Abu Dhabi issues industrial building facade standards; Mussafah implementation begins

The Urban Planning and Permits Centre (UPPC) at the Department of Municipalities and Transport has issued Guidelines for Regulating Industrial Building Facades in Abu Dhabi. The guidelines establish unified standards for building facades facing streets and public spaces to improve the urban landscape in industrial areas, enhance facility safety and support efficient operations.

The standards cover architectural appearance and maintenance of industrial building facades, signage, entrances, service areas and storage spaces, alongside safety and fire prevention requirements. They focus on improving the appearance of industrial areas, facilitating pedestrian movement, enhancing the surrounding environment for workers and residents, and encouraging sustainable materials suited to the local climate.

Under Administrative Resolution No. 48 of 2026, the first phase of implementation begins in Mussafah and covers industrial buildings and facilities facing streets and public spaces, whether existing, new or under construction. The requirements apply to workshops, warehouses, showrooms, logistics centres, spare-parts shops, vehicle repair and service centres, and mixed-use industrial complexes.

The guidelines provide three levels of improvement: Level One covers essential maintenance, cleaning, repainting and minor repairs; Level Two focuses on facade organisation, signage, entrances, fences and service areas; Level Three covers extensive facade redevelopment in priority locations. Implementation follows a graduated compliance process with awareness-raising, advisory notices, formal notifications and warnings, with appropriate periods for corrective action before follow-up inspections.