Sharjah has once again reaffirmed its commitment to public safety and industrial sustainability with the launch of a wide-ranging fire safety campaign targeting its bustling industrial zones. In partnership with the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority, the Sharjah City Municipality and several other government entities have rolled out a campaign titled “The Safety of Industrial Establishments is Everyone’s Responsibility”. This initiative is a timely response to growing concerns about fire hazards in heavily populated industrial areas and is aimed at raising awareness, improving compliance with fire safety codes, and reducing the occurrence of preventable incidents.
A Collaborative Push for Safety
The campaign is a joint effort involving several key authorities including the Sharjah Civil Defence, Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD), Department of Planning and Survey, and the Sharjah Police. Together, these organizations are working on a unified front to monitor and guide industrial entities toward safer practices.
The initiative also symbolizes the spirit of collaboration that has become a hallmark of Sharjah’s governance model—different government agencies coming together with a shared vision to protect lives, property, and the long-term economic health of the Emirate. Through coordinated field inspections, educational workshops, and technical guidance, the campaign aims to reach thousands of business owners, industrial workers, and property managers across Sharjah.
Addressing Fire Hazards at the Grassroots Level
Industrial areas are especially vulnerable to fire risks due to the presence of flammable materials, high electrical usage, and in some cases, substandard storage and construction practices. Recognizing these vulnerabilities, Sharjah’s fire safety campaign addresses multiple facets of risk.
Key focus areas include:
- Improvised and Excessive Storage: Many facilities tend to create unauthorized mezzanines or stack goods beyond permissible limits. The campaign mandates that storage should not exceed 3 meters in buildings without fire suppression systems. This measure is aimed at ensuring better airflow, reducing fire load, and allowing easier access for firefighters during emergencies.
- Maintenance of Fire Systems: All industrial units are now required to install and regularly maintain fire alarm and detection systems. These systems must also be connected directly to the Civil Defence’s emergency response centers to enable instant alerts in case of an incident.
- Evacuation Preparedness: Emergency exits, escape routes, and evacuation signage are critical for minimizing casualties during a fire. As part of the campaign, facilities are being required to maintain at least two emergency exits, display evacuation maps, and ensure escape routes are no narrower than 1.2 meters.
- Chemical Storage Regulations: Industrial zones often store hazardous chemicals, which if not properly managed, could pose explosive risks. The campaign stresses the need for separation of incompatible chemicals and demands that all chemicals be stored according to guidelines provided in their Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). Fire-resistant storage rooms and ventilation systems are now a mandatory requirement for such facilities.
- Electrical and Mechanical Safety: Unauthorized electrical alterations and poor maintenance often contribute to fire incidents. Under the new initiative, only certified technicians are allowed to perform maintenance work. Businesses found using unqualified personnel or ignoring periodic checks are subject to penalties and possible shutdown.
Inspections and Enforcement: From Awareness to Accountability
As part of the campaign’s implementation, special field inspection teams have been deployed across major industrial zones including Al Saja’a, Industrial Area 10, and others. These teams are tasked with evaluating compliance with fire safety codes, educating business owners on best practices, and issuing notices or fines for violations.
In Al Saja’a alone, 155 industrial establishments were recently inspected. The results were revealing—15 companies were fined for non-compliance, 10 were given official warnings, and 90 others were directed to rectify their issues within a set deadline. This balance between enforcement and guidance reflects the campaign’s two-pronged strategy: correction and education.
Field teams are also equipped to provide on-the-spot advice to business owners, distributing printed materials and conducting fire drills and demonstrations to ensure preparedness.
Government Commitment and Funding Support
A major highlight of Sharjah’s ongoing commitment to safety is the government’s recent allocation of AED 100 million towards upgrading fire safety infrastructure. One of the flagship projects funded through this budget is the replacement of all flammable aluminum facades in industrial buildings with fire-resistant materials. This not only improves structural safety but also reduces the risk of fire spreading across multi-story buildings.
Additionally, the Sharjah Civil Defence is investing in advanced fire-fighting equipment, improved response systems, and staff training programs to increase its operational effectiveness. These enhancements are expected to significantly reduce response times and improve outcomes during emergencies.
Business Community Engagement
While the campaign has received strong support from government entities, its success ultimately depends on the active participation of the business community. To encourage engagement, the Sharjah Economic Development Department has started a series of workshops aimed specifically at industrial investors and entrepreneurs.
These sessions cover legal compliance, insurance obligations, emergency planning, and long-term risk management. By involving stakeholders from the outset, the government is fostering a culture of accountability and proactive safety planning across the private sector.
Business owners have generally welcomed the campaign. Many see it as a positive step toward ensuring workplace safety, protecting investments, and avoiding legal complications. Moreover, insurance companies are also aligning their underwriting guidelines to reward businesses that comply with the latest fire safety standards—offering reduced premiums and extended coverage.
A Model for Other Emirates
Sharjah’s fire safety initiative has already caught the attention of neighboring emirates. Its structured approach, comprehensive inspection regime, and stakeholder engagement model could potentially serve as a blueprint for similar campaigns across the UAE.
By prioritizing safety and making it an integral part of urban planning and industrial development, Sharjah is positioning itself as a forward-thinking emirate that values both economic progress and human life.
The Road Ahead
The fire safety campaign is not a one-off initiative—it marks the beginning of a long-term transformation in how industrial safety is viewed and managed in Sharjah. Over the coming months, more rounds of inspections, community seminars, and awareness drives are expected.
Future plans also include the development of a digital compliance monitoring platform that would allow businesses to self-assess their safety practices, upload documentation, and receive guidance without waiting for physical inspections. This digital integration will not only increase transparency but also promote year-round compliance.
Conclusion
Sharjah’s fire safety campaign for industrial areas is a bold and necessary step toward ensuring that the emirate remains safe, sustainable, and prepared for future growth. Through a blend of strict regulation, proactive awareness, and public-private collaboration, the campaign is setting new benchmarks in industrial safety. It is a powerful reminder that safety is not just a regulatory obligation, but a shared responsibility—and in Sharjah, that responsibility is being taken very seriously.
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