The Department of Energy – Abu Dhabi (DoE) has successfully completed the Gas Systems Remediation project in buildings with a 100 per cent completion rate. Over 200,000 safe working hours were recorded during the implementation of the programme, which began in August 2023, as part of ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of gas systems across the Emirate.
Dr Saif Saeed Al Qubaisi, Acting Director General of Regulatory Affairs at the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, emphasised that ensuring the safety of Abu Dhabi’s residents, properties, and economy is a top priority for the Department.
Al Qubaisi said: “Safety is a collective effort and a shared responsibility among all stakeholders in this sector. Building owners play a vital role in maintaining the safety and security of the community. We began our inspection and remediation project in August 2023 and have successfully inspected over 3,100 buildings across the Emirate.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the building owners in Abu Dhabi for their significant efforts and cooperation, which enabled us to focus our efforts on achieving a safer, more stable, and more sustainable energy sector for the Emirate.”
The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy revealed the results of the Gas Systems Remediation Project, announcing the successful completion of work on over 2,400 buildings, including more than 200 buildings classified as high-risk, which were addressed urgently. Additionally, 550 previously undetected gas leaks were identified and repaired, and all gas filling lines were relocated outside the buildings, achieving a 100 per cent completion rate. The project also included the replacement of more than 450 gas tanks and control panels, as well as the installation of over 10,000 gas leak detectors inside kitchens.
Eng Ahmed Alsheebani, Executive Director of the Petroleum Products Regulatory Affairs Sector at DoE, said: “Abu Dhabi continues to lead in ensuring the safe use of gas systems, recognising gas as a vital resource that impacts various aspects of daily life and plays a key role, alongside clean and renewable energy sources, in supporting the stability of the energy sector. I urge all Abu Dhabi residents to remain vigilant when dealing with gas; through collective efforts, we will continue to build a safer and more sustainable community.”
Alsheebani extended his appreciation to the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (DED), the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), Abu Dhabi Police, the Abu Dhabi Civil Defense Authority (ADCDA), and the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Center, all of whom contributed effectively to the implementation of this campaign.
According to the Executive Regulations for Gas Works in Buildings, property owners are required to sign an annual maintenance contract with a gas operator permitted by the Department of Energy – Abu Dhabi. They must also undergo regular inspections and maintenance conducted by independent, DoE-approved third-party inspection company.
In addition, property owners must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Department of Energy – Abu Dhabi confirming the safety and operability of their gas systems. This certificate has become a key requirement for obtaining the conformity with preventive safety requirements Certificate (ISTIFAA) from the Abu Dhabi Civil Defense Authority.
