Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (ADQCC) Holds Abu Dhabi Standard Technical Committee Meeting for the Fourth Quarter of 2024

The meeting, attended by representatives from 25 government entities, reviewed several technical standards, documents, and manuals aimed at enhancing quality and compliance in Abu Dhabi.
Among the key topics discussed was the adoption of the Abu Dhabi Guidance Manual for the “Sahl” Comprehensive Accessibility Assessment System, presented by the Department of Municipalities and Transport. The manual was prepared by a collaborative working group, including Abu Dhabi City Municipality, Al Ain City Municipality, and the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination. This initiative aims to promote compliance with accessibility regulations, support the rehabilitation of facilities, communities, and public spaces, and standardize accessibility standards within a unified system to meet diverse needs.

This document is a vital tool for fostering an inclusive and accessible environment for all members of society. It enhances compliance with relevant standards, rewards buildings and facilities for meeting accessibility criteria, adds value to assets, and raises awareness of accessibility standards among all users.
The committee also deliberated on the adoption of the Abu Dhabi Technical Standards for Container Reuse in Construction, prepared at the request of the Department of Municipalities and Transport. The working group for this initiative included both government and private entities, such as the Abu Dhabi Civil Defense Authority, Department of Economic Development, Department of Energy, Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, Environment Agency, United Arab Emirates University, Tadweer, Al Ain Distribution Company, Masdar, Abu Dhabi Airports, ADNOC Distribution, Abu Dhabi Ports, Sustainable Water Solutions, and Modon Real Estate.

This technical document provides guidelines for municipalities to approve building license applications involving the use of shipping containers, provided they meet specified technical conditions. It enables consultants, project developers, and owners to incorporate shipping containers into construction projects, either partially or entirely. This initiative contributes to regulating the use of containers across the Emirate and establishes a reference document defining related standards and requirements.
Additionally, the committee approved updates to the Standard Drawings Guideline - Part 1 TR-541, requested by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT). The working group involved DMT, Abu Dhabi City Municipality, Al Ain City Municipality, Al Dhafra City Municipality, the Integrated Transport Center, Abu Dhabi Police General, Department of Economic Development, CRTC Engineering Consultants, and AECOM.

The updates include new standard diagrams of existing bicycle paths, provisions for authorized electric scooter users, and clarification of infrastructure components for bicycles, electric bicycles, and scooters. These updates aim to improve road safety, reduce accidents, and mitigate risks for electric scooter users.
This document supports the implementation of DMT's Administrative Decision No. 21 of 2022, regulating the use of bicycles in Abu Dhabi. It also assists operators and users of electric scooters and bicycles, as well as government agencies, by promoting safety and ensuring compliance with international standards. This, in turn, enhances public trust in mobility services and alleviates traffic congestion.

In conclusion, H.E. Engineer Badr Khamis Al Shemili emphasized the importance of collaboration among government entities to achieve shared goals in enhancing the quality of life in Abu Dhabi. He commended the efforts of the Standard Technical Committee members and reaffirmed ADQCC's commitment to supporting innovation, sustainability, and quality of life through the development of robust technical standards.