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Al Sa'fat: Dubai's Green Building System

Al Sa'fat sets green building requirements for new buildings in Dubai. It's worth building into the design from day one.

Al Sa'fat is the Dubai Green Building Evaluation System, introduced by Dubai Municipality. It sets sustainability requirements for buildings in Dubai and builds on the earlier Dubai green building regulations. It's part of Dubai's wider efforts to reduce energy and water use in buildings.

Rating levels

Al Sa'fat uses a tiered system of ratings, commonly described as Bronze, Silver, Golden and Platinum Sa'fa. A minimum level applies to new buildings, with higher levels available for buildings that achieve more. Requirements for specific building types and the minimum level required have changed over time, so check the current requirements.

What it covers

Al Sa'fat addresses topics such as:

• Ecology and planning
• Building vitality, including indoor environment
• Resource effectiveness, such as energy and water
• Materials and waste

How it affects design

Requirements can affect:

• Envelope thermal performance
• Glazing specifications
• Shading
• Lighting and HVAC efficiency
• Water fixtures
• Materials choices
• Site and landscape design

Early consideration helps avoid redesigns.

Documentation

Design teams typically need to show compliance through drawings, specifications, calculations and forms submitted to the authority. Evidence is checked at design stage and during construction.

Architectural input

• Envelope build-ups and thermal values
• Glazing performance
• Shading devices
• Roof areas, including any reflective materials or solar provisions

Coordination with MEP

Many requirements relate to MEP systems, such as cooling efficiency, lighting power and water fixtures. Coordinate with MEP consultants to make sure drawings and documents align.

Other authorities

Some areas in Dubai have their own green building requirements. Abu Dhabi uses the Estidama Pearl Rating System.

Keep up to date

Assign credit owners

Many requirements cross disciplines. Agree who's responsible for each requirement, whether the Architect, MEP engineer, landscape consultant or contractor, so documentation is complete when it's needed.

Plan for construction stage

Compliance isn't only checked at design. Contractors need to install specified products and systems, and evidence may be checked during construction. Clear specifications and a compliance tracker help carry design intent through to completion.

Use the official guidance

Dubai Municipality publishes guidance documents and forms for Al Sa'fat. Use the current versions, and contact the authority where requirements are unclear. Experienced consultants can also help interpret requirements for unusual building types.

1. 01Rating levels
2. 02What it covers
3. 03How it affects design
4. 04Documentation
5. 05Architectural input
6. 06Coordination with MEP

Check early with the authority

For unusual building types, ask the authority early how requirements apply. A short written confirmation avoids later surprises.

Understanding Al Sa'fat early helps design teams deliver compliant, efficient buildings without late changes.

If your team needs extra production capacity for work like this, take a look at our Architectural production services, or tell us about your project.