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NoC must for new high-rise buildings in Dubai

The rules include clauses to control noise pollution and carbon emissions caused by the ever-expanding aviation sector in the emirate.

Authorities have introduced strict regulations to ensure high-rise buildings, light equipment, fireworks and other aerial activities do not threaten the aviation safety in Dubai — with all new high rises over 90 metres across Dubai now needing a No Objection Certificate.

The rules introduced by the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) in collaboration with the Dubai Municipality (DM) also include clauses to control noise pollution and carbon emissions caused by the ever-expanding aviation sector in the emirate. Dubai World Central — Al Maktoum International Airport opened in June, with passenger flights beginning last month.

The two authorities recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the issuance of No Objection Certificates (NoC) for the control of high-rise structures that might be airspace obstacles.

DM Director-General Hussain Nasser Lootah and DCAA Director General Mohammed Abdullah Ahli signed the MoU that stipulated all new structures above 90 metres in height would have to get an NoC from the DCAA — while a further check is in place for even higher skyscrapers.

The Authority will do the aeronautical survey for these structures and a more in-depth aeronautical study will be assigned for high-rises which are above 150 metres.

As per the MoU, the DM is obliged to notify the applicants to get approval from the DCAA prior to issuing any certificate for applicants.

All pyrotechnic displays, including firing of rockets, light shows, including search lights, laser lights, sky trackers and air balloon activities should also obtain DCAA’s approval.

A host of aerial works by any operator must also secure the authority’s NoC. These include aerial advertising, photography, carriage and dropping of parachutists and agricultural operations, among others.

Ahli said that the DCAA will execute environmental studies in coordination with DM to control the ratio of carbon emissions into the air and its periodic measurement.

The authority will put indicators and strive to diminish its ratio in line with the joint plans and programmes. It will also study the noise resulting from aviation activities and measure it periodically to reduce the impact of noise pollution, the official said.

“DCAA is obliged to apply rules and regulations along with the environmental standards ensuring the quality of different environmental sectors, especially taking into account carbon emissions and controling the noise to promote the sustainability.

“DCAA is also responsible for providing a map that shows noisy areas in the emirate and give reports on applications for high rise buildings and warning lights for flights within five working days after the submission of documents,” he said.

Carbon emissions and noise of the utmost importance for Dubai given the increase in aircraft movement and crowded skies.

sajila@khaleejtimes.com