The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) has introduced the emirate’s first vertical Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) tank system specifically designed for food establishments.
This development represents a significant step towards enhancing safety, operational efficiency, and compliance within the sector. The new system replaces the traditional reliance on individual LPG cylinders, which are commonly stored and handled on-site, with a more advanced and secure solution.
The vertical tank system has a storage capacity of up to 125 gallons and is fitted with an explosion-proof vaporiser.
A key feature of the initiative is that the tanks are refilled directly on-site by licensed operators. This eliminates the need for food outlets to store, transport, or manually replace heavy gas cylinders, thereby reducing the physical and operational hazards often associated with their use.
By adopting this technology, the risks of gas leaks and related incidents are substantially minimised.
The streamlined refilling process also simplifies day-to-day operations, allowing food businesses to focus on service delivery while maintaining full compliance with regulatory standards. The DoE has described this move as an important regulatory milestone in its broader efforts to raise safety benchmarks in the food services sector.
To guide the rollout and adoption of the system, the department has issued Technical Bulletin No (1/2025).
This document outlines the technical specifications, safety protocols, and regulatory conditions for installing vertical LPG tanks. It aligns with the requirements of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards and the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code, ensuring the initiative meets both local and internationally recognised safety criteria.
Dr Saif Saeed Al Qubaisi, Acting Director General for Regulatory Affairs at the DoE, emphasised that the initiative reflects the department’s dedication to safeguarding the public and ensuring that food establishments operate within a safe and well-regulated environment. He also underlined the importance of gas as a vital energy source for the food sector, noting that its safe and efficient use is essential for sustaining daily operations.
Engineer Ahmed Al Sheebani, Executive Director of the Petroleum Products Regulatory Affairs Sector at the DoE, explained that the project’s purpose extends beyond safety to sustainability. He stated that the system is designed to provide food establishments with a dependable energy solution that supports consistent and reliable service in line with international best practices. Al Sheebani also pointed out that the DoE is working closely with licensed private sector operators to approve and implement the system to the highest standards of quality and safety.
The department is encouraging all food establishments, particularly those in locations where underground gas networks or centralised LPG systems are unavailable, to adopt this modern and integrated solution. The DoE believes that its introduction will not only meet current regulatory requirements but also prepare businesses to comply with future safety and operational standards, helping to create a safer and more resilient food service industry in Abu Dhabi.
