May 25th, 2023
by Mohamed Amer

Since establishing its office in Dubai, UAE in early 2020, the International Code Council has actively engaged with key stakeholders to share knowledge and promote its comprehensive suite of building safety solutions.

Recognizing the growing importance of implementing safe, resilient and sustainable building practices, the International Code Council has proactively initiated discussions with Dubai Municipality (DM), an early advocate for such advancements in the region. These engagements aimed to foster collaborative efforts in fulfilling the shared ambition between the two organizations.

Fostering Safe and Innovating Construction in the MENA Region

As a result of a long-standing collaboration between the International Code Council and DM, the two organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote innovative construction practices in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The MENA region is experiencing rapid urbanization and population growth, which has led to an increased demand for such practices.

DM has been working to create a regulatory environment that supports building safety and innovation, while the International Code Council has been providing its services as an independent third party to help meet the demand of the growing market. The MoU between the two organizations is an important step towards promoting building safety in the region and providing a platform for advanced collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

MENA and ICC, Dubai Municipality

Improving Collaborative Efforts

The MoU between the International Code Council and DM encompasses a wide range of collaborative initiatives, including joining efforts in ensuring compliance pathways for the evaluation of innovative building products. Both entities will work together to maintain the highest safety standards for market access.

In addition, the entities will provide support to each other for technical webinars, workshops and training programs which will enable both to jointly develop and deliver educational initiatives aimed at promoting building safety and sustainability.

Notably, DM recently played a significant role in supporting the International Code Council’s inaugural event held in Dubai, where they participated by providing distinguished guests and technical speakers.

SEE RELATED: International Code Council Hosts Successful Workshop for the MENA Region Focused on Innovation and Sustainability 

This collaboration highlights the shared dedication of both organizations in facilitating the safe and successful utilization of innovative building materials, systems and methods in the MENA region. 

The International Code Council is one of the first international organizations to sign an MoU with the local authority in the region since DM’s recent restructuring. It is a testament to the International Code Council’s commitment to promoting global safety standards and regulations and to supporting global initiatives and partnerships to promote safety and sustainability worldwide. 

Interested in staying informed about the International Code Council’s activities in the MENA region, including code updates, compliance procedures, training, sustainability initiatives and more? Sign up for the MENA Building Safety Journal Subscription. 

About the Author
Mohamed Amer
Mohamed Amer works as the regional director of operations for the MENA region with the International Code Council. With over a decade in oil/gas, project management and TIC industries, he leads the Code Council’s operations and business development aspects in the MENA through several engagement levers and demand drivers, to help deploy/lead/facilitate the Code Council’s service lines and actions for new business offerings across the family of solutions spectrum. Amer holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and a master's degree in engineering management, both from the American University of Sharjah.