Building security and safety codes in UAE

Ministry of Interior directions

•Parents should have round-the-clock supervision on children in the house especially in locations close to windows and balconies.
•All windows should be locked to ensure the safety of children, especially when the windows are not in use.
•Metal bars should be installed on windows which can prevent children from falling off. The bars should be close to each other in a manner which does not leave any space for children to go between.
•Windows should have shutters that are sturdy enough to endure blows and must not open more than four inches.
•Remove all furniture from locations close to windows.


The recent spate of child deaths from high-rise buildings has sounded the alarm for authorities in the UAE. Two children's deaths in Sharjah within one week this month were tragedies that could have been avoided had the parents taken precautions, said officials.

In a bid to prevent these accidents from happening again, the Higher Committee for Child Protection in the Ministry of Interior announced that it is reviewing building safety and security marks and specifications. The committee is also focusing on the application of the best international security measures and marks to protect children from falling from windows and balconies

Life Safety Code

"Accidents have been reported involving children falling from buildings in the past, but in the last five years, we've strictly implemented a Life Safety Code as well as successful awareness campaigns. As a result, the number of accidents involving children falling from buildings has dropped sharply from one or two accidents per month to one to two every year