Power Protection · Dubai & UAE
Understand why every business here needs clean, continuous power—and the specific systems where UAE regulations mandate backup power or UPS.
Why a UPS is non-negotiable in the UAE
The UAE’s digital infrastructure is world-class—but heat, dust, construction, and grid transients still cause voltage sags, spikes, and occasional outages. A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) protects sensitive electronics by conditioning power and supplying battery-based runtime during cuts—giving servers time to shut down safely, keeping cameras recording, preserving transactions, and preventing data corruption.
Top local risks a UPS mitigates
- Voltage dips when large HVAC/lift loads kick in
- Brownouts during peak demand
- Momentary outages during switchovers/works
- Harmonics/line noise impacting IT & PoS
What a UPS actually does
- Instant battery power on mains failure (no reboot)
- Voltage regulation/conditioning for cleaner power
- Graceful shutdown signaling for servers/storage
- Surge protection vs. lightning/utility spikes
Where UAE law/regulation compels UPS or backup power
1) Security & CCTV systems (Dubai – SIRA)
The Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA) explicitly requires security systems to be powered by UPS so they keep operating during power cuts (at least 30 minutes for security systems; recorders must be on UPS and integrated for safe shutdown). In many alarm cases, additional internal UPS/backup capacity of up to 8 hours is stipulated in the same standard.
Source: SIRA “Standard & Technical Specifications of the Security Systems”, power section (UPS for security systems ≥30 min; recorders on UPS; 8-hour backup for certain alarm components).
2) Emergency & exit lighting (UAE Civil Defence / Fire Code)
The UAE Fire & Life Safety Code requires emergency/escape lighting to operate for up to 3 hours on loss of mains. This is typically achieved by central battery systems or dedicated emergency drivers—functionally providing regulated backup power akin to a UPS for life-safety lighting.
Sources: UAE Fire & Life Safety Code summaries and professional guidance (CIBSE slides citing “Emergency lighting must be provided for 3 hours”; DCD FAQs on permitted system types).
3) Fire alarm systems (UAE Civil Defence practice)
Fire detection & alarm systems must have a secondary power supply. In practice this is achieved with batteries (and in some designs, UPS or generator integration). Industry guidance aligned to the UAE Code/NFPA indicates 24 hours standby plus 5 minutes in alarm (or 15 minutes with voice evacuation); where a generator is the secondary source, batteries typically cover at least 4 hours to bridge transfer and contingencies.
References: Civil-Defence aligned explainers & NFPA guidance used in UAE designs (backup durations and generator exception). Always confirm with your approved fire contractor and Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
4) Healthcare facilities (DHA standards & critical equipment)
DHA requires facilities to identify critical equipment and ensure provision for backup/alternative during failure or maintenance. In practice, essential services (ICU ventilators, imaging prep systems, nurse call, etc.) are placed on essential/UPS power or generator circuits per the approved design and risk class.
Source: DHA Standards for Medical Equipment Management—critical devices must have a provision for backup/alternative; facility policies define the method (UPS/generator) per the approved design.
Note: Other building systems (e.g., smoke control fans, fireman’s lifts, fire command centers) require emergency power—usually via generator—per the Dubai Building Code and UAE Fire Code. A UPS may be used for ride-through/clean power but check your project’s AHJ approvals.
Choosing the right UPS for UAE conditions
Sizing checklist (quick math)
- List total watts (W) of connected equipment; convert to VA = W ÷ power factor (or add 25%).
- Pick required runtime (e.g., SIRA’s ≥30 min for security systems; 10–20 min for IT shutdown).
- Add 20–30% headroom for growth and battery aging.
- For generator sites, choose online UPS with wide input window and configurable frequency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a UPS legally required for CCTV in Dubai?
Yes. SIRA explicitly mandates UPS power for security systems, including recording devices (with minimum runtimes and safe-shutdown signaling).
Do I need a UPS for emergency lighting?
You must provide compliant backup power (typically central batteries or emergency drivers) for up to 3 hours per the UAE Fire & Life Safety Code. That’s not a general-purpose UPS, but it’s a dedicated backup system serving a similar continuity role.
What about fire alarm panels—UPS or batteries?
Fire alarm systems require a secondary power source. In practice, batteries provide 24-hour standby plus alarm time; if a generator is used as the secondary source, batteries still cover several hours. Check your AHJ-approved design.
Are healthcare devices required to be on UPS?
DHA requires facilities to identify critical equipment and provide backup/alternative arrangements. Many clinics/hospitals meet this via essential/UPS power or generator circuits; specifics are set in the approved MEP/biomed design.
Is a central battery system mandatory for emergency lighting?
Not strictly—DCD guidance indicates systems shall be either central battery or monitored self-contained (diagnostic) luminaires. Your consultant will select based on building type and AHJ preference.
