Abu Dhabi launches gas safety guidelines

The Department of Energy – Abu Dhabi (DoE) has unveiled its regulatory roadmap for the petroleum products sector, focusing on gas systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

This new regulatory initiative was introduced to 200 key government and private sector representatives during the DoE’s inaugural Gas Safety and Compliance workshop. In preparation for these changes, the DoE has been working closely with other Abu Dhabi partners to issue key compliance documents, such as the gas system certificate of completion, gas annual operation and maintenance contract, no objection certificate, and LPG filling and withdrawal permits. This year alone, the DoE has issued more than 4,000 LPG filling permits.

The announcement comes ahead of the DoE’s release of ‘Executive Regulations for Gas Systems’ and a unified gas code for the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. These regulations will bring about significant changes in safety standards, protocols, and controls for all gas-related activities, including outlining violations and penalties for non-compliance. Additionally, the regulations will establish a mandatory DoE register for certified gas companies, engineers, operators, and inspectors.

Over the past year, the DoE has been actively conducting safety awareness campaigns and collaborating with various establishments through its LPG Systems Safety Enhancement Programme. In June this year, the DoE launched its ‘Petroleum and Gas Systems Summer Readiness Campaign’ to help establishments meet safety standards, comply with regulations, and navigate the upcoming regulatory changes. Throughout the summer, DoE teams have engaged with gas systems operators, supervisors, facilities managers, property owners, and workers across various locations in the emirate, including Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain, Sila, Mussafah, and Al Dhafra. The visits covered a range of establishments, from restaurants, bakeries, and cloud kitchens to hotels, hospitals, special needs institutions, universities, workers' villages, and industrial plants.

Improving sector efficiency

These reforms are part of a broader regulatory overhaul aimed at enhancing the safety and integrity of gas systems in Abu Dhabi. The DoE’s oversight will ensure the highest safety standards are maintained, best practices are followed, and compliance is strictly enforced to protect public safety. The reforms are designed to safeguard communities in Abu Dhabi, address unsafe actions and behaviours, improve sector efficiency, and support socioeconomic growth.

Speaking at the workshop, Dr Saif Saeed Al Qubaisi, H.E. Acting Director General for Regulation at DoE, emphasised the shared responsibility of both government and private sectors in ensuring a safe, secure, and sustainable energy future for the emirate. “Safety is more than just a regulatory requirement; it is a shared responsibility that must be prioritised throughout the gas value chain,” he said. “Gas is familiar in everyone’s life in Abu Dhabi and it is imperative that it is used safely and responsibly by everyone in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors – from operators and contractors to food establishments and homeowners.”

Ahmed Alsheebani, Acting Petroleum Products Sector Executive Director at DoE, who led over 20 site visits reaching more than 120,000 stakeholders during the summer, expressed optimism about the sector’s progress. He urged stakeholders to commit to safety standards, invest in continuous worker training and development, and adhere to regulatory requirements. “Complying with safety protocols protects lives and the community. It also brings significant social and economic benefits, such as enhanced operational efficiency, improved business reputation, more reliable gas systems, cost savings and safer communities,” he said.

Key achievements of the DoE’s recent efforts include the inspection of more than 11,000 buildings and food establishments, with around 1,700 requiring safety upgrades—700 of which have been completed; the safe isolation of approximately 160 abandoned buildings; and the installation of over 5,000 gas detectors. The DoE called on stakeholders to collaborate in building safer communities throughout the emirate.