Gas safety in Abu Dhabi buildings: what owners and tenants need to know

Who regulates gas in buildings

The Department of Energy (DoE) regulates gas works in Abu Dhabi buildings. Its Decision No. 14 of 2025 covers construction, installation, filling, operation, testing, inspection, maintenance and supply of gas to residential and commercial buildings, including those in free zones. Gas system companies and technicians need DoE permits to do this work.

A Gas Safety Committee, set up by the DoE with other Abu Dhabi government bodies, follows up on safety in buildings. In 2023 it directed businesses to use the central gas systems in their buildings instead of cylinders, under authorised maintenance contracts.

What owners are responsible for

• Contract a licensed company for periodic inspections and emergency response.
• Keep accurate operation and maintenance logs for the gas system.
• Submit certified technical drawings when the DoE asks for them.
• Report any incident or possible leak promptly.
• Give DoE inspectors and certified third-party inspectors access to examine the system.

Gas safety certification is also one of the inspections for the Building Occupancy Certificate, so the two now go together.

Central gas and cylinders

Where a building has a certified central gas network, gas cylinders are banned. Storage tanks are also prohibited in buildings with active underground gas connections. In practice, a tenant in such a building should not bring a cylinder in, and an owner should not allow one.

For tenants: everyday safety

• Do not alter, move or extend gas pipes or connections yourself. That work is for licensed technicians only.
• Keep the area around the gas meter and valves clear.
• Allow access for scheduled inspections.
• Report a faulty appliance or connection to the landlord or building management in writing.

If you smell gas

1. Do not switch lights or appliances on or off, and do not use a flame.
2. Close the gas valve if you can reach it safely.
3. Open windows and leave the unit.
4. Once outside, call Civil Defence on 997 and tell building management.

Penalties

Decision No. 14 of 2025 sets out 20 administrative violations, with fines from AED 500 to AED 2 million. The heaviest apply to unlicensed work, safety breaches and failing to report incidents promptly.