MEP contracting across the UAE 

Scope of work

• Tender review of consultant drawings and specifications, flagging missing load data, unclear interfaces and items that will not pass authority review before the price is fixed.
• Combined services coordination drawings that resolve clashes between ducts, chilled-water pipes, cable trays, drainage falls and sprinkler mains inside tight ceiling voids.
• Material submittals and method statements prepared under a QMS structured to ISO 9001 requirements, with document control tracking every revision and consultant comment.
• Procurement and supply of chillers, AHUs, panels, pumps and fittings with supplier evaluation, factory test witnessing where specified and controlled storage on site.
• Installation of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, drainage and fire-fighting systems by coordinated trade teams working to an integrated programme with the main contractor.
• Authority inspections and approvals with Civil Defence, the local electricity and water utility and the municipality, including witness tests and connection applications.
• Testing, balancing and commissioning of every system, followed by integrated tests where fire alarm signals drive dampers, fans, lifts and access control.
• Handover with as-built drawings, O&M manuals, warranties and operator training, with annual maintenance contracts available after the defects period.

Systems we install

• Central chilled-water plant, AHUs, FCUs and district cooling energy transfer stations
• LV main distribution boards, sub-main distribution, small power and lighting circuits
• Domestic cold and hot water with transfer pumps, booster sets and storage tanks
• Soil, waste, vent and stormwater drainage including basement sump pumping
• Sprinkler, hose reel, wet riser and fire alarm systems tied to smoke control
• Building management system monitoring plant, alarms and energy meters
• Car park ventilation, kitchen extract and stair pressurisation fans

Codes, standards and approvals

• UAE Fire & Life Safety Code, enforced by the Civil Defence authority of the relevant emirate, governing fire-fighting, alarms and smoke control.
• DEWA, SEWA, ADDC/AADC or Etihad WE regulations for electrical connections and water services, depending on which emirate the plot sits in.
• Al Sa'fat green building requirements in Dubai and Estidama Pearl ratings in Abu Dhabi, affecting insulation, lighting efficiency and water fixtures.
• ASHRAE 62.1 for ventilation rates and ASHRAE 90.1 for energy performance, commonly referenced by UAE consultants in MEP specifications.
• Trakhees, DDA or DMCC approval routes where the project sits inside their free zones or master communities.
• UAE Fire & Life Safety Code of Practice (UAE FLSC) — national code governing fire-fighting, fire alarm, smoke control and egress
• ASHRAE standards (62.1, 90.1) (ASHRAE) — ventilation-rate and energy-efficiency basis referenced by UAE regulations

UAE site and climate challenges

• Summer ambient temperatures in the high forties mean every roof-mounted condenser, generator and panel must be selected with high-ambient derating, otherwise plant trips on the hottest afternoons when cooling demand peaks.
• Coastal plots in Dubai Marina, JLT or Sharjah corniche areas see salt-laden humidity, so we specify coated coils, stainless or galvanised supports and sealed enclosures for exposed rooftop equipment.
• Fine sand and dust enter open shafts and unsealed ducts during construction, so ductwork is capped, risers are sealed and filters are replaced before commissioning to avoid contaminating new coils.
• Very humid summer nights cause condensation on poorly insulated chilled-water pipes and cold supply ducts, so vapour barrier continuity, insulated hangers and sealed valve jackets are inspected floor by floor before any ceiling is allowed to close.

Decisions to make early

• Whether to appoint one MEP contractor for all disciplines or split packages: a single package simplifies coordination and accountability, while splits may lower individual prices but create interface gaps at handover.
• Central chillers, district cooling or VRF: the choice depends on building height, plot availability for plant, utility availability in the area and the operator's appetite for long-term tariffs.
• Design-and-build versus build-to-consultant-design: design-and-build lets the contractor optimise routes, plant sizes and riser space, while consultant design keeps more control with the owner but can lock in inefficiencies before the contractor is on board.
• How much BMS integration to buy: basic plant monitoring is cheaper upfront, while full integration of meters, fan coils and lighting supports energy reporting, green building compliance and faster fault finding for the maintenance team later.

What you receive at handover

• Approved shop drawings and coordinated combined services drawings
• Signed testing and commissioning records for every system
• Authority completion certificates and utility connection approvals
• As-built drawings reflecting the final installed routes
• O&M manuals, spare parts lists and manufacturer warranties
• Operator training sessions and a documented handover register

Relevant Manolia projects

Hassani Group factories & HQ, DIP

Dubai Investments Park (DIP) · MEP · Completed

Factory complex, HQ and staff accommodation, all served from one central cooling station.

2B+G+15+Gym

2B+G+15 residential tower, IMPZ

Dubai Production City (formerly IMPZ) · MEP · Completed

Full MEP package for a two-basement residential tower with gym.

G+29+Gym

G+29 residential tower, Sharjah

Sharjah · MEP · Completed

Full MEP package for a 29-storey tower.

Two Nahda residential towers, Sharjah

Al Nahda (Sharjah) · MEP · Completed

MEP for two towers of 23 and 24 typical floors over parking podiums.

Armada Tower hotel, JLT

Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) · MEP · Completed

MEP for the hotel tower of the three-building Armada Towers cluster.

Frequently asked questions