Brick tools users and other professionals specialising in construction will need to be aware of new building codes in Abu Dhabi, should they undertake any projects in the emirate.

The department of municipal affairs (DMA) outlined plans at the Green Building Summit earlier this week to deliver climate-sensitive, high performance and durable structures across the region via new regulatory procedures "with the force of law behind them", His Excellency Rashid Al Hajeri, chairman of the department, said at the event.

"These codes are based on global best practice and will also improve the construction standards of buildings," he added. "That means more cost-effective structures with improved health and safety standards."

Sustainable growth is a key aim for Abu Dhabi, with various legislation being introduced to create a framework for a better quality of life, the DMA said.

And earlier this month, the emirate's statistics bureau found that the average cost of labour in Abu Dhabi fell by 9.6 per cent in April.

Posted by Ryan Gilbert