Middle East Handbook v2

Middle East
Public Health Handbook
Version 2
(March 2012)
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Preface
The information within this handbook has been collated and assembled by Public
Health Design Consultants currently working in the Gulf Co-operation Council
(GCC) region who believe that it will serve as a supplement to the local design
guides.
The content is based on Public Health Services within the building boundary only; it
is not a definitive guide and is to be used as an aid for Engineers who do not
have day- to-day experience of designing Drainage, Water and Fire services in the
GCC region.
The information contained in the handbook is based on current information and the
best knowledge available at the time of its Launch in October 2011 and subsequent
update in March 2012 and is totally without prejudice.
The information provided within this handbook provides information specific to the
GCC region for those responsible for the design of Public Health Services. It is not
definitive. The authors would recommend that any design work be reviewed and
checked by local Engineering practioners who can advise on any changes that may
have occurred with approval paths and design requirements.
Terrain Fountain Club (Al Khaleej)

Steering Committee
Middle East Public Health Handbook v2 Page 3

Foreword
Following the launch of version 1 of the Terrain Fountain Club, Al Khaleej, Middle
East Public Health handbook it is a pleasure to provide the forward for this edition.
Public Health engineering services is an area in the Middle East that is slowly
developing and generating more awareness within the construction industry.
Polypipe Terrain’s continued collaboration with local Public Health Consultants and
Municipalities is reflected by the constant demand for the handbook from within the
GCC region and globally. The handbook is proving to be a valuable source of
information for all those involved in the design, approval and installation of Public
Health Engineering Services.
Version 2 of the handbook provides additional information and advice on current

authorities, approval processes and local design and installation requirements for
the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.
Each project is unique and the Public Health services information provided in this
document may not be relevant or valid. The project requirements should be
determined with the client and the local authorities in the first instance, Engineers
should exercise their own professional judgment when reviewing the information
contained in the handbook.
Rod Green
Polypipe Gulf Technical Manager

Acknowledgements
The Fountain Club (Al Khaleej) includes a wealth of expertise within its
membership, and a number of members have stepped forward to make valuable
contributions to this handbook.
Terrain Fountain Club (Al Khaleej)

Steering Committee
Graham Humphreys Principal Public Health Engineer Arup

Kim Hunt Associate PH Engineer Mott MacDonald
Keith Perry Principal Public Health Engineer Atkins Global
Reid Donovan Associate Director WSP Middle East
Valuable contributions have also been made by the following in the preparation of
this handbook.
Robert Gregory Senior Technical Director WSP Middle East

Michael Jones Country Manager, Qatar Hoare Lea Qatar LLC
We greatly appreciate the contributions received from all contributors and would
also like to thank the support, advice and contribution received from Dubai
Municipality.

Mission Statement
“The Fountain Club (Al Khaleej) aims to encourage the design

and installation of safe and reliable Public Health systems within
the built environment.
Together, industry experts will continue to promote good

uniformed practices emanating through knowledge sharing, while
educating the benefits of engineered systems to protect the wider
community.”

Contents
1.0 Public Health Design Codes
2.0 Introduction
3.0 United Arab Emirates

3.1 Introduction
3.2 Weather Conditions
3.3 Authorities
3.3.1 Abu Dhabi
3.3.2 Dubai
3.3.3 Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority
3.3.4 Sharjah
3.3.5 Fujairah
3.4 Design Approval Process
3.4.1 Abu Dhabi
3.4.2 Dubai
3.4.3 Jebel Ali Free Zone Authotity
3.4.4 Sharjah
3.4.5 Fujairah
3.5 Accepted Standards and Guidance Documents
3.6 UAE Local Considerations (DOs and DON’Ts)
3.6.1 Soil & Waste Systems
3.6.2 Rain & Storm Water Systems
3.6.3 Domestic Water Services
3.6.4 Gas Services
3.6.5 Fire Protection
3.6.6 Generator Room and Diesel Store
3.6.7 Fire Hydrants
4.0 Qatar
4.1 Introduction
4.3 Authorities
4.6 Qatar Local Considerations (DOs and DON’Ts)
4.6.4 Gas Services
4.6.7 Fire Hydrants
5.0 Kuwait
5.1 Introduction
6.0 Bahrain
6.1 Introduction
6.3 Authorities
6.6 Bahrain Local Considerations (DOs and DON’Ts)
6.6.4 Gas Services
6.6.7 Fire Hydrants
7.0 Oman
7.1 Introduction
7.3 Authorities
7.6 Oman Local Considerations (DOs and DON’Ts)
7.6.4 Gas Services
7.6.7 Fire Hydrants
8.0 Saudi Arabia

8.1 Introduction

1.0 Public Health steady state fluid hydraulic
calculations. The use of water and
Design Codes the waste water produced is anything
but steady and is very random.
Building water and drainage systems A good example of this is the

have been around since the time of difference between the American
the Romans, who understood the International Plumbing Code (IPC)
need for self-cleansing gradients, and the American Uniform Plumbing
water flow velocities and the Code (UPC). Both codes are based
relationship between water and air. on Discharge Fixture Units (DFUs),
Roman engineers designed and built which in some cases differ for a
aqueducts to carry water to, and number of appliances, therefore
waste water away from communal trying to compare relative values is
toilet areas, paving the way for not easy. Tables and charts are then
urbanisation. used to determine pipe sizes, with no
means to determine hydraulic
The principles of drainage have not conditions within the drainage
changed; good drainage systems rely system.
on self-cleansing pipework and are
designed to manage air fluctuations. The European Standards (EN) are
based on Discharge Units (DUs)
During the early development of which differ from the American DFUs.
modern building drainage and water The EN standards incorporate
supply systems, the technical and National Annexes to enable local
analytical equipment to assist requirements to be incorporated into
research was not available. the system design.
National codes were introduced Tables and charts are then used in
based on ‘theoretical assumptions’ conjunction with hydraulic
and ‘what works best’ principles in calculations to determine pipe sizes,
that particular country or region. In flow rates, velocities and, where
the 1900’s the development of fluid necessary, hydraulic mean depths:
mechanics saw further advances in this is not possible with the American
plumbing systems and drainage codes.
principles and design.
In the Middle East, different regions
We now have a number of national have developed local codes or
codes that have been developed to requirements based on local historical
produce the same result, to supply practices that are integral to the
domestic water and convey waste culture of that region. The
water practically, efficiently and safely introduction of external national
to and from the built environment, all codes has created a cocktail of ‘cut
based on different design and and paste’ design and installation
installation criteria. practices that are failing to address
the basic hydraulic principles
There is no ‘right or wrong’ answer as associated with good plumbing and
all the existing codes are based on drainage systems.
probability which is an arguable
science which would require In recent times the Middle East has
extensive research into local habits, seen many complex buildings
customs and predictability. designed and built throughout the
region, creating new challenges for
All the existing codes rely on the use the design and installation of water
of pre-determined tables based on and drainage systems.
To overcome these challenges, local
regulations have developed which
incorporate the national codes of
other countries. This has created
additional problems, such as over
sizing in the belief that problems with
poor supply and drainage will be
mitigated.
Due to the lack of technical analysis

that can define supported guidelines
and a global approach to develop an
International set of plumbing codes,
the design and installation of
Plumbing and drainage systems will
remain an unreliable engineering
process.

2.0 Introduction
This handbook currently covers the UAE. As a living document it is hoped that
Public Health services information for the other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
countries will be included in future versions.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), is a political and economic union of the
Arab states bordering the Persian Gulf, namely Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar,
Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates.

Flag Common Official name Official name Type of government
name (English) (Arabic)
Bahrain Kingdom of Mamlakat al- Absolute Monarchy
Bahrain Ba rayn
Kuwait State of Kuwait Dawlat al-Kuwayt Constitutional Monarchy
Oman Sultanate of Sal anat Um n Absolute Monarchy
Oman
Qatar State of Qatar Dawlat Qa ar Absolute Monarchy
Saudi Kingdom of al-Mamlaka al- Absolute Monarchy
Arabia Saudi Arabia Arabiyya as-
Su diyya
United State of the Dawlat al-Im r t Federal Monarchy
Arab United Arab al-‘Arab yah al- (elective de jure,
Emirates Emirates Mutta idah hereditary de facto
The GCC was created on May, 1981

and the unified economic agreement
between the countries was was
signed on 11 November, 1981
The objectives of the GCC include:
• strengthening ties between their

peoples; and
• formulating similar regulations in
relation to economy, finance,
trade, customs, tourism,
legislation, and administration
• developing scientific and technical
progress between the states
• creating a unified military
presence (Peninsula Shield
Force)
• encouraging cooperation of the
private sector
• establishing a common currency
This GCC has some of the quickest

developing economies in the world,
mostly due to an abundance of oil
and natural gas reserves. The region
has been going through a building
and investment boom backed by
decades of saved oil revenues.
The recent world-wide economic

downturn has affected the area with
weak consumer and investor
confidence undermining long-term
stability.

3.0 United Arab Emirates
3.1 Introduction oil and natural gas deposits.

However, the geographical conditions
The United Arab Emirates has the are not suitable for any other natural
world's seventh largest oil reserves development. The terrain of the
and possesses one of the most country is a mix of horizontal and
developed economies in West Asia. It infertile coastal plains which merges
is currently the 22nd largest economy
into the expanse of desert wastelands
at market exchange rates, and has a
constituting rolling sand dunes.
high per capita gross domestic
product. The country is 14th largest, in The geographical location of the
purchasing power per capita and is country along the southern
classified as a high-income approaches of Hormuz Strait makes
developing economy by the IMF. the place one of the biggest oil export
nations. Jabal Yibir is the highest
The U.A.E. is located along the point of the UAE measuring about
borders of Gulf of Oman and Persian 1,527 metres falling to the Persian
Gulf. More precisely it is in between Gulf at 0 metres.
the country of Saudi Arabia and
Oman. It is one of the most illustrious
Middle East nations. The U.A.E. Straddling the Tropic of Cancer, the
acquires a land area of about 82, 880 UAE is warm and sunny in winter and
square kilometres. The unique aspect hot and humid during the summer
of the Geography of U.A.E. is that months. Winter daytime temperatures
there are no water bodies in the average a very pleasant 26°C,
country. The U.A.E consists of seven although nights can be relatively cool,
Emirates: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, between 12–15°C on the coast, and
Umm Al Quawain, Sharjah, Ras Al less than 5°C in the depths of the
Khaimah and Ajman. desert or high in the mountains. Local
north-westerly winds (Shamal)
The coastal areas of the U.A.E. are
frequently develop during the winter,
usually salt pans which extend further
bringing cooler windy conditions.
inland. Dubai possesses the largest
Summer temperatures are in the mid-
natural harbour an important aspect
40s, but can be higher inland.
of the geography of the U.A.E.
Humidity in coastal areas averages
The U.A.E. enjoys a desert climate, between 50 and 60 per cent, touching
with the temperature usually getting over 90 per cent in summer and
very high. The days are hot and the autumn. Inland it is far less humid.
sun is unrelenting, while the nights
are comparatively cooler. The eastern Rainfall is sparse and intermittent. In
mountainous region of the U.A.E. is most years it rains during the winter
much cooler than the other parts of months, usually in February or March,
the country. Frequent sand and dust but occasionally earlier. Winter rains
storms are a permanent and take the form of short sharp bursts:
unpredictable feature of the U.A.E. localised thunderstorms occasionally
occur during the summer.
Natural resources in the U.A.E. are
very limited. The country boasts rich Some years are totally dry and it is
only through the regular formation of
dew that vegetation and wildlife can
survive.
Table 1 Abu Dhabi Weather Information
Unit Year Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Average temperature °C 27 18 19 23 27 31 33 35 35 33 29 24 21
over 12 years
Average high temperature °C 33 23 24 28 33 38 39 41 41 39 35 30 26
over 12 years
Average low temperature °C 22 13 14 17 21 24 26 29 29 27 23 28 15
over 12 years
Highest recorded temperature °C 47 33 36 41 42 46 47 47 46 45 42 37 32
over 12 years
Lowest recorded temperature °C 5 6 5 9 13 18 21 24 24 19 16 14 8
over 12 years
Average number of days above 32°C days 213 - 1 8 17 30 30 31 31 30 29 8 -
over 12 years
Average number of days above 27°C days 279 5 7 17 27 31 30 31 31 30 31 28 11
over 12 years
Average dew point °C 17 12 12 13 15 18 21 23 24 22 19 17 13
over 11 years
Average number of days with
thunderstorms days 4 1 1 1 1 - - - - - - - -
over 11 years
Average morning relative humidity % 75 81 81 76 72 65 69 69 71 75 79 81 82
over 11 years
Average evening relative humidity % 43 50 50 44 37 32 39 39 44 40 43 46 51
over 12 years
Average wind speed mph 10.0 10.0 11.0 11.0 11.0 12.0 12.0 11.0 11.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 9.0
over 11 years
Average number of days with blowing
dust/sand days 136 7 10 11 10 12 18 23 18 13 6 3 5
over 11 years
Average number of days with vision
obstruction days 220 17 17 20 15 17 23 27 23 21 16 11 13
over 11 years
Source: Weather Reports .com Abu Dhabi average

3.3 Authorities 3. Livable Communities: improving
the quality and connectivity of
This section gives a brief commentary outdoor and indoor spaces
on the government bodies involved in
the design of Public Health Services 4. Precious Water: reducing water
within the construction process and demand and encouraging efficient
the requirement for ‘No Objection distribution and alternative water
Certificates’, NOCs. sources.
3.3.1 Abu Dhabi 5. Resourceful Energy: targeting

energy conservation through
UPC, (Abu Dhabi Urban Planning passive design measures,
Council) reduced demand, energy
efficiency and renewable sources.
UPC is required to obtain NOC
approval for concept and detailed 6. Stewarding Materials: ensuring
master plan. consideration of the ‘whole-of-life’
http://www.upc.gov.ae cycle when selecting and
specifying materials.
Public Health designs are required to
incorporate the Pearl Rating System 7. Innovating Practice: encouraging
for Estidama. Hard copy submissions innovation in building design and
in both English and Arabic are construction to facilitate market
acceptable. and industry transformation.
Estidama, which means It is now mandatory for domestic

‘sustainability’ in Arabic, is the buildings such as villas to achieve a
initiative which will transform Abu minimum 1 Pearl Rating, with
Dhabi into a model of sustainable Government type buildings having to
urbanisation. Its aim is to create more achieve a minimum 2 Pearl Rating.
sustainable communities, cities and
global enterprises and to balance the ADWEA (Abu Dhabi Water &
four pillars of Estidama: Electricity Authority)
environmental, economic, cultural
and social. ADWEA produces, transmits, and
distributes electricity and water to
The Pearl Rating System is organized more than 1.4 million customers in
into seven categories that are Abu Dhabi. It generates electricity in
fundamental to a more sustainable gas-fired power stations located
development. These form the heart of throughout the Emirate. ADWEA also
the Pearl Rating System: maintains and operates transmission
lines at voltages of 400, 220, and 132
1. Integrated Development Process: kV: it distributes electricity to
encouraging cross-disciplinary customers at 33 and 11 kV. The
teamwork to deliver company produces potable water
environmental and quality from desalination plants, where
management throughout the life desalination takes place alongside
of the project. the generation of electricity in
cogeneration stations. ADWEA
2. Natural Systems: conserving, transmits water through trunk mains
preserving and restoring the pipelines and pumping stations. It
region’s critical natural also distributes water to customers in
environments and habitats. remote areas by road tankers.

ADWEA is the head of a group of general metering strategy for
companies which include ADDC, various tenants within any
ADSSC and the RSB, further building.
information can be found at For reviewing the daily water
www.adwea.ae/eng/index demand calculations for the
sizing of both Ground and
ADDC (Abu Dhabi Distribution Roof water storage tanks.
Company ) Incoming water filtration plant
and equipment.
ADDC is a public joint stock company The buildings water pumping
with its main office located in Abu strategy and design.
Dhabi. On 1st January 1999, ADDC
commenced operations distributing Further information relating to ADDC
water and electricity to the consumers can be found at
in the district of Abu Dhabi and the www.addc.ae/enindex.html
Western Region.
ADSSC (Abu Dhabi Sewage
The company distributes and sells Services Company)
water and electricity to around
212,000 billed customers in the ADSSC, a member of the Abu Dhabi
Municipality area of Abu Dhabi. The Water & Electricity Authority
company is responsible for the (ADWEA) group, ADSSC was
distribution of electricity at low voltage previously operated and maintained
of 33 kV and 11 kV, and water by the Municipalities of Abu Dhabi
distribution of 800 mm to 50 mm and Al Ain. The company was
diameter and customer supply established in June 2005 as a public
services. organisation wholly owned by the Abu
Dhabi government.
ADDC' s responsibility is to resume
and implement development, ADSSC’s operating license stipulates
maintenance, and operation of water that it protects the environment,
and electricity distribution systems. It public health and customer interests
also establishes, develops, and by regulating the activities of
amends policies followed in wastewater collection and treatment,
distributing water and electricity and and the safe and sustainable disposal
procedures governing cost effective of end products.
distribution services. In addition,
ADDC is responsible for operating ADSSC’s sewerage networks and
and developing distribution networks, sewage treatment plants service the
starting from production sources to majority of the population of the
consumers, executing extension and Emirate of Abu Dhabi and meet the
augmentation projects to satisfy the needs of local businesses and
mounting residential, agricultural, and industry. They also provide a
industrial demand for water and sustainable supply of non-potable
electricity: it also provides customer water (Treated Sewerage Effluent,
service orientation and utilisation TSE) for irrigation of agricultural and
billing payment alternatives. landscaped areas in the Emirate. The
ADDC’s water department is system is operated in such a manner
responsible for the review and as to prevent environmental impact
approval for only four elements of the and public disturbance.
internal building / development water
services design. These elements are ADSSC is committed to delivering
as follows: reliable sewerage and water
For the location of the main treatment services to Abu Dhabi,
bulk water meter and the improving customer service levels
and simultaneously meeting the review team is responsible for all
increased demand for sewerage and internal systems and external
recycled water. systems up to the building plot
boundary. There are three basic
ADSSC’s drainage department is design packages that are required to
responsible for the review and be submitted, these are as follows:
approval for only the last manhole Storm Water / Surface Water
which is to connect into their main Foul and Waste Water
sewer infrastructure. The manhole Domestic Hot and Cold Water
should be noted FIC (Final Inspection Services
Chamber) on the Engineers’
drawings. ADSSC will review the The only elements of the above
proposed design and construction packages that ADM have no
details of the final manhole along with jurisdiction over are those now
the discharge calculations leading to covered by ADDC Water Department
the peak discharge flow rate in l/s. and ADSSC / PRFD Drainage
Departments, as mentioned and
It should be noted that they have no listed above.
input with regards to storm and
surface water as this is the When now carrying out Public Health
responsibility of another department Designs for Abu Dhabi it is vital that
detailed below. Further information all designs are strictly in accordance
relating to ADSSC can be found at with the recently introduced Uniform
www.adssc.ae Plumbing Code of Abu Dhabi Emirate
and all calculations are produced and
ADM-PRFD (Abu Dhabi formatted as defined and laid out
Municipality – Parks & within this code.
Recreational Facilities Department) Further information can be found at
www.adm.gov.ae
ADM-PRFD is the municipality
department responsible for the GASCO (Abu Dhabi Gas Industries
installation and maintenance of the Ltd)
Abu Dhabi storm water sewer
network, collection, treatment and GASCO is the operating company
disposal of storm water collected from responsible for the processing of
structures and roadways. natural and associated gas from
onshore oil operations in the Emirate
They are also required to review only of Abu Dhabi. They are also
the last sand / silt interceptor and responsible for the design, installation
manhole which is to connect into their and maintenance for the proposed
storm water sewer infrastructure, they Natural Gas infrastructure to be
will review the proposed design and installed throughout Abu Dhabi.
construction details of the final
manhole along with the discharge GASCO have now taken over the
calculations leading to the peak responsibility for reviewing the natural
discharge flow rate in l/s. gas designs for buildings within Abu
Dhabi from ADNOC (Abu Dhabi
No website is as yet available. National Oil Company). The GASCO
website can be found at
ADM (Abu Dhabi Municipality) www.gasco.ae/gasco2007/index
ADM now have a design review and It is important to note that while it is
approval roll for both Public Health & the responsibility of GASCO to review
Mechanical Building Services and comment on all gas designs, final
systems. The ADM Public Health
approval has to be gained form Abu Yas Island for example have private
Dhabi Civil Defense. companies that act under jurisdiction
of the utility company. Full
ADCD (Abu Dhabi Civil Defense) responsibility and approval processes
should be established at an early
ADCD is the organisation responsible stage of the design development.
for reviewing and approving, Fire and
Life Safety Strategy reports and 3.3.2 Dubai
Sprinkler and Fire Protection
systems. Dubai Electricity and Water
Authority (DEWA)
ADCD have the responsibility to also
review LPG systems installation DWEA produces, transmits, and
design and strategy. Any fire fighting distributes electricity and water to
system or LPG system would have to nearly 600,000 customers in Dubai. It
be designed to NFPA Code generates electricity in gas-fired
requirements and ADCD Local power stations located throughout the
requirements over and above NFPA, Emirate. DWEA also maintains and
which would need to be discussed on operates transmission lines at
a ‘case by case’ basis with the voltages of 400 and 132 kV: it
Authority. distributes electricity to customers at
33 and 11 kV. The company
ADCD have stipulated that “no gas produces potable water from
pipe work installations shall be routed desalination plants, where
through a basement area”. It is desalination takes place alongside
required that LPG storage be located the generation of electricity in
externally to the building and riser cogeneration stations. DWEA
pipework be routed on the external transmits water through trunk mains
face of the building. Kitchens pipelines and pumping stations. It
domestic or otherwise must be at also distributes water to customers in
ground level or above and should be remote areas by road tankers.
located so that one wall of the kitchen
is on an external face of the building Further information can be found at
which is provided with an opening www.dwea.gov.ae/
window or balcony door. The point of
entry into a kitchen area should be as Dubai Municipality (DM)
close as possible to the appliances
being served. DM have a design review roll for both
Public Health & Mechanical Building
With discussion and agreement with Services systems. The DM Public
ADCD it may in some cases be Health review team is responsible for
permitted to locate LPG storage on all internal systems and external
the roofs of buildings. If this option is systems up to the building plot
preferred by the design team it is vital boundary. There are three basic
that discussions take place with design packages that are required to
ADCD at early concept stage. be submitted, these are as follows:
Storm Water / Surface Water
There is no website at present for Foul and Waste Water
ADCD. Domestic Hot and Cold Water
Services
Private Companies
When carrying out Public Health
It should be noted that some large Designs for Dubai it is recommended
scale development areas such as that all designs are generally in
Reem Island, Saadiyat Island and
accordance with British and
European Standards. 3.3.6 Fujairah
Further information can be found at Fujairah Electricity and Water

www.dm.gov.ae Authority (FEWA)
Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) Further information can be found at

www.fewa.gov.ae
DCD have recently published a new
code called UAE Fire and Life Safety Fujairah Municipality
Code of Practice.
Further information can be found at
Any company submitting www.fujmun.gov.ae
documentation for NOC must have
evidence of purchasing this
document, therefore anyone 3.4. Design Approval Process
responsible for the design of fire
fighting or LPG systems is required to 3.4.1 Abu Dhabi
purchase this new code.
Design approvals and NOCs needs to
Further information can be found at be gained from the various
www.dcd.gov.ae Authorities previously listed for each
of the Public Health systems. The
process for gaining the required
3.3.3 Jebel Ali Free Zone (Dubai) approvals is by submittal packages
for each system. The information to
Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority be contained and compiled for each
(JAFZA) package needs to be formatted in the
correct manner as expected by each
Further information can be found at of the Authorities. Failure to follow the
www.jafza.ae correct formats will simply result in
the packages being rejected without
Environmental Health & Safety review.
(EHS)
Listed below is a schedule of
information that each approval
3.3.4 Dubai Technology and package should contain and the
Media Free Zone format that is required for each of the
relevant Authorities.
Further information can be found at
www.tecom.ae All the documents below are to be
stamped and signed by the Local
Consultant / Architect of Record who
3.3.5 Sharjah are appointed for each individual
project.
Sharjah Electricity and Water
Authority (SEWA) It is of great importance that drawings
are particular for each service: they
Further information can be found at must be completed separately: for
www.sewa.gov.ae instance Soil & Waste Water
drawings should not contain Storm
Sharjah Municipality Water design information as they are
to be reviewed by different
Further information can be found at departments so all drawings should
www.shjmun.gov.ae/
be prepared from the outset with this submit for approval his shop drawing
in mind. and calculation package. The shop
drawing package cannot be
ADSSC (Abu Dhabi Sewage submitted until the design approval
Services Company) Foul & Waste has been gained.
Water Approval for Final Manhole
Connection
ADDC (Abu Dhabi Distribution
1. Recent Municipality Affection Site Company) Domestic Water
Plan Services Approval
2. Letter of Award
3. Completed Sanitary Fixtures 1. Recent Municipality Affection Site
Calculation Table Plan
4. Drawing Schedule 2. Letter of Award
5. Drainage Connection Point, 3. Completed Sanitary Fixtures
located on drawing by Northing & Calculation Table
Easting 4. Drawing Schedule
6. Architects site plan showing 5. Water Connection Point, located
building plot corners located by on Architects site plan by Northing
Northing and Easting with final and Easting: the Architects’ site
manhole shown and located by plan must also show the building
Northing and Easting plot corners located by Northing
7. Detailed plan and section and Easting
drawings for final manhole and 6. Plan drawings detailing location of
the proposed method of bulk ADDC water meter, water
connection to the ADSSC sewer tank rooms and water storage
network tanks: plant rooms with details
8. Peak Discharge and Flow Rate showing all pumping, water
Calculations. filtration equipment and
arrangements
Drawings forming part of the 7. Schematic drawing of water
submittal package must be formatted system, detailing bulk water meter
and presented as follows: arrangement and tenant water
Architects background to be metering strategy, water filtration
greyed out plant, pumping arrangements,
Drawings to be dedicated size and locations of ground and
drainage drawings only: all roof water storage tanks
other services should be 8. Daily water demand calculations
removed. for sizing of the water storage
Each drawing to have full tanks, it is vital that the demand
legend attached figures used for sizing the water
All revision clouds must be storage tanks are taken from the
removed from drawings tables contained within the ADDC
Architect of Record / Local Water Regulations and/or from
Consultants logo must be the RSB 2009 Water Regulations.
incorporated within drawing 9. ADCD approval document for the
title block. agreed fire water reserve that is to
be provided.
ADSSC will not accept or review
internal to the plot boundary Foul & The drawings provided to form part of
Waste Designs. This is now the sole the design approval must comply with
responsibility of ADM. expected ADDC drawing format as
follows:
The contractor appointed to carry out Architects background to be
the installation will also be required to greyed out
Drawings to be dedicated Storm Water / Surface Water
water services drawings only: Foul and Waste Water
all other services should be Domestic Hot and Cold Water
removed. Services
All water service pipework to
be drawn in heavy black line Each of these system disciplines
for ease of identification should be submitted as totally
All water service risers should independent separate packages.
carry identification tags / Each package should consist of the
numbers that relate back to following documentation:
the schematic drawings 1. A complete Set of Calculations,
Each drawing to have full strictly in accordance with the
legend attached Uniform Plumbing Code of Abu
All revision clouds must be Dhabi Emirate and all calculations
removed from drawings must be produced and formatted
Architect of Record / Local as defined within this code.
Consultants logo must be 2. Drawing Schedule
incorporated within drawing 3. A complete set of plan drawings,
title block internal and external to the
Detailed drawing of water building, up to the plot boundary,
storage tanks must give full or final manhole, or from where a
details of all tank connections service enters into the plot
including manholes, boundary and extends into the
overflows, warning pipes, building.
vents, float valves and float For storm water / surface water,
switches etc. Drawings must each roof area and area of hard
also state water storage tank standing must be hatched out /
sizes and capacities, clearly zoned, each hatched area must
showing and detailing that the contain notes providing the m2
minimum of 300mm freeboard rate and flow rate for each zone
has been provided to any being drained.
given water storage tank. 4. Schematic drawings of the
complete systems, all fixtures and
The contractor appointed to carry out fittings must be shown on the
the installation will also be required to drawings for each floor level, not
submit for approval his shop drawing just branch lines to floor plates.
and calculation package. The shop
drawing package cannot be All drawings must comply with the
submitted until the design approval ADM drawing format as follows:
has been gained. Architects background to be
grayed out
ADM (Abu Dhabi Municipality) Drawings to be dedicated foul
water drainage drawings, or
1. Recent Municipality Affection Site storm water, or domestic
Plan water services only: all other
2. Letter of Award services not related to a
particular package should be
As previously noted ADM are now removed.
responsible for carrying out reviews Toilet / kitchen areas and
for all Public Health internal systems associated architecture and all
and external systems up to the sanitary appliances requiring
buildings plot boundary. There are a drain or water supply to be
three basic design packages that are highlighted in black
required to be submitted, these are All drainage and water supply
as follows: pipework to be drawn in heavy
black line for ease of All revision clouds must be
identification removed from drawings
All drainage stacks and water Architect of Record / Local
risers / droppers should carry Consultants logo must be
identification tags / numbers incorporated within drawing
that relate back to the system title block.
schematic drawings
Each drawing to have full The PRFD will not accept or review
legend attached internal to the plot boundary Storm
All revision clouds must be and Surface Water Designs, this is
removed from drawings now the sole responsibly of ADM.
Architect of Record / Local
Consultants logo must be The contractor appointed to carry out
incorporated within drawing the installation will also be required to
title block. submit for approval his shop drawing
and calculation package. The shop
ADM-PRFD (Abu Dhabi drawing packages cannot be
Municipality – Park & Recreational submitted until the design approval
Facility Department) Storm Water has been gained.
Final Manhole Connection
Approval
1. Recent Municipality Affection Site

Plan
2. Letter of Award
3. Peak Discharge and Flow Rate
Calculation
4. Drawing Schedule
5. Drainage Connection Point,
located on drawing by Northing &
Easting
6. Architects site plan showing
building plot corners located by
Northing and Easting with final
sand trap / silt trap with final
manhole shown and located by
Northing and Easting
7. Detailed plan and section
drawings for final sand trap / silt
trap and manhole and the
proposed method of connection to
the PRFD sewer network.
Drawings forming part of the

submittal package must be formatted
and presented as follows:
Architects background to be
greyed out
Drawings to be dedicated
drainage drawings only: all
other services should be
removed.
Each drawing to have full
legend attached

3.4.2 Dubai 3.4.5 Sharjah - To be developed
DM (Dubai Municipality) 3.4.6 Fujairah - To be developed
1. Recent Municipality Affection Site

Plan
2. Letter of Award
DM are responsible for carrying out

reviews for all Public Health internal
systems and external systems up to
the building plot boundary. There are
three basic design packages that are
required to be submitted, these are
as follows:
Storm Water / Surface Water
Foul & Waste Water
Domestic Hot & Cold Water
Services
Each of these system disciplines

should be submitted as totally
independent separate packages.
Each package should consist of the
following documentation:
1. A complete set of calculations

must be produced.
2. Drawing Schedule
3. A complete set of plan drawings,
internal and external to the
building, up to the plot boundary,
or final manhole, or from where a
service enters into the plot
boundary and extends into the
building.
For storm water / surface water,
each roof area and area of hard
standing must be hatched out /
zoned: each hatched area must
contain notes providing the m2
rate and flow rate for each zone
being drained.
4. Schematic drawings of the
complete systems: all fixtures and
fittings must be shown on the
drawings for each floor level, not
just branch lines to floor plates.
3.4.3 Jebel Ali Free Zone (Dubai)

- To be developed
3.4.4 Dubai Technology and

Media Free Zone - To be
developed
Table 1
Location Standards (Local authority requirements will override

standards)
Abu Dhabi Typical: Abu Dhabi Uniform Plumbing Codes
Drainage ADUPC
Water ADUPC
Fire Services BS5306-1&2, BS 9999:2008, BS EN 12845
2004, NFPA 13,14,20, 24, 25 & 2001
Gas Services BS EN1775, BS6891, NFPA54 & 58
Dubai Typical: CIBSE GUIDE G, IOP DESIGN GUIDE 2002
Drainage BS EN 12056 1-5, BS6465-1, BS EN752-4
Water BS7206, BS EN805-2000, BS EN 806-1-
2000, BS EN 806-2-2005, BS EN 806-3-2006,
BS EN 12056-1-5:2000,
Fire Services BS5306-1&2, BS9999:2008, BS EN 12845
2004, NFPA 13,14,20, 24, 25 & 2001, Dubai
Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice
Jebel Ali Free Zone Typical: CIBSE GUIDE G, IOP DESIGN GUIDE 2002, DM Design
Authority (JAFZA) Notes
2000, BS EN 806-2-2005, BS EN 806-3-2006,
BS EN 12056-1-5:2000,
Fire Services BS5306-1&2, BS9999:2008, BS EN 12845
2004, NFPA 13,14,20, 24, 25 & 2001, Dubai
Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice
Sharjah Typical: CIBSE GUIDE G, IOP DESIGN GUIDE 2002
2000, BS EN 806-2-2005, BS EN 806-3-2006,
BS EN 12056-1-5:2000,
2004, NFPA 13,14,20, 24, 25 & 2001

Fujairah Typical: CIBSE GUIDE G, IOP DESIGN GUIDE 2002
2000, BS EN 806-2-2005, BS EN 806-3-2006,
BS EN 12056-1-5:2000,
2004, NFPA 13,14,20, 24, 25 & 2001

FC1. Abu Dhabi/Dubai NOC
Process Flow Chart

3.6 UAE Local
Considerations (DOs
& DON’Ts)
The designs of soil and waste

systems in the UAE must be
produced in line with the
requirements laid out within table 1.
The following notes provide guidance
to the local code requirements, most
of which are unwritten and only found
out about through experience and
dealings at a local level with the
necessary municipality departments.
Generally the following information
should be considered when Fig 1 Two-stack secondary ventilation
developing the design to facilitate system
final approval.
One of the local requirements is to
Buildings over 7 storeys in height are provide velocity breaks (fig. 3) on
classed as high-rise: soil and waste high- rise stacks at every 3 or 5
stacks should be designed as a floors: this of course will increase the
minimum 150mm diameter, size of any riser shaft, and so this
irrespective of any calculations requirement should be noted and
proving that 100mm diameter stacks allowed for from the concept design
would be adequate; the reason for stage.
this is due to concerns over
workmanship and supervision of
installations.
Typically a three-pipe, soil, waste and

common vent stack is designed (fig.
1), where the WCs and urinals are
connected to the foul stack. The
WHBs, Baths, Showers and kitchen
appliances are connected to the
waste stack. The provision of a
combined vent pipe is acceptable:
with cross ventilation generally at Fig 3 Drainage velocity breaker
every 5th floor. This design practice is
still followed by most of the Local All regions now accept the design
Consultants; however, it is not and installation of a single pipe (fig 2
mandatory. & 2a), combined foul and waste water
The soil and waste water is conveyed system, so there is now a choice
separately to the first manhole. The available to the designer, depending
waste pipework should discharge into on whether grey water recycling is to
the manhole via an external gully form part of the soil and waste
trap. design.

The combined drainage stack should pipes from sump pumps should be
be uniformly sized based on the total run separately to atmosphere.
connected drainage discharge unit
load, with no reduction in size. The approved materials are listed
within the local codes; any non listed
The requirement for branch vent materials should be discussed and
pipes will depend on the pipe length approved with the local Municipality
normally applicable to a single pipe on a project-by-project basis.
system.
The most common material used for
soil and waste installations in the
UAE is PVC-u: HDPE is also
available ex-stock locally, as is cast
Iron, it should be noted that ADM are
now resistant to the use of cast iron.
The Uniformed Plumbing Code of

Abu Dhabi Emirate refers to the use
of schedule 40 pressure pipework
systems (American ASTM
standards); however, ADM have
confirmed that they will accept the
use of PVC-u gravity pipework
Fig 2 Single pipe system systems manufactured to BS EN
standards bearing BSi Kitemark
It is recommended that the local approval. The BS EN range of fittings
municipality is informed at an early are better suited to drainage pipework
stage if an alternative engineered systems than pressure pipe fittings.
single stack system is to be employed
in the design. For below ground systems, material
selection can be a little more difficult.
The water table in many parts of the

GCC is very high and in some cases
can be less than 1m below ground
level. With large scale developments
being built in coastal locations, long
drainage runs can very quickly
become deep below the water table,
PVC-u and HDPE have their
limitations in these conditions due to
water pressure created by the water
table itself: if laid too deep within the
water table the drains are at serious
risk of imploding, even if concrete
surround bedding is specified and
Fig 2a Alternative Engineered Single pipe applied to drainage runs.
system
The following maximum depths for
Automatic Air Vents can be installed drains laid below the water table, to
as an alternative ventilation method. the crown of the pipes are the
recommended guide lines that should
Vents pipes should terminate a be factored in to below ground
minimum 2m above the roof and clear drainage designs.
of mechanical air intake plant. Vent
75 – 160dia, maximum water
pressure = 0.36 Bar, m in water The image below shows the typical
column = 3.6 floor gully arrangement for a domestic
200 - 300dia, maximum water bathroom situation (plate 1). The
pressure = 0.18 Bar, m in water bath, shower, wash hand basin and
column = 1.8 bidet discharge into a back inlet floor
gully.
For drainage runs below these water
table depths the use of materials
such as reinforced GRP, concrete or
clay can be the solution.
All wet areas internal to buildings

must be provided with a back inlet
floor gully to take the discharge from
the associated sanitary fitting within
that particular wet area. Even remote
rooms such as cleaner’s cupboards
or tea points must be fitted with a
back inlet gully. Floor gullies are seen
as a secondary line of defence
against bad smells. The preferred
depth of water seal for floor gullies is
75mm; a minimum depth of seal of
50mm is acceptable where 75mm
cannot be achieved.
Plate 1 Typical bathroom arrangement
The authorities do not like the use of
floor gullies with screwed access at The image below shows the typical
the bottom of the trap; the access is floor gully arrangement for a domestic
usually restricted by support brackets kitchen situation (Plate 2). The sink,
and is not practical. washing machine, dish washer and
other appliances discharge into the
back inlet floor gully.
It is very important that the architects

are made aware of this requirement
for floor gullies to be provided to all
wet areas from the concept stage of
the design, so that gullies can be
coordinated with the floor makeup
and tiled floor finishes. The back inlet
gullies are to be trapped with open
grates or loose covers; this is to aid
drainage from floor mopping and
cleaning processes.
All floors within wet areas, whether
private, domestic or public, are Plate 2 Typical kitchen arrangement
normally tiled surfaces.
No foul water system will be All contractors will try to avoid the use
permitted to pass through a kitchen or of copper waste pipes and fittings, not
pantry area either vertically or only due to the costs involved, but
horizontally at high level. also the need to use what would be
considered as a more highly skilled
In high-rise situations, where work force, and also the need for hot
offsetting of drainage systems is works such as soldering and brazing.
required the offsets must take place
either within a wet area directly below When designing drainage for public
the above wet area, or within toilet blocks with ranges of WCs,
hallways: offsetting of drainage each cubical must be provided with a
systems will not be permitted within floor gully to drain any spillage from
bedrooms or living spaces. the cleansing hand held spray
(douche) associated with the WC.
Another important limitation to The floor gully should be located on
offsetting of drainage systems to be the left hand side of the pan as you
aware of is that if a high-rise tower is are facing it as in the below image
to have a single owner with the (Plate 3)
apartments or offices to be leased out
to tenants, then offsetting will be
permitted, taking into account the
conditions above. This is due to the
landlord needing to have the right of
entry should the tenant be away for
any reason for a extended period of
time to rectify leaking or failed
services. In the case where high-rise
apartments or offices are to be sold,
then offsetting of services within
another owner’s space would
generally not be permitted, as access
is not freely available to anyone other Plate 3 Typical public toilet arrangement
than the owner: should the owner be
away for a extended period of time, If wall hung pans are selected by the
the only means of gaining access by architect then a linear channel could
maintenance staff to rectify any be provided, with just a single outlet
leaking or failed services would be via to minimize holes through the floor
the police. It is also very important slab. The outlets from these floor
that the architect is made aware of drains should be connected to the
this, as it will impact on how the wet waste water system if a dual stack
areas should be located: the wet system has been selected by the
areas should be stacked wherever designer and not to the foul. This is to
possible: thickening of floor slabs eliminate the risk of foul water
could also be required to allow surcharging through the gullies and
containment of waste pipework spilling onto the open floor area,
running to and from the floor gullies. should a blockage occur within the
system upstream of the floor gullies.
Plant room drains typically are
‘channel drains’ as opposed to floor If a combined foul and waste water
gullies. These can be formed as a design is being used, it is advisable to
concrete construction within the slab, connect trapless WC floor gullies
having a floor gully outlet at the being picked up by a float to the
bottom of the channel and a channel trapped back inlet gully associated
grating over. with the wash hand basin range. The

discharge drain from the back inlet prefer a combined treatment plant be
gully would then be run separately to designed for treating both black and
the vertical combined stack and grey water.
connected to the stack via a parallel
branch. This is to limit the risk of foul It is advised to meet with the local
water surcharge through the floor Municipality at early concept stage, to
gullies within the bathroom space. discuss any proposals for treatment
and recycling that may be under
The provision of grease traps to consideration by the designer.
commercial kitchens is mandatory
and the sizing of the grease traps The client will need to obtain a
must be carefully and correctly license to be allowed to operate a
calculated. All grease traps must be grey water recycling plant and will be
of a non-metallic material, such as required to pay a fee. The cost of the
HDPE. The traps must be located license is dependent on the volume of
externally to the kitchen areas. The grey water that is being generated.
use of local grease separators is not The plant will be regularly monitored,
readily accepted: preference would with samples taken to ensure the
be to provide a grease trap room. quality of the water being generated
Any form of chemical dosing of is maintained and is not a health risk
grease traps is not generally to the general public.
accepted, the traps are to be
manually maintained by either the in- Condensate collection and reuse is
house FM Team, or by a specialist acceptable as it is considered as
external company. clean water: no license is required for
the recycling of condensate water,
Where large centralised grease traps which can be used for internal
are required to buildings such as building flushing systems.
hotels, foodcourts, stadia and so on,
the traps should be designed so that 3.6.2 Rain & Storm Water
they can be evacuated by vacuum Systems
tanker via a breeching box, façade
mounted: the location of the Rainfall is very infrequent in the GCC
breeching box should be away from region: for example, the average
any public space and located in a annual rainfall in the UAE is less than
back-of-house space such as a 100mm and occurs on a few days
loading bay area. during the months of October to April.
It is now acceptable to design for grey The basic design criteria for the
water recycling: however the recycled design of rain and storm water
water is only permitted for use for drainage systems is as follows:
open-to-sky external irrigation, or Typically a 1 in 2 year storm
water features within the plot return period is standard for
boundary. It cannot be used roof areas, using a 5 minute
internally to the building for WC and storm duration: this gives a
urinal flushing. rainfall intensity of 75mm/hr.
For roads and paved areas a
As local sustainable requirements 15 minute storm duration is
develop, the use of treated recycled allowed for, giving a rainfall
grey water for WC flushing is intensity of 40mm/hr.
becoming acceptable: however the For roof areas that are
system proposed will be heavily deemed to be sensitive: a 1 in
scrutinised and all the licensing 5 -10 year storm duration can
requirements would have to be be used: this should be
addressed. Municipalities would discussed and agreed with
client and design team at the
concept stage of the project.
It is also worth remembering that the

storm water infrastructure is totally
separate from the foul, so that the
consequences of flooding in the
storm water system due to the design
storm being exceeded is less of a
health hazard than in a combined
system. Due to this fact it is generally Details of how to size and design
considered acceptable to permit sand traps should be discussed and
temporary ponding or surface agreed with the local Municipality.
attenuation of rainfall.
The design and installation of
In Dubai, terrace areas 16 m2 or less siphonic roof drainage systems are
can be discharged into the waste being requested by clients as a
water discharge stack if necessary. preferred option. At present there
would not be any objection from local
Wind blown sand is a particular Municipalities.
feature of the GCC region, causing
sand to accumulate within gutters, The use of siphonic rainwater
channels and against road kerbs. systems should be considered with
Special design consideration should due care. Siphonic systems are
be given to minimise the passage of designed using reduced pipework
sand into the system. Maintenance diameter not laid to falls; this is
of roof outlets and channels is of low required to induce the siphonic
importance and should be taken into action. The systems require regular
consideration. rainfall throughout the year to keep
them free flowing.
To help prevent sand ingress into the
rainwater system from gutters and The client, design team and end user
roof areas, outlets should be located should be made fully aware of the
away from the ends or corners of ongoing regular maintenance
gutters and channels where requirements that a siphonic roof
windblown sand will collect. drainage system in the GCC region
will need to ensure that it will perform
Outlets to gutters and channels can correctly when the rains arrive. This
be raised 25mm above the would include flushing through the
gutter/channel sole, this will help to system 2-3 times a year to remove
prevent sand and silt being washed any sand or silt that would have
or blown into the system. Any collected and be laying in the system
remaining water left behind in the pipework.
gutters or channels after rainfall will
soon evaporate. It is recommended that a
manufacturer registered specialist
All rainwater and storm water out falls contractor should be employed to
must be fitted with sand traps prior to both design and install the siphonic
leaving a plot boundary, and system using a third party accredited
discharging into the external storm analytical design programme based
water infrastructure. on an approved outlet and pipework
system.
All rainwater and storm water

drainage should be drained by gravity
where possible, including discharges not air-conditioned, any wet surface
to the external infrastructure sewers. will dry within minutes.
Pumping of rainwater should be
avoided due to the infrequent rainfall: To cater for the unlikely event of a
if pumping cannot be avoided, careful burst pipe or sprinkler head being set
consideration should be given from off, it is advisable to provide 600mm
concept stage on how to keep the cubed open-grated dry sumps at
pumps primed during the long dry regular intervals throughout the
periods which can be up to 10 or 11 deepest level of the basement to
months of the year. If pumps are not allow for water to be swept to the dry
primed throughout the dry period sumps. The collected water can then
there is a risk that the pumps could be evacuated by means of a portable
be seized when called to work, when pump: any such flooding to the upper
the first rains arrive. basement levels would be swept
There are various ways of keeping down the ramps and intercepted by
pumps primed during the long dry the cut-off channels or to the lowest
summer period: one way, for instance basement level dry sumps, should the
would be to direct condensate and channels be breached.
sprinkler test water to the sumps, if
this is not possible, then the 3.6.3 Domestic Water Services
installation of a water line to any
sump may be required to allow for the The design for domestic water
filling of the sumps on a regular basis services in the GCC region must be
as part of the buildings maintenance produced in line with the
regime, thereby keeping the pumps requirements of the local authorities.
turning over. The follow elements of the water
services design should be detailed on
In most cases, the larger buildings the design drawings.
within the GCC region incorporate 2
or 3 basement levels of car parking, it 1. The location of the main bulk
is not deemed necessary to provide water meter and the general
any form of general surface water metering strategy for various
drainage to the car parking levels tenants within any building
other than the normal cut-off 2. Incoming water filtration plant and
channels located at the top and equipment
bottom of the ramps. The car park 3. The building’s water pumping
floor finishes are normally flat and strategy and design
painted: they are not laid to falls, so
any dripping water from cars will not In addition, the daily water demand
flow but only pool locally to the wet calculations for the sizing of both
car. ground and roof water storage tanks.
Cleaning of the car park floors is
often a manual operation carried out STRATA law is now an important part
by the building maintenance staff. of any mixed use development and
the metering philosophy must be
Car washing is a regular occurrence discussed with the client/developer at
in the region and is carried out at an early stage of the design process
each individual parking bay: it is not to ensure each of the component
normal to provide any dedicated car areas are metered separately.
washing bays unless it is part of the
client brief. There are instances where different
codes have to employed; for example
Due to the air temperature within the the ADUPC does not cover all
basement areas which are generally aspects of design criteria.

One of these exceptions is the
calculation for hot water storage, the
UPC-AD does not have a section that
covers the preferred calculation
method, so the Authority have agreed
that either British Standard or Institute
of Plumbing (IOP) calculations can be
used.
Generally water services design

should incorporate 2-3 days’ water
storage with a gravity down service.
This is a strict code requirement. The
storage is to be split between the Plate 4 Rooftop water storage
basement and roof level, 1 day
storage in the basement and 1 day It has been acceptable in some cases
storage at roof level. If it is required to use a fully boosted cold water
the amount of water storage at roof distribution system with the total
level, in some cases can be required cold water storage at ground
negotiated and reduced to around / basement levels, however this
70% of 1 day’s storage with the option would have to be presented
remaining 30% in the basement / and approved in principle at very
ground tank. It is required that the early concept stage.
cold water down service is supplied
by gravity from the roof tank with the The maximum water pressure to
top 3 floors supplied via booster set. anyone floor plate within a building is
It is not permitted to supply the top 3 2.5 bar, so pipework branches to
floors or any other part of the building each floor plate for high-rise buildings
from the rising main used for filling are required to be provided with
the roof tank. pressure reducing stations at the
lower levels. It should be noted that
The height of the connection to the each pressure reducing valve /
low-level cold water storage tank, station will need to be fitted with a
from the incoming mains water, must normally closed by-pass valve.
not exceed 3m above street level.
On high-rise buildings it is acceptable
Roof top water storage tanks for large to provide intermediate water storage.
buildings should be housed within a One day’s storage should be
temperature controlled plant room provided for the section of the
enclosure and should be fully building that the water tank is serving,
insulated to protect the storage tank with the above- mentioned
from direct sunlight and heat gain. requirements included.
For smaller low-rise buildings and The use of buried water storage tanks
domestic villas it is common practice is not advised due to the high water
to site a fully insulated water storage tables providing a risk of ground
tank in an elevated position directly water flooding into a buried tank.
on a roof top, protected only with a Permission for the use of a buried
simple sunshade as shown in the water tank would need to be gained
image below (plate 4). from the local water undertaker at a
very early stage in the design
process.

It is not permitted to have standing to chill the potable water storage
water in any form of water storage down to around 18-20oC or lower if
tank, therefore the authorities require requested by the client.
fire water storage to be combined
with the domestic water store at the Cooling of the potable water store
lower level(s) to ensure the water can be achieved by circulating the
does not stagnate. water through a plate heat exchanger
fed from the mechanical chilled water
Typically it is a requirement that 25% system: cooling of the potable water
of the fire water storage is store would generally take place over
replenished per day. night when the demand for potable
water is at its lowest point.
Because there are potential
contamination issues for the domestic Due to the high incoming water
water if combined with the fire water temperature and the risk that
tank, the best design solution is to apartments and hotel rooms could be
combine all non-drinking water with unoccupied for a length of time, it is
the fire water, thus keeping the advisable to install copper silver
potable water within its own storage ionization units on the inflow main to
tanks. the potable water storage tanks or
Following recent discussions with the install a chlorine dioxide system.
RSB the term ‘non-potable water’
should be avoided as it could mislead Hot water is usually generated by
one to believe that this is a grey water means of local electric hot water
service. heaters located in the ceiling space of
the bathroom or toilet block. Due to
The potable water storage tanks the cold feed water temperature to
should supply sanitary fittings where the water heaters being so high for
there is a risk of human consumption nine months of the year, the use of
(wash hand basins, sinks, showers local electric water heating is quite
and catering facilities), where as the cost effective due to the reduced
raw or non-drinking water / fire water delta T.
reserve tank would supply WCs and
their associated hand sprays, urinals Electrically generated central hot
and wash down points in plant rooms water systems are generally used for
and bin stores, mechanical plant hotels. The use of solar hot water
makeup, façade cleaning points and plants is also being widely used now
irrigation / water features. in the UAE, with electrical backup
being provided to cater for the few
The majority of the potable water in cloudy days that occur during the
the GCC region is generated by year. There are now local suppliers
desalination plants so the water and installers in the UAE for solar hot
temperature is directly related to the water systems, so the use of solar is
sea or ground water temperatures a strategy well worth considering
well as heat pickup from the ground when designing central hot water
that the infrastructure is contained systems for large projects or
within. individual villas.
When designing systems for hotels Water services must be provided to

and apartment buildings, it is worth prayer room ablution areas in line
considering that during the summer with Islamic design principles: design
months the temperature of the guidance is as follows:
incoming water from the external
infrastructure can be as high as 38- Ablution facilities cannot face within a
40oC, therefore it is common practice 20-degree radius of Mecca (10
degrees either side of a direct line to It is accepted that copper pipework
Mecca). and fittings can be used only where
there is a guaranteed constant flow of
Toilets typically cannot face within a water through the pipework. The
12-degree radius of Mecca (6 parts of the systems where copper
degrees either side of a direct line to can be used have been defined as
Mecca) follows:
The pumped rising main from
Entrance to the prayer room cannot the ground water storage tank
face Mecca up to the intermediate and
roof storage tanks
There cannot be any toilet or ablution The main cold water down-
facilities between the prayer room service droppers from the roof
and the site boundary facing Mecca. or intermediate water storage
It is important that the Architect is tanks
also aware of these requirements The use of infra-red flushing devices
from concept design stage. for urinals, specifically in Abu Dhabi,
is not recommended and in a number
The image below (plate 5) shows a of areas not accepted as they do not
typical layout for Prayer Room foot cater for the Islamic cultural needs for
wash areas. washing. After a person has passed
his water into the urinal, to make the
infra-red device flush the urinal, one
has to step back from the urinal to
make the flush valve operate,
meaning that the man cannot reach
the water to cleanse himself.
The use of either manually operated

turn on/off angle taps or push
operated flushing valves should be
considered as appropriate devices for
the flushing of urinals.
The use of potable water for

mechanical cooling water make-up in
Plate 5 Prayer room foot wash area areas where district cooling water is
not available, will need the written
The use of copper pipework and consent of the local water undertaker
fittings for domestic water services is who will want to be provided with
not recommended. This is due to the justification for the use of potable
aggressive nature of desalinated water.
water. Local experience has shown
that where copper branch pipework to Water undertakers will need to be
floor plates that have been provided with calculations for the
unoccupied for any length of time, the estimated daily amount of potable
desalinated water attacks the copper water that will be consumed, along
tubing causing the water to become with detailed information of the
contaminated and black in colour due associated selected mechanical
to dezincification. plant.
The use of plastics or high grade The local water undertaker NOC
stainless steel is acceptable. letter will need to be inserted as part
of the Water Services Design
Approval package to be submitted.
Without this NOC letter, any submittal
to the Municipality will be rejected. The local authority requirements are
detailed in the ADNOC Distribution
3.6.4 Gas Services Design Guide entitled “Natural Gas in
Buildings”. In addition the Institute of
Gas services are generally designed Gas Managers Design Guides IGEM
in accordance with the NFPA should be used as a point of
requirements, however, Dubai Civil reference for building gas design.
Defence (DCD) have recently
published a new UAE Fire and Life The procedure is to complete the gas
safety code of Practice that is design in line with the above codes
mandatory within the Emirate of and then submit to a third party gas
Dubai. inspection (TPI) company, this must
be a company that is registered by
Although not formally adopted by Abu ADNOC, fees apply to this process.
Dhabi, this new document is being
referred to by ADCD. Once the design has received a TPI
approved stamp then the package
Discussions with DCD and ADCD are can then be issued to ADNOC for
essential at the early stage of the final approval and the NOC.
project.
The responsibility matrix is split
In Abu Dhabi all gas design is under between three project phases/stages:
the jurisdiction of ADNOC and ADCD
and as such all gas design code Conceptual/Tender Design Stage
compliance checks and the issue of
NOC’s are their responsibility. This stage will be the project’s startup
phase, when documents for project
Within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi there tendering have been prepared by
is a mix of natural gas (NG) networks either the owner or the appointed
and stand-alone LPG based SNG consultant.
systems. ANDOC along with GASCO
plan to continue the plan to expand Upon receipt, review and approval of
the existing NG network reducing the the documents, ADNOC Dist. will
onus on LPG based systems in the issue a conceptual design approval
future. letter including recommendation on
the availability of gas supply to serve
Gas Distribution System(s) consist of the development.
pressure regulating stations;
distribution pipelines, mains and gas Detailed Design Stage
services. The Gas Distribution
System distributes natural gas At this stage the final design and
received from Gas Supply Systems to construction documents and drawings
customer Gas Utilization Systems. need to have been finalized by the
appointed gas contractor. Upon
Gas Utilization Systems consist of receipt, review and approval of the
customer meter installations; documents, ADNOC Dist. will issue a
installation pipework, consumer meter design NOC letter. The project owner
installations and utilization is advised not to allow
equipment. commencement of any construction
work related to the gas distribution
ADCD (Abu Dhabi Civil Defence) and system prior to the receipt of the
ADNOC Distribution Design Guides “Design NOC”.
and design codes need to be taken
into consideration.
Pre-commissioning Stage sprinkler systems and NFPA 14 for
standpipe and hose reel systems,
This stage is when the pipework taking into account local
installation has been completed and requirements.
tested ready for commissioning. Upon
receipt, review and approval of the Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) have
documents and after the system has recently published a new UAE Fire
been inspected by Adnoc Dist., a and Life safety code of Practice that
commissioning NOC letter could be is mandatory within the Emirate of
issued. Dubai.
Meetings are also required with Abu Although not formally adopted by Abu
Dhabi Civil Defence, their Dhabi, this new document is being
interpretation of the rules is very referred to by ADCD.
stringent. Nad can be over and above
the ADNOC and IGEM design Until recently a standard NFPA Class
requirements. 3 system was the requirement for all
high- rise buildings: however,
ADCD in general may insist upon the buildings which have or are required
following: to have systems exceeding 15 bar
• Gas pipework must not be working pressure, are now required to
routed through basements, have dedicated risers and pump sets
podiums, underneath for both sprinkler and standpipe
buildings or in common areas risers. Buildings that have a system
of the buildings. below 15 bar working pressure are
• The gas distribution pipe work still required to separate out the
shall not be installed within system risers, but combined sprinkler
the basements areas of and standpipe pump sets are
buildings. acceptable.
if this is the case the gas
distribution pipe work system The Department of Civil Defence is
will have to be installed within the only reference for determining
a purpose service trench, and approving the quantity of fire
within the ground floor water storage / fire water reserve that
structure. Or run at high level is to be allocated for fire fighting
from a level grade or above. purposes.
• NG or SNG gas pipework
routed within buildings must Generally the requirement is for 90
conform to strict ADCD minutes of fire reserve storage. It is
guidelines. advised that designs should meet this
• LPG storage within buildings requirement at early concept stage. It
is not allowed. In this case the has been possible with other projects
LPG storage tanks are to be after direct negotiations with Civil
located ‘off site’ and Defence to reduce this amount to 60
protected, therefore the NFPA minutes, depending on agreement
minimum distance with the overall fire strategy and
requirements from occupied evacuation times, etc for the building /
buildings would be adhered development.
to.
As previously highlighted, it is a
3.6.5 Fire Protection requirement to combine the fire water
reserve with the domestic water
The design for fire protection systems storage; this is to prevent standing
should be based on NFPA 13 for water within the storage tank. Fire
reserves must be completely stored
within the ground / first basement supports and joints could fail, which
level tank. would result in another part of a
building being left unprotected:
The best solution for meeting the containing the fire main within a fire
requirement for combined storage in rated conduit/box is not generally
order to keep the fire reserve turning seen as an acceptable solution.
over is to provide a raw / non-drinking
water supply from a combined fire Four way breeching inlet boxes
reserve tank. mounted within the building façade at
street level are required by Civil
The preferred Civil Defence location Defence: connections from the inlet
for the fire reserve tank and boxes must connect directly to both
associated pump sets is at ground the fire reserve tank and into the
floor level, with direct outside access sprinkler systems upstream of the fire
for fire-fighting appliances. pump sets. This allows the fire
It is possible to locate the fire water department to fill the fire reserve
reserve and pump sets at Basement tanks should there be a mains failure,
1: this will require direct, dedicated and also remotely pressurise the
and protected access for the fire crew sprinkler / wet riser system.
from ground floor level / street level. Civil Defence has no objection to the
This would require Civil Defence provision of dual electric pump sets
agreement and approval. being backed from an emergency
generator for either the sprinkler
The firewater reserve has to be equal system or the standpipe system.
to the maximum pump size x the Hose reel and standpipe cabinets are
duration agreed. The NFPA 13/14 to be of the double stack type, one
are not generally used: therefore, for above the other and contain the
most straightforward office buildings following equipment:
this ends up being a 1000gpm pump
for 60 minutes = 60,000 gallon tank. Top cabinet
25dia x 30mtr First Aid Hose Reel
If designed to the minimum
requirements of NFPA the firewater Lower cabinet
reserve may not meet the required 65dia pressure regulating landing
size, the best advice would be to valve
follow NFPA but then check the tank 65dia x 30m canvas hose rack with
size following the rule above. If the nozzle.
firewater reserve is too small, then 1 CO2 5kg fire extinguisher
increase it to meet the local 1 Dry Power 4kg extinguisher
requirement.
Figure 4 on the following page
The incoming main for filling the provides full details for the required
calculated firewater reserve should double stacked cabinet
be sized to replenish the full firewater
reserve within a maximum time frame
of 8 hours, in accordance with NFPA
20, clause 4.31.3.1.4.
It is also a requirement that no

sprinkler main serving another part of
a building be run through a basement
or car park, even though the car park
and fire main is sprinkler protected.
The reasoning behind this is for fear
that in the event of a car fire, pipe
3.6.6 Generator Room & Diesel
Store Room
Civil Defence used to require a foam

inlet connection to be made within the
building façade at street level to
provide foam protection to the
generator room and diesel store room
via fire tender. This stance has now
changed due to concerns that heavy
traffic could cause delays to the
arrival of the fire tender. Installation
of an automatic foam suppression
system should be provided.
The generator and diesel store rooms

are also required to be provided with
Fig 4. Typical fire cupboard arrangement sprinkler protection.
3.6.7 Fire Hydrants
Civil Defence requires the hydrant

system design and NOC should be
obtained from the relevant
municipality department since fire
hydrants are not within the scope of
their responsibility.
All fire hydrant points must be agreed

and approved with the local authority.
It has been clarified that in the case
where the developer wishes to design
and provide street hydrants he should
comply with international codes.
The fire hydrant water reserve and

associated pump sets must be based
Plate 6. Typical Fire Cupboard
on the requirement to provide 500
GPM (UK) at 4.5 bar (pumping)
storage for not less than 250gpm
(UK) an hour.

4.0 Qatar
4.1 Introduction
Qatar has the world' s largest per rainfall, very high temperatures in
capita production and proven summer and a big difference between
reserves of both oil and natural gas. maximum and minimum
In 2010, Qatar had the world' s temperatures, especially in the inland
highest GDP per capita, while the areas. The coastal areas are slightly
economy grew by 19.40%, the fastest influenced by the Persian Gulf, and
in the world. The main drivers for this have lower maximum, but higher
rapid growth are attributed to ongoing minimum temperatures and a higher
increases in production and exports moisture percentage in the air.
of liquefied natural gas, oil,
petrochemicals and related Summer (June to September) is very
industries. hot with low rainfall. Daily maximum
temperatures can reach 40°C or
With a small citizen population of less more. Winter is cooler with occasional
than 300,000 people, Qatar relies rainfall. Spring and autumn are warm,
heavily on foreign citizens, both for its mostly dry and pleasant, with
protection and generating labour maximum temperatures between
demand. 25°C and 35°C and cooler night
temperatures between 15 and 22°C.
Qatar occupies the small Qatar
peninsula on the northeasterly coast A hot, dust-laden wind, the Shamal,
of the larger Arabian Peninsula. The blows in the spring and summer
Qatari peninsula juts 100 miles period, from March till August; these
(161 km) north into the Persian Gulf winds often cause sandstorms that
from Saudi Arabia. can occur throughout the year,
although they are most common in
Much of the country consists of low the spring. Most rain falls during the
sand covered plains. To the winter months in short, heavy
southeast lies the Khor al Adaid thunderstorms.
(“Inland Sea”), an area of rolling sand
dunes surrounding an inlet of the
Persian Gulf. There are mild winters
and very hot, humid summers.
The highest point in Qatar is Qurayn

Abu al Bawl at 103 metres (338 ft) in
the Jebel Dukhan, an area that also
contains Qatar’s main onshore oil
deposits, while the natural gas fields
lie offshore, to the northwest of the
peninsula.
The climate of Qatar can be

described as a subtropical dry, hot
desert climate with low annual

Table 2 Qatar Weather Information
" #$%&
"
"
" '(%
Source: Weather Reports .com Qatar average

4.3 Authorities Doha Municipality
This section gives a brief commentary The municipality boundary limits of

on the government bodies involved in geographical area bounded Kheraaj
the design of Public Health Services and the girls Valley to the north, the
within the construction process and east borders of the Doha Corniche
the requirement for ‘No Objection and the airport, west along the north
Certificates’, NOC’s. line of the Al Ebb until Thumama in
south, the south administrative
UPDA (The Urban Planning & boundaries are ended after Al
Development Authority) Thumama
The UPDA has been tasked with Official email : info@baladiya.gov.qa

developing a comprehensive scheme
to ensure the achievement of the Sections
highest rate of urban development.
The goals of the Authority include the 1 Director of the Municipality'
s
preparation of an urban plan with the Office
aim of completing the infrastructure 2 Customer Service Office
and development of general utilities in 3 Technical Affairs
Qatar through the establishment of a 4 Public Services Department
long term vision, and to promote large 5 Municipality Control Department
scale urban development projects in 6 Public Affairs Department
the country.
The work of Technical Affairs
Their main objectives are the, Department includes the
Preparation of Urban plans with the following:
aim of completing the infrastructure
and developing the general utilities in • Studying and Reviewing
the country along with establish rules Applications for land development
and regulations of issuance of and compare them with the
building permits, in accordance with approved planning.
urban plans and implementing • Studying and reviewing the
applicable regulations and applications and transactions from
resolutions. the urban perspective in
coordination with the competent
The Ministry overlooks seven (7) department in the ministry.
municipalities which are: Doha, Al • Reviewing the architectural
Rayyan, Al Wakra, Umm Slal, Al design and construction of the
Dhaghayen, Al Khor, Al Thakhira and treatment, and evaluating how the
Al Shamal. Each Municipality, within structural rules and requirements
the limits of geographic borders, adopted are applied.
proposes new policies, programs, • Contributing in the development
plans and decrees and the necessary of designable requirements and
budgets to progress their provinces, drafts for the regulations of
enhance their development and buildings.
upgrade their public facilities in • Issuing building permits, drilling,
coordination with the concerned maintaining, demolition, and the
Departments within the Ministry. certificates of construction
completion.
http://www.baladiya.gov.qa/cui/index. • Issuing ads permits, banners and
dox?siteID=2 posters.
• Participating in inspections of land
and property in the municipal, and

sending reports to the competent • Carrying out inspection within
department of the Ministry. the limit of the municipality
• Doing the inspection within the and the delivery of sites for
limit of the municipality, and the new construction permits.
delivery of sites for new • Designing and implementing
construction permits. limited construction projects of
• Implementing small construction the municipality according to
projects. municipal rules and
regulations in force.
The technical affairs depart consists
of the following sections The Qatar General Organization for
Standards and Metrology was
• Roads and public parking established to produce a set of Qatari
department. Standards for a number of industries,
• Development and building including the construction industry.
permits.
• Areas of support services The Qatar Construction
department. Specifications (QCS), Fourth Edition
was released in 2010, Engineering
The Development and Building offices are required to have a
Permits Section is responsible for controlled copy for reference, the
the following: specifications are mandatory on all
state projects.
• Studying and reviewing land
development requests and http://www.english.mofa.gov.qa/
matching them to the
conditional approved planning QSAS (Qatar Sustainability
• Contributing in the Assessment System)
development of designable
requirements and drafts for Public Health designs are required to
the regulations of buildings. incorporate the necessary
• Reviewing architectural requirements for QSAS. Hard copy
design and construction submissions in English and Arabic
regard the requests for land are acceptable.
development, and estimating QSAS has been developed to
of the application of the rules encourage and promote the design,
and requirements of the construction and operation of
approved building. responsible and sustainable built
• Studying applications for the environments.
issuance of building permits, The assessment system consists of
maintaining, demolition and several categories, criteria and
issuing certificates of measurements that are associated
completion of construction with the following environmental
goals:
• Processing of applications for
licensing advertising, public • The buildings planning shall
signs and posters, for the incorporate urban
purposes of advertising or considerations
publicity outreach. • The buildings development in
• Participating in inspections of relation to the existing site
land and property in the conditions shall be controlled
municipal, and reporting • The buildings depletion of
thereon to the competent fossil energy over its service
department of the Ministry. life shall be controlled

• The buildings impact on the regulating the activities of wastewater
overall water resource shall collection, treatment and the safe and
be controlled sustainable disposal of end products.
• The impact of the buildings
use of materials on the Ashghal’s sewerage networks and
environment shall be sewage treatment plants service the
controlled majority of the population of the state
• The buildings indoor of Qatar and meet the needs of local
environment shall be businesses and industry. They also
controlled provide a sustainable (recycled)
• The buildings cultural and supply of water (TSE) for irrigation of
economic value shall be agricultural and landscaped areas in
maintained or enhanced the state
• The buildings management
and operations plan shall be Ashghal is responsible for reviewing
defined designs for both external to buildings
Foul Water and Storm Water
Design verification will be carried out drainage systems.
in two phases, initial design review
and final design review; this is to Further information relating to
ensure that the initial design Ashghal can be found at their website
submittals are consistent with built located at
environment after the construction
process is complete. http://www.ashghal.gov.qa/
QSAS is performance based with a KAHRAMAA

rating system of -1 to 3. Each score
has a star certification level from 1 to Qatar General Electricity & Water
6. Corporation "KAHRAMAA" was
established in July 2000 to regulate
http://www.qsas.org/ and maintain the supply of electricity
and water.
Ashghal (Formally) Public Works
Authority Drainage Affairs KAHRAMAA focuses on transmission
Department and distribution of water and
electricity. Substantial growth in
Ashghal was established in 2004 Qatar' s urban areas, in conjunction
as an autonomous body to oversee with the expansion of both agriculture
all infrastructures related projects and industry, has led to an enormous
as well as the public amenities of increase in the size and the demands
Qatar. Ashghal is currently placed on the water network and the
developing Qatar' s road network related facilities managed by
system and also improving the KAHRAMAA.
sewage collection and treatment
systems. Adhering to national HSE and WHO
standards, KAHRAMAA distributes in
The Drainage Affairs Department is excess of 260 million gallons of high
responsible for both Foul Water and quality potable drinking water per
Storm Water sewerage networks year.
throughout the state of Qatar,
including there Operation and KAHRAMAA Water sector is
Maintenance and Sewerage Designs, responsible for the review & approval
it protects the environment, public of all external & internal to building
health and customer interests by
water system designs including but Further information and downloads
not limited to, can be found at their website located
at
(1) For the location of the main
bulk water meter & the http://www.moi.gov.qa/site/english/de
general metering strategy for partments/CivilDefence/sections/
various tenants within any
building. Department for Public Gardens
(2) For reviewing the daily water and Landscape
demand calculations for the
sizing of both Ground & Roof The Department for Public Gardens
water storage tanks. and Landscape receives its supply of
(3) Incoming water filtration plant Treated Sewage Effluent from the
& equipment. sewage treatment plant that are
(4) The buildings water pumping owned & operated by Ashghal, the
strategy & design. Department of Public Gardens and
Landscape is responsible for
Further information relating to operation and managing the TSE
KHARAMAA can be found at their supply network throughout the State
website located at of Qatar.
http://www.km.com.qa/ Qatar has been recycling water since

1971 to protect the environment,
Qatar Civil Defence Department conserve its resources and augment
its water supply. TSE is currently
Qatar Civil Defence is the used for landscaping and to grow
organisation responsible for reviewing animal fodder.
and approving designs for Fire
Protection Systems, Fire Alarm and No website is currently available.
Life Safety Systems, Fire Strategy
Reports and internal to building LPG 4.4 Design Approval Process
Gas Designs.
The local engineering consultancy
Other services provided by QCD office is divided into three classes; A,
include, studies of Architectural B and C. For each class, the
designs for all premises, reviews of Engineering Law provides special
safety specifications and follow up requirements, in particular regarding
post construction phase in order to the minimum number of engineers
issue establishment certificates, involved and the scope and value of
qualifies the companies / contractors projects to be conducted.
specialized in installing and The registered class is important as
maintaining fire and life safety all submittals to the authorities is via
systems and issuing permits and a signatory Engineer and the value of
renewals, providing security coverage the project will determine the class of
during state events and ceremonies, signatory that can be used; i.e. A, B
escorting of vehicles carrying or C.
hazardous materials, providing It is common practice for International
specialized long and short term consultants/design and build
training courses, contractors to employ a third party
consultant who is registered to ‘front’
Design approval application forms the design and approval process.
can be downloaded from the QCD
website. Listed below is a schedule of
information that individual design
packages should contain and the that the demand figures used
format that is required for each of the for sizing the water storage
relevant Authorities. tanks are taken from the
tables contained within the
All the documents are to be stamped Kahramaa Water Regulations
& signed by Local Consultant / 9. QCD approval document for
Architect of Record that will need to the agreed fire water reserve
be appointed for each individual that is to be provided
project.
The drawings required to be provided
Separate drawings are required for to form part of the design approval
each service, water supply design, must comply with expected
foul and waste water design, storm
water design, wet fire protection Kahramaa drawing format as follows.
systems and so on, all are reviewed • Architects background to be
by different departments so all greyed out
drawings should be prepared from • Drawings to be dedicated
the outset with this in mind. water services drawings only,
all other services should be
removed.
KAHRAMAA (Qatar General • All water service pipework to
Electricity & Water Corporation) be drawn in heavy black line
Domestic Water Services Approval for ease of identification
• All water service risers should
1. Recent Municipality Affection carry identification tags /
Site Plan numbers that relate back to
2. Letter of Award the schematic drawings
3. Completed Sanitary Facilities • Each drawing to have full
Calculation Table legend attached
4. Drawing Schedule • All revision clouds must be
5. Water Connection Point, removed from drawings
located on Architects site plan • Architect of Record / Local
by Northing & Easting, the Consultants logo must be
Architects site plan must also incorporated within drawing
show the buildings corners title block.
located by Northing & Easting • Detailed drawing of water
6. Plan drawings detailing storage tanks giving full
location of bulk Kahramaa details of all tank connections
water meter, water tank rooms including manholes, overflows
& water storage tanks, plant & warning pipes, vents & float
rooms with details shown of valves & float switches etc,
all pumping & water filtration drawings must also state
equipment & arrangements water storage tank sizes &
7. Schematic drawing of water capacities, clearly showing &
system, detailing bulk water detailing that the minimum of
meter arrangement & tenant 300mm freeboard has been
water metering strategy, water provided to any given water
filtration plant, pumping storage tank.
arrangements, size &
locations of Ground & Roof The contractor appointed to carry out
water storage tanks the installation will also be required to
8. Daily water demand submit for approval his shop drawing
calculations for sizing of the & calculation package once the
water storage tanks, it is vital design submittal package has been

signed off & approved, the shop and central grease traps,
drawing package cannot be complete with sizing
submitted until the design approval calculations
has been gained.
All drawings must comply with
Ashghal (Formally) Public Works expected Ashghal drawing format as
Authority Drainage Affairs follows.
Department, Foul and Storm Water • Architects background to be
Drainage, External and Internal to grayed out
Buildings • Drawings to be dedicated foul
water drainage drawings, or
Foul and Waste Water Drainage storm water only, all other
systems should form a separate services not related to a
package from the Storm Water particular package should be
system. removed.
• Toilet / kitchen areas &
1. Recent Municipality Affection associated Architecture & all
Site Plan sanitary fitments requiring a
2. Letter of Award drain to be highlighted in black
3. Completed Sanitary Facilities • All drainage pipe work to be
Calculation Table drawn in heavy black line for
4. Drawing Schedule ease of identification
5. Plan and Schematic drawings, • All drainage stacks / droppers
schematic drawings need to should carry identification tags
show the complete system / numbers that relate back to
detailing all fixtures and the system schematic
fittings on the drawings for drawings
each floor level, not just • Each drawing to have full
branch lines to floor plates legend attached
6. Drainage Connection Point, • All revision clouds must be
located on drawing by removed from drawings
Northing & Easting • Architect of Record / Local
7. Architects site plan showing Consultants logo must be
building corners located by incorporated within drawing
Northing & Easting with final title block.
manhole shown & located by
Northing & Easting Qatar Civil Defence Department,
8. Detailed plan & section Fire Protection System and Fire
drawings for final Manhole & and Life Safety Strategy.
the proposed method of
connection to the Ashghal The following plans & information are
sewer network required to be submitted to QCD for
9. Peak Discharge & Flow Rate review and approval.
Calculation
10. For storm water / surface
1. Building Plan (Architectural)
water, each roof area and
e.g. site planning, means of
area of hard standing must be
escape, structural fire
hatched out / zoned, with
protection etc
notes added providing the m2
area being drained and run off
flow rate for each area / zone 2. Air-conditioning and
11. Detailed plan & section Mechanical Ventilation Plans
drawings for sand trap / silt e.g. smoke purging system,
traps, petrol / oil interceptors engineered smoke control
system, etc
3. Fire Protection Plans e.g. Fire Protection Plan
sprinkler system, automatic
alarm system, fire hose reels, • 2 sets of hardcopy plans and
wet and dry rising mains, etc 1 softcopy
• Application form
The above must be submitted • Practicing certificate of
as three separate packages consultant
and shall not be submitted as • Sprinkler and fire protection
a package of combined systems hydraulic calculations
drawings / plans • Any other supporting
documentation
Note, upon approval of the fire safety
plans, any subsequent changes Air-conditioning and Mechanical
made to the approved fire safety Ventilation Plans
design shall be followed up with a
submission of amended plans to
• 2 sets of hardcopy plans and
reflect all changes that have taken
1 softcopy
place.
• Practicing certificate of
Types / contents of plan submissions
consultant
must be as follows
• Pressurization staircase
calculations
Building Plan
• Smoke Control calculations
• Any other supporting
• 2 sets of hardcopy plans and documentation
1 softcopy
• Application form Plans to contain site plan and location
• Practicing certificate of plan, the plot boundary limits to be
consultant highlighted in red to show its location
• Occupancy load and exit relative to the neighbouring plots, the
capacity calculations various roads constituting the access
• Unprotected opening layout of the plot to be shown.
calculations
documentation

standards)
Qatar Typical: CIBSE Guide G, IOP Design Guide 2002
2000, BS EN 806-2-2005, BS EN 806-3-2006,
BS EN 12056-1-5:2000,
2004, NFPA 13,14, 20, 24, 25 & 2001

4.6 Qatar Local rainwater has to be contained within
the boundary of the building.
Considerations (DOs
Ground conditions are generally sand
& DON’Ts) rock and there is a relatively high
water table in coastal areas. This
restricts the use of soakaways in
4.6.1 Soil & Waste Systems many cases.
The designs of soil and waste The use of roof attenuation is a viable
systems in Qatar are similar to the option discharging into a storm water
design requirements highlighted in storage facility. The stored water can
The UAE section of this handbook. be re-used for irrigation of
landscaped areas within the confines
Generally grey and black water of the building plot.
systems are kept separate until the
first manhole. It may also be a requirement to treat
any storm water recycling system to
Disconnecting traps or trapped floor suit local requirements.
gullies must be installed before
connection to the combined manhole. The re-use of storm water can assist
in gaining additional merits for the
All final inspection chambers to QSAS rating system.
extend to the external sewerage
distribution network with a The other items highlighted within the
minimum160mm connection. The UAE section of this handbook are
number of connections from the also relevant to Qatar.
development should be agreed with
Ashgal. 4.6.3 Domestic Water Services
The design for domestic water

4.6.2 Rain & Storm Water
services in Qatar must be produced
Systems
in line with the requirements of the
local authorities and are similar to the
Rainfall is very infrequent in Qatar for
design requirements highlighted in
example, the highest recorded
the UAE section of this handbook.
intensity in the Qatar International
records is 62mm/hr, with highest
4.6.4 Gas Services
amount of rainfall of 50mm in one
month.
Gas services are generally designed
in accordance with the NFPA
Flooding is a real issue during heavy
requirements.
rainfall periods which only occurs on
a few days during the months of
October to April.
The design for fire protection systems
Due to the size of many projects, it is
should be based on NFPA 13 for
important to realize that rainfall
sprinkler systems and NFPA 14 for
conditions, in particular time of entry,
standpipe and hose reel systems,
and general flow patterns need to be
taking into account local
assessed as these will differ from
requirements.
Europe.
The stormwater infrastructure is very

limited in Qatar, generally all

4.6.6 Generator Room & Diesel
Store Room
Installation of an automatic foam

suppression system should be
provided.
The generator and diesel store rooms

should also be provided with sprinkler
protection.
4.6.7 Fire Hydrants
The hydrant system design should be

NFPA compliant and approved by
Civil Defence.

5.0 Kuwait
5.1 Introduction
The State of Kuwait is a constitutional uninhabitable. Sand and oil residue

monarchy with a parliamentary reduced large parts of the Kuwaiti
system of government, with Kuwait desert to semi-asphalt surfaces. The
City serving as the country's political oil spills during the Gulf War also
and economic capital. The country drastically affected Kuwait's marine
has the world' s fifth largest oil resources.
reserves and petroleum products now
account for nearly 95% of export 5.2 Weather Conditions
revenues, and 80% of government
income. Kuwait is the eleventh richest The spring season in March is warm
country in the world per capita. In and pleasant, with occasional
2007, it had the highest human thunderstorms. The frequent winds
development index (HDI) in the Arab from the north-west are cold in winter
world. and spring, and hot in summer.
South-easterly winds, usually hot and
Kuwait is situated in the north-east of damp, spring up between July and
the Arabian Peninsula, it is bordered October; hot and dry south winds
by Saudi Arabia to the south and Iraq prevail in spring and early summer.
to the north. It lies on the north- The Shamal, a northwesterly wind
western shore of the Persian Gulf. common during June and July,
The Emirate covers an area of 17,820 causes dramatic sandstorms.
square kilometers (6,880 sq mi) and
has a population of about 3.6 million.
One of the smallest countries in the

world in terms of land area, the flat,
sandy Arabian Desert covers most of
Kuwait. The country is generally low
lying, with the highest point being
306m (1,004 ft) above sea-level. It
has nine islands, eight of which are
uninhabited. Kuwait City is located on
Kuwait Bay, a natural deep-water
harbour.
Kuwait has some of the world' s

richest oil fields with the Burgan field
having a total capacity of
approximately 70 billion barrels of
proven oil reserves. During the 1991
Kuwaiti oil fires, more than 500 oil
lakes were created, covering a
combined surface area of about
35.7 km2 (13.8 sq mi). The resulting
soil contamination, due to oil and soot
accumulation, made eastern and
south-eastern parts of Kuwait

Table 3 Kuwait Weather Information
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Source: Weather Reports .com Kuwait average

5.3 Public Health Systems
This section will be developed over future updates to this document

6.0 Bahrain
6.1 Introduction
The Kingdom of Bahrain is a small The Zagros Mountains across the

island state near the western shores Persian Gulf in Iraq cause low level
of the Arabian Gulf. winds to be directed towards Bahrain.
Dust storms from Iraq and Saudi
Bahrain is an archipelago of 33 Arabia, transported by north-westerly
islands, the largest being Bahrain winds, cause reduced visibility in the
Island, at 55 km (34 mi) long by months of June and July.
18 km (11 mi) wide. Saudi Arabia lies
to the west and is connected to
Bahrain by the King Fahd Causeway.
Qatar is to the southeast across the
Gulf of Bahrain.
Bahrain does not share a land

boundary with another country but
does have a 161 km (100 mi)
coastline. The country' s natural
resources include large quantities of
oil and natural gas as well as fish in
the offshore waters. Arable land
constitutes only 2.82% of the total
area.
Known for its oil and pearls, Bahrain

consists of a low desert plain rising
gently to a low central escarpment
with the highest point being the
134 m (440 ft) Mountain of Smoke
(Jabal ad Dukhan). Bahrain has a
total area of 665 km2 (257 sq mi).
92% of Bahrain is desert with periodic
droughts and dust storms being the
main natural hazards for Bahrainis.
Due to the Persian Gulf area' s low

moisture, summers are very hot and
dry. The seas around Bahrain are
very shallow, heating up quickly in the
summer to produce high humidity,
especially at night. Summer
temperatures may reach more than
40 °C (104 °F). Rainfall in Bahrain is
minimal and irregular. Rainfalls
mostly occur in during the mild winter
periods, with a recorded maximum of
71.8 mm (2.83 in).
Table 4 Bahrain Weather Information
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Source: Weather Reports .com Bahrain average

6.3 Authorities
This section give a brief commentary The Ministry of Municipalities Affairs
on the government bodies involved in and Urban Planning comprises of a
the design of Public Health Services number of different departments and
within the construction process and is responsible for the issuing of
the requirement for No Objection permits concerning all elements of
Certificates, NOC’s. Building Reconstruction and
Construction
The Ministry of Municipalities
Affairs and Urban Planning
.
Further information can be found at http://www.municipality.gov.bh/mun/in

the following web link: dex_en.jsp

Ministry of Works (MOW) Effluent (TSE) Project.
Developments are also
The Ministry of Works provides underway for a national storm
infrastructure in accordance with drainage plan and sewerage
the legal frameworks set out in plants in all Governorates.
the National Strategic Master
Plan for Bahrain, outlook 2030. The Ministry of Works comprises
The Ministry of Works is the the following Directorates:
construction arm of the 1. Construction Projects
government of the Kingdom of Directorate
Bahrain, and has oversight in the
following areas, in accordance 2. Roads Projects &
with the Master Plan: Maintenance Directorate
1. Infrastructure 3. Roads, Planning & Design

development consisting of the Directorate
strategic planning, design, 4. Information Technology
construction and maintenance Directorate
of the public road network and
the drainage systems for the 5. Human Resources
Kingdom. Directorate
2. Design, construction, 6. Building Maintenance
project management and Directorate
maintenance of public
7. Sanitary Engineering
buildings.
Planning & Projects
Directorate
The Ministry aims to provide
physical infrastructure in line with 8. Sanitary Engineering
national development goals by Operations & Maintenance
maximising the potential of the Directorate
Kingdom for economic progress.
9. Financial Resources
The Ministry is committed to Directorate
constantly improving its service
10. Strategic Projects
offering to the Kingdom. This
Directorate
objective is achieved through
long-term research which 11. Materials Engineering
addresses a range of complex Directorate
technical issues that Bahrain
faces in the modern world. 12. Cost Engineering
Directorate
The Ministry is also tasked with 13. Public Relations & Media
addressing environmental issues Directorate
in relation to sewerage. One of
its significant achievements has
been the Treated Sewerage

Drainage Designs projects as well as future
projects for the expansion of
The MOW is responsible for the Ministry’s services to
reviewing and approval of Foul and consumers.
Waste Water Drainage and Storm /
Surface Water Drainage, the sewer Maintain, develop
infrastructure is totally separate and and improve the existing
there for drainage designs must be transmission and distribution
produced to reflect this requirement, network to ensure highest
internally and externally to all standards of operational
buildings and developments. efficiency and minimum
energy loss.
Kingdom of Bahrain Electricity and
Water Authority. Meet the Kingdom ever
increasing demands for
The Authority’s objectives and electricity and water
responsibilities consumption.
Utilise information technology

The Authority’s objectives and and other advanced systems
responsibilities include: like Geographical Information
System (GIS), Customer
Provide excellent, reliable, Services System (CSS) and
cost effective and quality Resource Planning Project to
supply of electricity and water provide excellent customer
to different sectors of services.
consumers.
Promote public awareness for
Make plans and conduct conservation of electricity and
studies to complete existing

water through best possible necessary measures for protection of
methods and tools. civilians, enduring the safety of
transportation means, protection of
Develop employee skills by a public buildings, facilities,
system of on-going training organizations and projects, private
programmes. properties, preservation of
archaeological sites and works of art
The Authority’s responsibilities from the hazards of air raids and such
include: other war and arson acts in addition
The generation of Potable to minimising their effects, extending
Water supplies for the assistance to the persons aggrieved
Kingdom. from such acts in general ensuring
The operation and the continuation of the smooth work
maintenance of desalination and operation of public utilities in the
plants. events of war or peace, emergencies,
The transmission and natural disasters or martial law whilst
distribution of Potable Water ensuring public order, stability and
and Electricity throughout the national security.
Kingdom.
General customer service The Fire and Life Safety Codes for
relating to water and electricity the Kingdom of Bahrain follow the
supplies to all buildings and NFPA suite of codes with local
structures throughout the requirements that are over and above
Kingdom. NFPA code, these local code
requirements need to be defined and
Further information can be found at confirmed with Bahrain Civil Defence
in the early stages of any design as
http://www.mew.gov.bh/ they often change without notice and
are not written down in any form of
Ministry of the Interior General design guidance document.
Directorate of Civil Defence
Kingdom of Bahrain. Further information and contact
details for Bahrain Civil Defence can
The responsibility of Bahrain Civil be found via the following web link.
Defence includes taking the
http://www.civildefence.gov.bh/
The local engineering consultancy It is common practice for International

office is divided into three classes; A, consultants/design and build
B and C. For each class, the contractors to employ a third party
Engineering Law provides special consultant who is registered to ‘front’
requirements, in particular regarding the design and approval process.
the minimum number of engineers
involved and the scope and value of Listed below is a schedule of
projects to be conducted. information that individual design
packages should contain and the
The registered class is important as format that is required for each of the
all submittals to the authorities is via relevant Authorities.
a signatory Engineer and the value of
the project will determine the class of All the documents are to be stamped
signatory that can be used; i.e. A, B & signed by Local Consultant /
or C Architect of Record that will need to

be appointed for each individual All applications for new
project. water connection or for an increase in
the size of an existing connection
Separate drawings are required for must be applied for in person to one
each service, water supply design, of the local EWA Customers'
foul and waste water design, storm Relations Offices.
water design, wet fire protection
systems and so on, all are reviewed
by different departments so all
drawings should be prepared from
the outset with this in mind.
Procedures to be followed in applications for water services

Procedures of application Places of application
You can get the application from one of the Customer Customers relations
Services Centres. help desk at the
Customer Services
Requirements of applications for all kinds of groups are:
Services:
Manama
Filling the application Form for the water supply Muharraq
required. Esa Town
Original valid National ID Card (CPR) and a copy
of both sides. The application shall
Copy of commercial register (CR) for buildings be submitted at the
and constructions other than domestic. group servicing your
Copy of building permit certificate including area
conditions.
For applications for new service, in addition to the

above, the following requirements shall be satisfied:
Filling of the Agreement form of electricity, water

and municipality rates.
Copy of address specifying card.
Copy of ownership certificate.
Number of an account with the EWA for the
nearest existing building.
Procedures for passing the application:
In most of the cases the issuance of provision of service

Bill is done at the time of application but in some cases
the application is sent to the concerned authorities so as
to visit the location and after that the Bill can be issued
and sent to the address written on the application form.
After paying the amount in the provision of service Bill,

the application will be passed to the concerned
authorities to provide the required services.

Documents and Information Required 4. Copy of the CPR card
for Water Installation obtained from Central Statistics
5. Copy of the address card
1. Photo copy of a valid ID/CPR of obtained from Ministry of
applicant or CR. Photo copy for Municipalities & Agriculture
commercial sector. 6. Copy of the Building permit (if
2. Photo copy of building permit. issued before consulting SEPPD)
3. Electricity Distribution obtained from the Ministry of
Directorate conditions form (for Municipalities & Agriculture
electricity applications) 7. Sewer Connection Application
4. Water Distribution Directorate Form obtained from Sanitary
conditions form (for water Engineering Planning & Projects
applications) Directorate
5. Photo copy of survey certificate.
6. Photo copy of property All drawings must comply with the
ownership deed. MOW drainage Department drawing
7. Photo copy of address card. format as follows
8. Photo copy of location map.
9. Photo copy of site plan front of • The Site Location Plan
building and outside wall (for Ministry of Municipalities &
water applications) Agriculture
10. Photo copy of lease and no
objection letter from property • Layout plan which shows
owner (if renting existing and all the proposed
internal plumbing and
The design approval for internal to drainage
building Domestic Water Services Consulting Office / Owner
forms part of the Building Permit
Application process. • Copy of the CPR card Central
Statistics
Copy of the address card
MOW Drainage Department, Foul
Ministry of Municipalities &
and Storm Water Drainage
Agriculture
Connections,
• Copy of the Building permit (if
Foul and Waste Water Drainage
issued before consulting
systems should form a separate
SEPPD)
package from the Storm Water
Ministry of Municipalities &
system.
Agriculture
Documents required for the sewage • Sewer Connection Application
connection: Form Sanitary Engineering
Planning & Projects
1. The Land Deed / Certificate of Directorate
Survey (if available) obtained from
the Land Registration Ministry of
Justice & Islamic Affairs/ Survey Land
Registration Bureau Bahrain Civil Defence Department,
2. The Site Location Plan Fire Protection System and Fire
obtained from the Ministry of and Life Safety Strategy.
Municipalities & Agriculture
3. Layout plan which shows The following plans & information are
existing and all the proposed internal required to be submitted to BCD for
plumbing and drainage obtained from review and approval.
Consulting Office / Owner
1. Building Plan (Architectural) • Application form
e.g. site planning, means of escape, • Practicing certificate of
structural fire protection etc consultant
2. Air-conditioning and • Sprinkler and fire protection
Mechanical Ventilation Plans e.g. systems hydraulic calculations
smoke purging system, engineered • Any other supporting
smoke control system, etc documentation
3. Fire Protection Plans e.g.
sprinkler system, automatic alarm Air-conditioning and Mechanical
system, fire hose reels, wet and dry Ventilation Plans
rising mains, etc
• 2 sets of hardcopy plans and
The above must be submitted as
1 softcopy
three separate packages and shall
not be submitted as a package of
combined drawings / plans • Practicing certificate of
Note, consultant
Upon approval of the fire safety • Pressurization staircase
plans, any subsequent changes calculations
made to the approved fire safety • Smoke Control calculations
design shall be followed up with a • Any other supporting
submission of amended plans to documentation
reflect all changes that have taken
place. Preparation of Plans for Approval
Types / contents of plan submissions Plans shall be submitted on standard

must be as follows metric size sheets of the international
A series
Building Plan
Plans shall have on every sheet an
• 2 sets of hardcopy plans and outlined rectangular space measuring
1 softcopy 150mm x 100mm provided at its top
• Application form right hand corner for BCDD official
• Practicing certificate of stamps and endorsement
consultant
• Occupancy load and exit Plans shall have title blocks showing
capacity calculations the project title, full names, addresses
• Unprotected opening and signatures of the project
calculations consultant and building owner /
developer / management corporation
documentation
Plans to contain site plan and location
plan, the plot boundary limits to be
Fire Protection Plan
highlighted in red to show its location
relative to the neighbouring plots, the
• 2 sets of hardcopy plans and various roads constituting the access
1 softcopy layout of the plot to be shown.


standards)
Bahrain Typical: CIBSE Guide G, IOP Design Guide 2002
2000, BS EN 806-2-2005, BS EN 806-3-2006,
BS EN 12056-1-5:2000,
2004, NFPA 13,14, 20, 24, 25 & 2001
6.6 Qatar Local Rainfall is very infrequent in Bahrain

Considerations (DOs and flooding is a real issue during
heavy rainfall periods which only
& DON’Ts) occurs on a few days during the
months of October to April.
Due to the size of many projects, it is
6.6.1 Soil & Waste Systems important to realize that rainfall
conditions, in particular time of entry,
The designs of soil and waste and general flow patterns need to be
systems in Bahrain are based on SE assessed as these will differ from
EN codes and the CIPHE design Europe.
guide. The pipework discharge
systems are similar to the design Ground conditions are generally sand
requirements highlighted in The UAE rock and there is a relatively high
section of this handbook. water table in coastal areas. This
restricts the use of soakaways in
Generally grey and black water many cases.
first manhole. The other items highlighted within the
Disconnecting traps or trapped floor UAE section of this handbook are
gullies must be installed before also relevant to Bahrain.
connection to the combined manhole.
All final inspection chambers to
extend to the external sewerage The Electricity and Water
distribution network with a Conservation Directorate has now
minimum160mm connection. The produced a set of mandatory
number of connections from the regulations for the design of water
development should be agreed with systems within buildings, titled,
MOW. Technical Guidelines for Internal
Water Plumbing System.
6.6.2 Rain & Storm Water
Systems The basic design standards for water
services systems is BS EN 6700,
however, the following is a summary • The distance between water
of the local mandatory code meter and ground tank should
requirements contained within the not exceed 30m.
current water regulations. • If the water requirement for a
garden is greater than 1m3 a
Basic system design day, it is required to install a
separate irrigation tank
connected directly to the EWA
supply line. The inlet pipe to
the tank must be higher than
the main domestic tank.
3. Plumbing Works
For new constructions or major

renovation projects, plumbing
materials must comply with the
relevant BS Standards or its
equivalents.
• When using metallic rigid pipe

1. Water Connection Size work such as copper, the pipe
work must be install so that it
• The EWA will provide a is visible or run through
suitable size of water channels to allow for the
connection for domestic and detection of water leaks and
commercial customers based for replacement or
on the projects particular maintenance works, the pipe
requirement. work is not permitted to be
buried or concealed, the only
2. Water Storage exception being that a 35 year
life span guarantee is
provided.
• A main ground water storage
• Non rigid pipe work when
tank must be provided on the
buried on concealed is
ground level and its inlet
required to be run in sleeves
connection must not exceed a
with access points provided
height of 1m, in order to
via inspection chambers to
ensure a continuous flow from
facilitate checks for water
the infrastructure main even
leakage and replacement for
during the restrictions period
damaged or failed pipe work.
or when emergency
• Where pipe work is run
maintenance on the main is
exposed on roofs or structures
being carried out.
in direct sunlight, it must be
• Total water storage capacity
protected with the provision
of ground and roof tanks
insulation or run within
should not be less than one
sleeves.
days consumption of the
premises, however it is highly • It is preferred and advised that
internal system distribution be
advisable that 2 days water
storage should be provided, by gravity flow via roof tank, it
is not permitted to branch pipe
with 1 days store at ground
work from the rising main to
and 1 days store at roof.
the floor plates, the rising

main must be dedicated to the landscaping or domestic gardens for
roof tank fill only. irrigation purposes, the EWA
• The use of local water heaters recommends the following.
to wet areas should be
adopted with the minimisation • It is advised that the size of a
of pipe runs to taps and garden tap supply should not
outlets. exceed 15mm diameter.
• The internal pipe work • Drip Irrigation systems with
distribution system must be timers must be provided for
hydraulically tested for a controlling water consumption.
period of 24 hours under a • It is advisable that lawn areas
pressure of 10 bar. should be restricted in size or
• The below image shows the are to be totally avoided as
basic requirement for the such areas demand a high
design of internal domestic level of water consumption.
water services systems, this Instead, paving the areas with
applies to high rise & low rise slabs or bricks with pockets of
buildings. planted beds with drought
tolerant plants, trees and
shrubs must be considered, It
must be ensured that the
irrigation systems are set to
come into operation in the
early morning and or the late
evenings.
6. Water Appliances / Flow Rates
Flow rates for appliances shall not

exceed the flowing maximum values.
4. Water Meter Locations
• The Engineering Consultant !

must clearly provided the "
incoming water meter location
on a plan drawing and agree
the preferred location with the • The volume of flush tanks
EWA, tenant meter location must not exceed 6 litres, dual
for buildings such as office flushing mechanism is
and apartment block must preferred, control valves must
also have the location be installed on the inlet line.
agreement and approval of • Single lever type mixer must
the EWA at early design be used in public wet areas,
stage. single lever type mixer is the
preferred option for domestic
premises.
5. Garden Water Supplies
• Urinal systems must be
flushed only after use, either
Although the EWA is not responsible
manually or by electric sensor.
for the supply of water for
The use of timers will not be be used for flushing and wash
permitted. down purposes
7. Water Reuse
6.6.4 Gas Services
• If the capacity of air-
conditioning unit is more than Gas services are generally designed
100 tons, it is advisable that in accordance with the NFPA
the piping network shall be requirements.
appropriately designed at the
concept stage so that the 6.6.5 Fire Protection
condenser drainage water can
be reused as an alternative The design for fire protection systems
source for flushing systems should be based on NFPA 13 for
and or gardening irrigation. sprinkler systems and NFPA 14 for
• It is advisable in industrial standpipe and hose reel systems,
projects such as laundries, car taking into account local
washing booths, garment requirements.
factories etc, to reuse the
waste water after suitable 6.6.6 Generator Room & Diesel
treatment. Store Room
• For major projects, grey water
shall be treated and reused Installation of an automatic foam
for gardening and flushing suppression system should be
purposes, to facilitate this, provided.
there shall be two separate
water supply networks and The generator and diesel store rooms
two drainage systems with should also be provided with sprinkler
stand-by water supply in case protection.
of grey water outage.
6.6.7 Fire Hydrant
• It is advisable to reuse
rejected water from domestic
NFPA compliant and approved by
desalination units by diverting
Civil Defence.
to a separate ground tank to

7.0 Oman
7.1 Introduction Rain is a main water resource in the

Sultanate. Rain falls in North of Oman
The Sultanate of Oman, is an Arab during winter months (November-
state in south-west Asia on the south- April) as thunderstorms, whereas in
east coast of the Arabian peninsula. It South of Oman rain falls during
is bordered by the United Arab summer because of the monsoon
Emirates (UAE) to the north-west, season (June-September). The
Saudi Arabia to the west and Yemen rainfall rate ranges from less than
to the south-west. The coast is (50) mm in deserts, to (50) mm in
formed by the Arabian Sea on the plains and (200) mm in mountains.
south-east and the Gulf of Oman on
the north-east. The Madha and The climate is generally very hot, with
Musandam enclaves are surrounded temperatures reaching 54°C
by the UAE on their land borders, (129.2 F) in the hot season, from May
with the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of to September.
Oman forming Musandam' s coastal
boundaries. Oman is one of the most
developed and stable countries in the
region.
The peninsula of Musandam enclave,

which has a strategic location on the
Strait of Hormuz, is separated from
the rest of Oman by the United Arab
Emirates.
In 2010, the United Nations

Development Programme (UNDP)
listed Oman as the most-improved
nation over the last 40 years from
among 135 countries worldwide.
A vast gravel desert plain covers

most of central Oman, with mountain
ranges along the north (Al Hajar
Mountains) and southeast coast,
where the country' s main cities are
also located: the capital city Muscat,
Sohar and Sur in the north, and
Salalah in the south.
Oman' s climate is hot and dry in the

interior and humid along the coast
with very little rainfall.

Table 5 Oman Weather Information
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Source: Weather Reports .com Oman average
7.3 Authorities
This section give a brief commentary • Raising the standard of living
on the government bodies involved in especially by improving pubic
the design of Public Health Services sanitation and health.
within the construction process and • Providing water for industrial,
the requirement for No Objection commercial, tourism and
Certificates, NOC’s. agricultural purposes guided
by to the principles of
Ministry of Regional Municipalities sustainable development.
and Water Resources • Achieve a balance between
water supply and demand by
The MRMWR oversees the 9 discovering more resources or
municipalities (governorates) of using artificial means such as
Oman, each governorate is ground recharge projects,
responsible for a number of wilayat’s surface dams, water
(provinces) harvesting establishments and
use of non-conventional water
The “Water Master Plan (2000-2020)” resources including
identifies the most important features desalination, treated
of the national strategy, the primary wastewater or brackish water.
goals of water resources
management plan in the Sultanate Further information can be found at
and the different plans and programs www.mrmwr.gov.om/
aimed at water resources
development and management to
ensure its sustainability. Muscat Municipality
The plan takes into account the role The current Building Regulations for
of other relevant government Muscat the Sultanate of Oman were
authorities and the private sector in issued in April 1992 and are still the
achieving the desired objectives at current version to this day, the
the national level. document contains important code
related information for Public Health
The basic constituents of the and Fire Protection services (sections
integrated water resources 21 to 25 inclusive) which must be
management include: adhered to when producing designs
for buildings in the Oman.
• Protecting the use of available
water resources and A full PDF copy of current building
decreasing water loss regulations for Oman can be
• Harmonizing water use and downloaded from the following
renewable resources, website link,
preservation of water http://www.mm.gov.om/linclick.aspx?f
resources from pollution as ileticket=NklQ751Lyxa%3D
well as providing maximum
protection for environment Prior to commencing any form of
elements that depend on construction works to a site, either
water. existing or new build, it is required to
• Providing potable water and obtain from the Municipality a Greater
enhancing ways of collecting Building Permit. Different
and reusing treated departments cover different types of
wastewater to ensure buildings, documents will need to be
provision of water security provided to the relevant department
requirements. for processing.

Further information can be obtained • Supervising, operating,
from http://www.mm.gov.om/ maintaining and managing of
all wastewater components
and the network of treated
Haya Water, The Oman Waste water distribution.
Water Services Company (SAOC) • Preparing and recommending
rules and regulations that
The Oman Wastewater Services would enable it to effectively
Company SAOC was established in fulfill its objectives.
accordance to the Commercial • Marketing the treated water
Companies Law in the Sultanate of and by-products
Oman in December 2002 The
company has been incorporated as a Further information can be found at
joint stock company owned by the http://www.haya.com.om/
Government of the Sultanate of
Oman.
Authority for Electricity and Water
The Corporate Office of the company Regulation, Oman
is located in Al Khuwair, Muscat.
The Authority for Electricity
The Company' s Board comprises of Regulation, is the Authority
six members, each of whom established for the regulation and
represent the Ministry of Finance, privatisation of the electricity and
Ministry of National Economy, water sectors in Oman.
Ministry of Regional Municipalities,
Environment and Water Resources, The Authority has a number of
Muscat Municipality and a general and specific duties including
representative of private sector. • A duty to secure the provision
of electricity and related water
The company is made up of five services in Oman
Departments - Finance, Projects, • A duty to promote competition
Operation and Maintenance, Human in the electricity and related
Resources and Public Relations and water sector
Customer Services. • A duty to secure the safe,
effective and economic
Oman Wastewater Services operation of the electricity and
Company is engaged in building and related water sector in the
operating wastewater system in the public interest
Governate of Muscat with the main • A duty to protect the interests
objectives of: of customers, in particular
those with limited income, the
• Planning a modern elderly and sick, and a duty to
wastewater system to serve prepare criteria relating to the
all the Wilayats of Muscat welfare of customers and to
Governorate. act in accordance with such
• Operating, maintaining and criteria
managing the existing system • A duty to secure the conduct
and the wastewater network in of fair and transparent
Muscat. competitions for new capacity
• Controlling and supervising and output by the Oman
new wastewater projects and Power and Water
the sewerage networks in Procurement Company SAOC
Muscat. • A duty to facilitate the
privatisation of the electricity
and related water sector in required for the development
Oman and a duty to review on of the electricity and related
an annual basis the scope for water sector
further liberalisation of the
electricity and related water Further information can be found at:
sector http://www.aer-oman.org/
• A duty to ensure the financial
and technical capabilities of
licensees and to ensure Directorate General of Civil
companies operating Defence
efficiently can finance their
activities The Directorate General of Civil
Defence is integrated within the remit
The principle functions of the of the Royal Oman Police force.
Authority include The organization is responsible for
• The issue, modification reviewing and approving designs for
(where appropriate) and fire Protection Systems, Fire Alarm
revocation of licences and and Life safety Systems, Fire strategy
licence exemptions reports and internal LPG gas designs.
• The Authority monitors the
implementation of the terms Other services provided include:
and rules of licences and • Public awareness and
licence exemptions guidance programs to prevent
• The Authority examines fire and other risks.
complaints submitted to • Site inspections during and
customers and licence post construction works
holders, enforces statutory • Security clauses against fire
duties and licence conditions dangers in the transport,
and has powers to order storage and circulation of
compliance and to levy fines liquid fuels, chemicals and
• Setting out standard technical radioactive materials.
criteria to be complied with in • Land and sea rescue
relation to connection and use operations
of system standards and the
maintenance and Further information can be found at
development of licencees’ the following website,
systems http://rop.gov.om/english/dg_civildefe
• Co-ordination between nse.asp
relevant ministries and
government units in all that is

• Copy of the Surveyor’s sketch
• Copy of the title deed
Directorate General of Civil indicating the nature of the
Defence construction, or an approval of
the site and the project from
Application Procedures for Studying the authorities concerned
Construction Projects. • A sketch plan of the project
indicating the built area, the
The Consultants are required to fill in neighbourhoods and the
the proper application form and heights. This plan will be
enclose the following documentation. reviewed to ensure that it is

consistent with the safety Defence to the supplier of the
norms safety equipment that are
• Following the initial agreement installed in the building
of the plan, the consultants • Copy of the Civil Defence’s
shall produce five copies certificate issued to the
thereof for approval. An initial company which carries out the
approval shall be given for installations
implementation of the project • Certificate or letter from any
company licensed by the Civil
Procedures for obtaining final Defence to ensure that the fire
approval of the project. equipment inside the building
are tested
The Consultants are required to fill in • A Civil defence team visit the
the proper application form and site, ensure that safety
enclose the following documentation. requirements are satisfied,
• Copy of the marketing and give their final approval
certificate issued by the Civil

standards)
Oman Typical: CIBSE Guide G, IOP Design Guide 2002
2000, BS EN 806-2-2005, BS EN 806-3-2006,
BS EN 12056-1-5:2000,
2004, NFPA 13,14, 20, 24, 25 & 2001
7.6 Oman Local The building regulations do state that

the kitchen sink waste should
Considerations (DOs discharge directly into the waste
water stack.
& DON’Ts)
Generally grey and black water
7.6.1 Soil & Waste Systems first manhole.
Disconnecting traps or trapped floor
The designs of soil and waste gullies must be installed before
systems in Oman are based on BS connection to the combined manhole.
EN codes and the CIPHE design
guide. The pipework discharge All final inspection chambers to
systems are similar to the design extend to the external sewerage
requirements highlighted in The UAE distribution network with a
section of this handbook. minimum160mm connection. The
number of connections from the
development should be agreed with requirements contained within the
the local municipality. current water regulations.
7.6.2 Rain & Storm Water 7.6.4 Gas Services

Systems
Gas services are generally designed
Rainfall is very infrequent in Oman in accordance with the NFPA
and flooding is a real issue during requirements.
heavy rainfall periods which only
occurs on a few days during the 7.6.5 Fire Protection
months of October to April.
Due to the size of many projects, it is The design for fire protection systems
important to realize that rainfall should be based on NFPA 13 for
conditions, in particular time of entry, sprinkler systems and NFPA 14 for
and general flow patterns need to be standpipe and hose reel systems,
assessed as these will differ from taking into account local
Europe. requirements.
Ground conditions are generally sand 7.6.6 Generator Room & Diesel
rock and there is a relatively high Store Room
water table in coastal areas. This
restricts the use of soakaways in Installation of an automatic foam
many cases. suppression system should be
provided.
The other items highlighted within the
UAE section of this handbook are The generator and diesel store rooms
also relevant to Oman. should also be provided with sprinkler
protection.
7.6.3 Domestic Water Services 7.6.7 Fire Hydrant
The basic design standards for water NFPA compliant and approved by
services systems is BS EN 6700, Civil Defence.
however, the following is a summary
of the local mandatory code

8.0 Saudi Arabia
8.1 Introduction
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the The southwest province of Asir is

largest country in the Middle East by mountainous, and contains Mount
land area, constituting the bulk (80%) Sawda, which is generally considered
of the Arabian Peninsula, and the the highest point in the country.
second-largest Arab country. It is Estimates of its elevation range from
bordered by Jordan and Iraq on the 3,133 to 3,207 metres (10,279 to
north and north-east, Kuwait, Qatar 10,522 ft)
and the United Arab Emirates on the
east, Oman on the south-east, and 8.2 Weather Conditions
Yemen on the south. It is also
connected to Bahrain by the King Except for the south-western province
Fahd Causeway. The Persian Gulf of Asir, Saudi Arabia has a desert
lies to the northeast and the Red Sea climate with extremely high day-time
to its west. Saudi Arabia has an temperatures and a sharp
estimated population of 25.7 million of temperature drop at night. Average
which 5.5 million are non-citizens, summer temperatures are around
and its size is approximately 45°C, but can be as high as 54°C. In
2,149,690 square kilometers the winter the temperature rarely
(830,000 sq mi). drops below 0°C. In the spring and
autumn the heat is temperate:
Saudi Arabia has the world' s largest temperatures average around 29°C.
oil reserves and is the world'
s largest Annual rainfall is extremely low. The
oil exporter. Oil accounts for more Asir region differs in that it is
than 90% of exports and nearly 75% influenced by the Indian Ocean
of government revenues. monsoons, usually occurring between
October and March. An average of
Saudi Arabia's geography is 300mm of rainfall occurs during this
dominated by the Arabian Desert and period that is about 60 percent of the
associated semi-desert and annual precipitation.
shrubland. It has a number of linked
deserts and includes the 647,500
square km (250,000 sq mile) Rub' al
Khali (“Empty Quarter”) in the
southern part of the country, the
world’s largest sand desert.
There are virtually no permanent

rivers or lakes in the country, but
wadis are numerous. The few fertile
areas are to be found in the alluvial
deposits in wadis, basins, and oases.
The main topographical feature is the
central plateau, which rises abruptly
from the Red Sea and gradually
descends toward the Persian Gulf.

Table 6 Saudi Arabia Weather Information
" #$%&
" $)%&
"
"
*
"
Source: Weather Reports .com Saudi Arabia average

8.3 Public Health Systems
This section will be developed over future updates to this document

The Terrain Fountain Club Middle East Public Health handbook is a ‘living’
document based on local requirements and experiences.
The steering committee would welcome your assistance in developing the

handbook: if you would like to contribute information please get in touch with the
Polypipe Gulf office, Rod Green or any of the steering group members.
Rod Green Polypipe Gulf

UAE Office: +971 (0)4 4548328
UAE Mobile: +971 (0)50 4598271
UK Mobile: +44 (0)791 7474872
UK Office: +44 (0)1622 795200
Email: rod.green@polypipe.com
Graham Humphreys Arup

UAE Office: +971 (0)4 8105000
UAE Mobile: +971 (0)50 5549255
Email: graham.humphreys@arup.com
Kim Hunt Mott MacDonald

UAE Office: +971 (0)4 2069111
UAE Mobile: +971 (0)50 6151297
Email: kim.hunt@mottmac.co.ae
Keith Perry Atkins Global

Qatar Office: +974 44061600
Qatar Mobile: +974 77284599
Email: keith.perry@atkinsglobal.com
Reid Donovan WSP

UAE Office: +971 (0)6 5981777
UAE Mobile: +971 (0)50 5530480
Email: reid.donovan@wspgroup.ae

To register for your FREE update of the Terrain Fountain Club
(Al Khaleej) Middle East Public Health Handbook, please
complete the form below and return by email to
international@polypipe.com or by fax to the Polypipe Gulf office
in Dubai, UAE: +971 (0)4 4542949
Title
Full Name
Job Title
Company Name
Company Type
Address
City
Region
Country
PO Box
Zip Code
Post Code
Office Tel
Mobile No.
Email
Signature …………………………………………………..
Date …………………………………………………..

Polypipe Gulf FZ LLC Polypipe Terrain
Level 14 & 15 Dubai Media City New Hythe Business Park

Commercial Bank Plaza Tower Loft Office No. 03 College Road
PO Box 27111 Office No. 404 Aylesford
Doha P.O. Box 502320 Kent
Qatar Dubai ME20 7PJ
United Arab Emirates United Kingdom
Tel: +974 44528394 Tel: +971 (0)4 4548328 Tel: +44 (0)1622 795200
Fax: +971 (0)4 4542949 Fax: +44 (0)1622 716796
www.polypipegulf.com

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Middle East

Public Health Handbook

Terrain Fountain Club (Al Khaleej)

Middle East Public Health Handbook v2 Page 3

Version 2 of the handbook provides additional information and advice on current

Middle East Public Health Handbook v2 Page 4

Terrain Fountain Club (Al Khaleej)

Graham Humphreys Principal Public Health Engineer Arup

Robert Gregory Senior Technical Director WSP Middle East

Middle East Public Health Handbook v2 Page 5

“The Fountain Club (Al Khaleej) aims to encourage the design

Together, industry experts will continue to promote good

Middle East Public Health Handbook v2 Page 6

3.0 United Arab Emirates

8.0 Saudi Arabia

Middle East Public Health Handbook v2 Page 8

Building water and drainage systems A good example of this is the

Due to the lack of technical analysis

Middle East Public Health Handbook v2 Page 10

Middle East Public Health Handbook v2 Page 11

The GCC was created on May, 1981

The objectives of the GCC include:

• strengthening ties between their

This GCC has some of the quickest

The recent world-wide economic

Middle East Public Health Handbook v2 Page 12

3.1 Introduction oil and natural gas deposits.

Source: Weather Reports .com Abu Dhabi average

Middle East Public Health Handbook v2 Page 14

3.3.1 Abu Dhabi 5. Resourceful Energy: targeting

Estidama, which means It is now mandatory for domestic

Middle East Public Health Handbook v2 Page 15

Further information can be found at Fujairah Electricity and Water

Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) Further information can be found at

1. Recent Municipality Affection Site

Drawings forming part of the

Middle East Public Health Handbook v2 Page 22

DM (Dubai Municipality) 3.4.6 Fujairah - To be developed

1. Recent Municipality Affection Site

DM are responsible for carrying out

Each of these system disciplines

1. A complete set of calculations

3.4.3 Jebel Ali Free Zone (Dubai)

3.4.4 Dubai Technology and

Location Standards (Local authority requirements will override

Middle East Public Health Handbook v2 Page 24

Middle East Public Health Handbook v2 Page 25

Middle East Public Health Handbook v2 Page 26

3.6.1 Soil & Waste Systems

The designs of soil and waste

Typically a three-pipe, soil, waste and

Middle East Public Health Handbook v2 Page 27

The Uniformed Plumbing Code of

The water table in many parts of the

All wet areas internal to buildings

It is very important that the architects

Middle East Public Health Handbook v2 Page 30

It is also worth remembering that the

All rainwater and storm water

Middle East Public Health Handbook v2 Page 33

Generally water services design

Middle East Public Health Handbook v2 Page 34

When designing systems for hotels Water services must be provided to

The use of either manually operated