< PreviousFIRE SAFETY www.mepmiddleeast.com40 MEP Middle East | October 2025www.mepmiddleeast.com SILENT SAFEGUARDS OF THE SKYLINE By Sangeetha B, CEO, Amantra Facilities Management Compliance sets the baseline, but true fi re safety is proven in how systems perform together under real conditions MEP_Oct2025_40-43_Fire Safety_13703154.indd 4002/10/2025 07:20FIRE SAFETY www.mepmiddleeast.comOctober 2025 | MEP Middle East 41www.mepmiddleeast.com People want confi dence that their building will behave predictably in an alarm. The recent headlines reminded us of that expectation, and the response on the ground showed how much has improved. Dubai’s safety measures have set a higher bar for documentation, monitoring, and accountability. The next step is practical: make sure detection, smoke control, egress, and power work together in the building we operate today, not only in the drawings we fi led last year. COMPLIANCE HAS IMPROVED; PERFORMANCE STILL NEEDS PROOF Certifi cates and equipment schedules matter. They establish that components meet specifi cation and that responsibilities are clear. But performance is a diff erent test. It emerges from how detection, suppression, smoke control, compartmentation, power, and egress behave together under real conditions, across years of tenant change and maintenance cycles. That is why integrated system testing should be routine. End-to-end exercises that measure pressure diff erentials, door operation, fan response, damper positions and clearance times provide evidence that sequences work as intended. Trended results turn isolated readings into a picture of stability. Drift becomes visible and fi xable before it hardens into impairment. Change management deserves the same discipline. Every fi t-out, turnover, or MEP modifi cation benefi ts from a quick life-safety impact check. The decisive items are often simple: door closers staying in adjustment; fi re-stopping reinstated after works; fans returned from manual to auto; risers and shafts kept true to design intent. Small lapses accumulate and steady housekeeping can stop that accumulation. Façades also need stewardship through the life of the asset. Product assurance helps, yet outcomes depend on interfaces – balcony retrofi ts, signage fi xings, window-cleaning anchors – and the way smoke management interacts with those details. Keeping an accurate as-built register and photo-documenting repairs preserves continuity across contractors and years. WHERE TECHNOLOGY EARNS ITS KEEP Digital tools now sit inside daily operations. Sensors and IoT devices generate continuous data on smoke signatures, temperature trends, airfl ow, valve status, fan speeds, door positions, and fault histories. With suffi cient coverage and clean tagging, AI can recognise patterns across sources – linking recurring panel troubles with minor pressure drift, or identifying nuisance alarms that cluster by season or layout. That insight supports proactive maintenance and targeted inspections, reducing failure windows and alarm fatigue. Remote monitoring works best when it is embedded in the work. A connected panel that routes impairments to the right team with response SLAs, timestamps, and closure MEP_Oct2025_40-43_Fire Safety_13703154.indd 4102/10/2025 07:20FIRE SAFETY www.mepmiddleeast.com42 MEP Middle East | October 2025www.mepmiddleeast.com MEP_Oct2025_40-43_Fire Safety_13703154.indd 4202/10/2025 07:21FIRE SAFETY www.mepmiddleeast.comOctober 2025 | MEP Middle East 43www.mepmiddleeast.com “Remote monitoring works best when it is embedded in the work. A connected panel that routes impairments to the right team with response SLAs, timestamps, and closure notes shortens the cycle between detection and remedy ” notes shortens the cycle between detection and remedy. When required, immediate alerts to authorities compress response time further. The value comes from reliable execution and visible accountability, refl ected in fewer repeat faults quarter after quarter. Data quality is the hinge. AI helps when mechanisms are sound and the cause-and-eff ect matrix refl ects the building as it is, not as it was drawn. Consistent device naming, location tagging, and current inventories prevent models from chasing ghosts and make audits faster. Teams learn most when drills mirror reality: a night-shift exercise, a muted PA zone, or one stair temporarily out of service, with learnings captured and SOPs updated. Sangeetha B, CEO, Amantra Facilities Management PAYING FOR OUTCOMES Improved oversight and smarter systems carry costs. Product assurance, connectivity, integrated testing, and higher-fi delity maintenance aff ect budgets. If retrofi ts are required, owners face additional expenditure. The practical response is to align spend with risk and lifecycle rather than squeeze scope until numbers look easy. Start with a prioritised plan that ranks interventions by their eff ect on egress time, smoke movement, and containment integrity. Many portfolios see strong returns from targeted upgrades such as door hardware calibration, damper actuation reliability, modernised panels for clean data, and fan redundancy at critical nodes. These measures are modest compared with wholesale replacement and deliver measurable stability. Procurement can reinforce performance without friction. Contracts that tie a portion of payment to demonstrable outcomes – pressure targets achieved under test, fault rates trending down, drill clearance times documented – pull all parties toward the same objective. When vendors and FM teams are rewarded for reliability and responsiveness, the ecosystem behaves like a safety system rather than a series of disconnected transactions. Budgeting across the asset life helps owners pace investment. Connectivity and analytics often look front-loaded and then prove effi cient over a decade by shrinking unplanned outages and reducing secondary damage. Treat data quality as a real line item; poorly labelled or incomplete signals waste time and obscure risk. Clear naming conventions and device inventories make AI useful and shorten incident reviews. The UAE’s direction of travel is constructive. Regulation has clarifi ed expectations and lifted the baseline. Practitioners now have the tools to translate that clarity into dependable performance: integrated testing, disciplined change management, connected operations, and measured use of AI. The goal is steady behaviour under everyday variability and true predictability when alarms sound. Compliance opens the door to that goal. Readiness is the daily practice that keeps it fi rmly there. MEP_Oct2025_40-43_Fire Safety_13703154.indd 4302/10/2025 07:21HEAT PUMPS www.mepmiddleeast.com44 MEP Middle East | October 2025www.mepmiddleeast.com DEMYSTIFYING HEAT PUMPS: MYTHS VS FACTS Heat pumps have long carried a reputation shrouded in misconception, often dismissed as unsuitable for the intense climates, high-rise demands, and energy-conscious ambitions of the Middle East. Yet as energy costs rise, sustainability targets grow, and demand for comfortable, effi cient indoor environments increases, heat pumps are emerging as a critical technology in modern building design. From luxurious hotels in Dubai to residential towers in Riyadh and Doha, building owners and MEP engineers are beginning to see their true potential. These systems off er more than heating or cooling; they provide effi ciency, comfort, and environmental benefi ts that make them a practical choice for the region. Despite their growing presence, heat pumps are still misunderstood. Many decision-makers are unsure of how to integrate them eff ectively. In the Middle East, with its extreme temperatures Heat pumps are emerging as a practical choice as the Middle East explores ways to balance comfort effi ciency, and sustainability MEP_Oct2025_44-46_Heat Pumps_13704707.indd 4402/10/2025 18:33HEAT PUMPS www.mepmiddleeast.comOctober 2025 | MEP Middle East 45www.mepmiddleeast.com and ambitious energy goals, understanding how to deploy heat pumps correctly is essential. Several myths about heat pumps persist. Let’s explore these misconceptions and the facts. MYTH: HEAT PUMPS ONLY PROVIDE HEAT Fact: Heat pumps are fully reversible. They transfer heat from the air or ground into buildings during colder months and expel heat during warmer months. Air-source heat pumps typically achieve a Coeffi cient of Performance (COP) of 3–5 under ideal conditions, meaning they provide 3–5 units of heating or cooling for every unit of electricity consumed. Ground-source heat pumps maintain a more stable COP year-round due to minimal underground temperature fl uctuations. In the Middle East, this dual functionality is especially valuable: heat pumps can handle both the cooling-intensive summer and mild winter heating requirements effi ciently. Heat pumps cut greenhouse gas emissions by 30–50% compared to conventional systems MEP_Oct2025_44-46_Heat Pumps_13704707.indd 4502/10/2025 18:33HEAT PUMPS www.mepmiddleeast.com46 MEP Middle East | October 2025www.mepmiddleeast.com MYTH : HEAT PUMPS DO NOT WORK IN HOT CLIMATES Fact: Modern heat pumps are designed to operate eff ectively even in extreme temperatures. Advanced air-source heat pumps can operate effi ciently at ambient temperatures up to 50°C, using inverter-driven compressors and low-GWP refrigerants such as R-32. Split or modular designs allow large buildings to distribute loads evenly, maintaining comfort and energy effi ciency even during peak summer heat. Multi-story hotels, offi ce towers, and residential developments in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh are integrating air-source heat pumps alongside traditional district cooling systems, reducing peak electrical loads and improving the overall system effi ciency. MYTH: HEAT PUMPS ARE TOO EXPENSIVE Fact: While upfront costs may be higher than traditional AC systems, long-term energy savings and government incentives can off set initial investment. Lifecycle cost analysis for commercial buildings in the UAE shows energy savings of 15–25% over 10 years when replacing conventional chillers with high-effi ciency heat pumps. When combined with renewable energy sources such as solar PV or thermal storage, payback periods can drop below fi ve years. Proper system sizing and energy modeling using tools are essential to maximise performance and ensure ROI. MYTH: HEAT PUMPS DO NOT LOWER YOUR ENERGY BILL Fact: Heat pumps transfer heat rather than generating it, making them inherently more energy-effi cient. Smart heat pumps integrated with building management systems (BMS) can modulate compressor speeds, anticipate building load, and optimise energy consumption. In high-rise Embracing heat pumps is an essential way to achieving sustainable, resilient, and future-ready buildings buildings with variable occupancy, this can reduce electricity consumption by 20–30% compared to conventional chillers. Hybrid systems combining heat pumps with absorption chillers or thermal storage further improve effi ciency and reduce peak demand. MYTH: HEAT PUMPS ARE NOT ‘BETTER’ FOR THE ENVIRONMENT Fact: Heat pumps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote environmental sustainability. Even when powered by grid electricity partially derived from fossil fuels, air-source heat pumps typically emit 30–50% fewer greenhouse gases than conventional systems. Integration with renewable energy dramatically enhances their environmental impact. With solar PV adoption increasing in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, heat pumps are becoming a critical component of net-zero and low-carbon building strategies. ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS When designing and implementing heat pump systems in the Middle East, several factors are crucial to achieving optimal performance. Humidity management is particularly important in coastal cities such as Dubai, where high moisture levels can impact indoor comfort and effi ciency. Heat pumps can also complement district cooling systems, providing load-shaving capabilities and reducing peak electricity demand across large developments. The selection of low- GWP refrigerants helps buildings comply with regional sustainability regulations while future- proofi ng operations. Integration with thermal storage solutions, such as chilled water or ice storage, enables night-time charging and daytime load shifting, further reducing energy costs and grid strain. Additionally, IoT-enabled monitoring and predictive maintenance allow operators to continuously track system performance, optimise energy use, and prevent potential faults before they occur. Heat pumps are more than a niche technology; they are a practical, effi cient, and environmentally responsible solution for Middle Eastern buildings. By understanding its technical capabilities and implementing best practices for design and integration, building owners, operators, and MEP professionals can signifi cantly reduce energy consumption, carbon emissions, along with operational costs. As we continue to prioritise decarbonisation and energy effi ciency, embracing heat pumps is an essential way to achieving sustainable, resilient, and future-ready buildings. “Modern heat pumps can operate efficiently in ambient temperatures up to 50°C, making them suitable for the Middle East’s harsh climate” 15-25% Energy savings over 10 years for UAE commercial buildings when replacing conventional chillers with high-efficiency heat pumps MEP_Oct2025_44-46_Heat Pumps_13704707.indd 4602/10/2025 18:33JOIN US For a unique, first-of-its-kind event in the region, featuring construction equipment and commercial vehicle displays and demonstrations, knowledge sessions, expert panels, presentations, and more. A day of meaningful dialogue and real connections, as well as an opportunity to see the latest machinery and vehicles, the PMV Leaders Conference and Exhibition is where the region’s biggest conversations come to life. December 8 I JA Resorts Dubai WHY ATTEND • Hear from industry leaders redefining the sector across the region. • Unique opportunity for manufacturers and dealers to present their latest to a focused target audience of purchase decision-makers. • View and experience hands-on the latest models and technologies in construction equipment and commercial vehicles. • Discuss the state of the regional industry, the evolving role of engineering, and current and future options for green machines and vehicles to be ahead of the curve. • Connect with industry leaders and innovators shaping the future of the construction machinery and commercial vehicles in the Middle East. FOR COMMERCIAL ENQUIRIES moeez.ali@itp.com FOR SPEAKER AND CONTENT ENQUIRIES anirban.bagchi@os.itp.com REGISTER TODAY TO ATTEND Untitled-5 102/10/2025 01:45NET-ZERO www.mepmiddleeast.com48 MEP Middle East | October 2025www.mepmiddleeast.com FROM BLUEPRINT TO REALITY By Engi Jaber, Associate Partner – Sustainability and Head of Climatize, +impact The future of sustainable buildings will be judged not by drawings or pledges but by real-world performance across decades MEP_Oct2025_48-50_Net-zero_13703505.indd 4802/10/2025 07:24NET-ZERO www.mepmiddleeast.comOctober 2025 | MEP Middle East 49www.mepmiddleeast.com On 21 September, the world marked Zero Emissions Day, a reminder that achieving net zero cannot be left to distant pledges but must be delivered in the everyday systems that power our economies. Nowhere is this more urgent than in the built environment. Globally, buildings are responsible for around 39% of carbon emissions. In the GCC region, where cooling demand dominates and new construction is reshaping skylines, the footprint is likely to be even higher. Both the UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have recognised this reality. The UAE’s fi rst Climate Change Law, introduced in 2024, requires businesses to measure, report and verify their emissions on an ongoing basis, with full compliance due by 2026. In parallel, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 places sustainability at the core of its giga-projects, from NEOM to Diriyah. The message is clear: environmental performance will be judged continuously, not claimed once. This means that buildings can no longer be considered sustainable at the moment of ribbon cutting. Design ambition is important but compliance and credibility depend on how assets perform over decades. Operational realities must be designed in from day one. Cooling loads, energy systems, maintenance regimes and even tenant behaviour will determine whether buildings meet their zero-emissions promise. EMBEDDING OPERATIONS INTO DESIGN International standards are already shifting in this direction. The world’s latest Green Building Standard LEED v5 puts a greater emphasis on performance throughout the building lifecycle, refl ecting the global recognition that design alone is not enough. For the Middle East, this creates both a challenge and an opportunity. With so many new projects underway, we have a once-in-a- generation chance to embed operational effi ciency into the blueprint ensuring that future assets are not only striking in form, but resilient and effi cient in function. Engi Jaber, Associate Partner – Sustainability and Head of Climatize, +impact Too often, operational needs are treated as a post-handover consideration – yet by then, many of the most important decisions have already been locked in. Integrating facility managers, data specialists, and sustainability experts into the design process ensures that performance is not left to chance. The question then becomes: what does “designing for operations” look like in practice? Here are fi ve elements that must be built in from the outset if buildings are to deliver on their zero- emissions promise. Energy Performance and Electrifi cation Design should prioritise phasing out fossil fuels by electrifying all major building systems – HVAC, domestic hot water, cooking and mobility, whilst leveraging high-effi ciency technologies. Continuous monitoring through advanced metering and smart BMS ensures performance stays within targeted energy benchmarks and enables corrective action when needed. Retrofi tting later is costly and disruptive; while embedding it early makes continuous compliance achievable. “The world’s latest Green Building Standard LEED v5 puts a greater emphasis on performance throughout the building lifecycle, reflecting the global recognition that design alone is not enough” MEP_Oct2025_48-50_Net-zero_13703505.indd 4902/10/2025 07:24Next >