruct openings required for light and

ventilation, any required means of egress or any required access.
An exterior sign shall not be located such as to overhang a sidewalk or other

pedestrian walkway unless the vertical distance, measured from the bottom of the

overhanging portion of the sign to the surface of the sidewalk, is at least 2,100 mm.

Dubai Building Code

Part B: Architecture

B 127

Table B.35 Sign types

Wayfinding process

Sign type

Use of the sign

Orientation

Information

Indicates specific locations

within an environment, helping

in understanding.

Route decision and monitoring

Directional

Guides users through

the environment to their

destination.

Recognition

Identity

Displays necessary information

for users to identify a place.

Advice

Advisory and regulatory

Draws attention to objects,

situations or behaviours that

might affect the wellbeing

and convenience of users or

activities in the environment.

B.11.4

Signage types

B.11.4.1 Types

Fire exit access and fire exits shall be identified by exit signs as mandated by Ch. 5 of

UAE FLSC

[Ref. B.1]

Wayfinding signage is classified according to wayfinding processes as shown in

Table B.35.

Figure B.103

Example of a good arrow design

B.11.4.2 Information signs

Information displaying the nearest exit, nearest toilets and the distance to them shall

be displayed at adequate intervals in buildings, but not more than 30 m apart.
All maps presented in open spaces shall be designed with the North in the upper part

and displaying a North symbol.
Maps and directories shall be mounted in entrances to help building occupants to

navigate.
Maps should be easy to understand, without too much information. They shall use

contracted colours and symbols to aid understanding.
A graphic device such as a red star or red target symbol shall be used to indicate the

user’s positioning on the map.

B.11.4.3 Directional signs

Directional signs shall be used to give information to the users about how to reach

their destination.
Arrows shall be designed with the shaft longer than the header stem. The thickness

shall be the same in all arrow lines. Header lines shall have an angle of 45°

(see Figure B.103). Arrow alignment, typology and hierarchy are shown in Table B.36.

Examples of directional signs are given in Figure B.104.

Dubai Building Code

Part B: Architecture

B 128

Hierarchy

Arrows to be aligned on the left

Arrows to be aligned on the right

Top of the sign —

—

Straight up

To the left, then

ahead

To the right, then

ahead

Ahead, then to

the left

Ahead, then to the

right

Go up on the left

Go up on the right

Bottom of the

sign

Turn left

Turn right

Go down on the

left
(to be used

with vertical

transportation

such as stairs or

escalators)

Go down on the

right
(to be used

with vertical

transportation

such as stairs or

escalators)
Go down ahead
(to be used

with vertical

transportation

such as elevators,

stairs or

escalators)

Table B.36 Arrow alignment, typology and hierarchy

Figure B.104

Examples of directional signs with the correct alignment and hierarchy of arrows

Dubai Building Code

Part B: Architecture

B 129

B.11.4.4 Identity signs

Identity signs are intended to identify a destination. They shall meet the following

requirements.
a) All fenced open spaces, such as parks, golf courses and hotels, shall display their

name at the entrance door.

b) All building façades shall display the name of the building as well as the Makani

number.

c) All doorframes shall present information on the service(s) available in the space.

Raised standardized pictograms and text with contrasted colour shall be used

to identify the different services. Signage shall be mounted at a height between

1,200 mm and 1,600 mm on the left of the door.

B.11.4.5 Advisory signs

Advisory signs shall be mounted to indicate safety procedures such as fire escape

routes, no smoking areas and other regulatory information.

Advisory signs such as evacuation plans, required by Ch. 5 of UAE FLSC

[Ref. B.1]

shall be provided.
Advisory signs shall also be placed at rest areas, elevators, access points, etc., to

inform users about giving priority or give way to others (such as the elderly, people

with prams, pregnant women and persons with disabilities).

B.11.4.6 Digital screens

Screens should be matte, with a wide angle of vision and providing a good contrast. In

all instances, screens shall fulfil the following criteria.

a) Whenever installed in walls, screens should be visible at a height between 1,600

mm and 2,000 mm without interfering with the accessible route and with a slight

inclination (15°to 30°).

b) Digital screens should be visible from a distance of not less than 1,000 mm.
c) An interaction space as noted in

Part C

shall be provided in front of the screen.

Dubai Building Code

Part B: Architecture

B 130

Reading distance (m)

Minimum size (mm)

Recommended size (mm)

≥50

170

200

140

180

140

110

0.5

Table B.37 Accessible text according to reading distances

B.11.5

Typography

In public spaces, internationally recognizable icons and signs are preferred instead

of text.
All relevant textual information shall be provided both in Arabic and English.

When numerals are used, at least Arabic numerals shall be displayed.
A sign’s font size should be adjusted according to reading distance, as shown

in Table B.37.

Signs should present chromatic contrast against their background, and between the

texts or icons and the sign background, avoiding reflections.
Long texts should be aligned to the left in Latin languages and to the right in Arabic

language.

For short texts, tactile format shall be used when the sign is located in the hand

interaction space (in vertical parametrics, between 1,250 mm and 1,750 mm; in

horizontal parametrics, between 900 mm and 1,250 mm).

B.11.6

Symbols

Standard symbols can be used independently or combined with text, where

appropriate. Text may be incorporated to facilitate the understanding of less

established symbols.

For short text, symbols shall be placed as a prefix to the description in text.
Examples of symbols are given in Figure B.105.

Figure B.105

Examples of symbols

(a) Toilet

(d) Telephone

(g) Elevator

(j) Bus

(b) Family toilet

(e) Baby changing/feeding room

(h) Escalator

(k) Coffee shop

(f) First aid

(i) Taxi

(l) Restaurant

Dubai Building Code

Part C: Accessibility

C 3

C.2

Definitions

C.2.1

Terms

Access aisle:

Clear, level area parallel to a parking space

for people with additional mobility needs to get in or

out of a passenger vehicle.

Accessibility:

Ease of independent approach, entry,

evacuation and/or use of a building and its services

and facilities by all of the building’s potential users,

regardless of disability, age or gender, and with an

assurance of individual health, safety and welfare.

Accessible:

Site, building, facility or portion thereof

that conforms to Part C.

Accessible route:

Route that allows a continuous

and barrier-free movement. Built elements combine

to guarantee that anyone can enter, move, use, exit,

orient themselves and communicate autonomously and

comfortably, both in the public space and around and

inside the buildings.

Ambulant disability:

Disability that is either temporary

or permanent in nature that result in unstable or slow

movement, such that a sufferer is capable of walking

without confinement to a wheelchair or bed, with or

without support of other walking aids.

Assistive listening system (ALS):

Amplification system

utilizing transmitters, receivers and coupling devices

to bypass the acoustical space between a sound

source and a listener by means of induction loop, radio

frequency, infrared or direct-wired equipment.

Bollards:

Vertical posts that separate a pedestrian path

from vehicular traffic.

Characters:

Letters, numbers, punctuation marks and

typographic symbols.

Children’s use:

Design of spaces and elements

specifically for use primarily by people 12 years old and

younger.

Clear width:

Free unobstructed space for access.

Cross-slope:

Slope that is perpendicular to the

direction of travel.

Curb ramp:

Element of an accessible pedestrian route

that connects different levels through inclined planes,

usually between the roadway and the sidewalk.

Detectable warning:

Standardized surface feature built

into or applied to walking surfaces or other elements to

warn of hazards on a circulation route.

Flare:

Sloped surface that flanks a curb ramp and

provides a graded transition between the ramp and the

sidewalk.

Functional limitations:

Restrictions in performing

fundamental physical and mental actions in daily life,

such as mobility (physical) or memory (mental).

Gangway:

Variable-sloped pedestrian walkway that

links a fixed structure or land with a vessel.

Gross area (GA):

Floor area within the inside perimeter

of the exterior walls of a building. The measurement

excludes shafts and courtyards, but includes corridors,

stairways, ramps, closets, base of atria (or similar

voids) and the thickness of interior walls, columns or

other features.

Handrail:

Horizontal or sloping rail intended for

handhold and grasping by hand for guidance or

support.

Interaction space:

Space required by a person to

interact with another person, furniture, appliance,

machine or another item or to transfer from a

wheelchair to a seat or a toilet or to park a pram.

Landing:

Floor area at the top of a flight of stairs or

between two flights of stairs, or a platform or part of a

floor structure at the end of a ramp or at the entrance

to an elevator car.

Light reflectance value (LRV):

Proportion of visible

light reflected by a surface at all wavelengths and

directions when illuminated by a light source, expressed

on a scale of 0 to 100, with a value of 0 for pure black

and a value of 100 for pure white.

Luminance:

Amount of light emitted from a surface or

source in any given direction.

Manifestation:

Clear markings on transparent glazing

to enable occupants to see the glazing as a hazard to

be avoided.

Dubai Building Code

Part C: Accessibility

C 4

Manoeuvring space:

Minimum three-dimensional

space within which it is possible to complete a

manoeuvre to gain access to a specific facility,

component or fitting, in particular while using a

wheelchair or a walking aid.

Mobility aid:

Device used by persons with functional

limitations to assist walking. Examples include canes,

arm crutches and walkers.

Mobility device:

Manual or motorized device used by

persons with functional limitations in their mobility.

Examples include manual and sports wheelchairs,

electric powered wheelchairs, and three and four-

wheeled mobility scooters.

Operable with the elbow:

Range of manual operations

that can be executed:
a) with one hand only;
b) without wrist turning;

c) without finger grip;

d) without very precise psychomotor skills; or
e) with low strength requirements.

Pendulum test value (PTV):

Parameter that provides

information about the slip resistance of a floor surface.

Many floor manufacturers provide a PTV in the

technical specifications of their products.

People of determination:

People with specific needs

or disabilities, who are suffering from a temporary or

permanent, full or partial deficiency or infirmity in their

physical, sensory, mental, communication, educational

or psychological abilities.

Pictogram:

Pictorial symbol that represents activities,

facilities or concepts.

Power-assisted door:

Swinging or sliding door which

opens by reduced activation force on the door-

operating hardware and closes automatically after

the activation force is released and functions with

decreased forces.

Public use:

Availability of interior or exterior rooms,

spaces or elements for use by the public. Public use can

be provided at a building or facility that is privately or

publicly owned.

Ramp:

Inclined solid flat plane that is steeper than 5%

from the horizontal.

Reflectance:

Measure of light reflected in a given

direction by a surface and which is expressed in a unit

term from 0 to 100 scale, respectively, that represents

a grey scale progression from the notional extremes of

total light absorption (black) to total light reflection

(white).

Riser:

Near-vertical element in a set of stairs, forming

the space between one step and the next

Running slope:

Slope that is parallel to the direction of

travel.

Service animal:

Guide dog, signal dog or other animal

individually trained to work or perform tasks for people

of determination and identified with certification,

including (but not limited to):
a) guiding individuals with impaired vision;
b) alerting individuals with impaired hearing to

intruders or sounds;

c)  providing minimal protection or rescue work;
d)  pulling a wheelchair; and
e)  fetching dropped items.

Site:

Plot of land bounded by a plot line or a designated

portion of a public right-of-way. A site can be a single

plot or multiple plots together.

Tactile map:

Map conveying information to people

who are blind or have impaired vision through a raised

surface perceptible by touch.

Tactile surfaces:

Pavements and floors that are

textured surfaces with contrasted colour, which are

perceptible and identifiable by feel or cane or residual

functional vision, that warn or inform people with

visual impairment.

Visual contrast:

Visual perception between one

element of a building and another achieved by colour,

textural or reflectance contrast.

Dubai Building Code

Part C: Accessibility

C 6

C.2.2

Acronyms and abbreviations

ALS

assistive listening system

ADA

Americans with Disability Act

BS EN

British Standard European Norm

Ch.

chapter

DBC

Dubai Building Code

DHA

Dubai Health Authority

FFL

finished floor level

ground floor

gross area

ISO

International Organization for Standardization

LRV

light reflectance value

PTV

pendulum test value

RTA

Roads and Transport Authority

UAE FLSC

UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice

Dubai Building Code

Part C: Accessibility

C 7

Ref. C.5

DUBAI HEALTH AUTHORITY, 2012. Hospital

regulations. UAE: Ministry of Health and Prevention.

Ref. C.6

DUBAI HEALTH AUTHORITY, 2012.

Standards for day surgery centers. Dubai: Dubai Health

Authority.

Ref. C.7

DUBAI HEALTH AUTHORITY, 2012.

Outpatient care facilities regulation.

Ref. C.8

DUBAI HEALTH AUTHORITY, 2012. Clinical

laboratory regulation. Dubai: Dubai Health Authority.

Ref. C.9

DUBAI HEALTH AUTHORITY, 2012.

Diagnostic imaging services regulation. Dubai: Dubai

Health Authority.

Ref. C.10

DUBAI HEALTH AUTHORITY, 2013. Dental

laboratory regulation. Dubai: Dubai Health Authority.

Ref. C.11

DUBAI HEALTH AUTHORITY, 2014. School

clinic regulation. Dubai: Dubai Health Authority.

Ref. C.12

DUBAI HEALTH AUTHORITY, 2016.

Regulation for oncology services. Dubai: Dubai Health

Authority.

Ref. C.13

DUBAI HEALTH AUTHORITY, 2016.

Regulation for optical center and optometry services.

Dubai: Dubai Health Authority.

Ref. C.14

DUBAI HEALTH AUTHORITY, 2013.

Regulation for renal dialysis services. Dubai: Dubai

Health Authority.

Ref. C.15

DUBAI HEALTH AUTHORITY, 2019. DHA

Health facility guidelines – Part C – Access, mobility,

OH&S. Dubai: Dubai Health Authority.

Ref. C.16

ROADS AND TRANSPORT AUTHORITY,

2014. Dubai Access management manual. Dubai:

Roads and Transport Authority.

C.3.2

Dubai Building Code (2021) - page 6