Ventilation & smoke extraction in Dubai South 

Ventilation & smoke extraction in Dubai South: local context

Dubai South is a master-planned free zone around Al Maktoum International Airport, covering logistics, aviation, light industry, residential communities and staff accommodation. Development has accelerated since the 2010s, and large plots are still being built out. Logistics warehouses and labour accommodation are among the most common building types. Its scale means MEP packages are often repeated across several similar buildings, rewarding standardised details and well-planned testing sequences.

• Large-span warehouses need roof ventilation, high-bay lighting, fire hydrants and sprinklers designed around racking heights and storage classes.
• Labour accommodation projects need robust domestic water, hot water and drainage designed for high occupancy, plus kitchen extract and fire alarm coverage.
• The location is inland and exposed to dust and high temperatures, so air-cooled equipment must be derated and protected from sand ingress.

Building types we serve in Dubai South

For warehouses and logistics buildings, the work concentrates on high-bay sprinklers or in-rack protection, smoke venting, dock and office HVAC, and LV for racking, lighting and material handling.

Scope of work

• Review of the approved fire strategy so smoke zones, fan duties and pressurisation targets are understood before equipment selection.
• Smoke exhaust fans, smoke dampers and make-up air paths for atria, malls and corridors as required by the strategy.
• Fire-rated cabling and secondary power arrangements for smoke control fans so they operate during a fire.
• Cause-and-effect testing, door opening force checks and Civil Defence witnessed tests.

Systems we install

• Smoke exhaust fans rated for high temperature
• Fire alarm interfaces and firefighters control panel

UAE site and climate challenges

• Basement car parks in summer accumulate heat and vehicle exhaust, so normal ventilation rates are controlled by CO and NO2 sensors to save energy while keeping air quality safe for drivers and attendants.
• Strong winds and sand can jam relief dampers and louvres, so these are checked during commissioning and included in periodic maintenance to ensure they open and close freely on demand.
• Fan redundancy and secondary power arrangements, which add cost but determine how robust the smoke control system remains if one fan or one supply fails during a fire.

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.

G+6+HC

G+6 building with health club, DSO

Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) · MEP · Completed

Full MEP package delivered.

Frequently asked questions