By Staff Reporter
UAE Mandates Advanced Fire Suppression Systems on All School Buses to Boost Student Safety
In a major move to enhance student safety, the UAE government has made it mandatory for all school buses to be equipped with advanced fire suppression systems starting April 15, 2025.
The regulation, enforced by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), requires the installation of certified systems capable of rapid engine fire detection and automatic extinguishing. The initiative aims to protect nearly 500,000 children during their daily commutes.
“Permits for school buses without a MoIAT-certified system will no longer be issued or renewed,”
confirmed David Campbell, General Manager of Emirates Safety Laboratory at Dubai Civil Defence. While school buses are the current focus, the mandate also applies to all new and existing buses in the UAE with a capacity exceeding 22 passengers.
“This is a proactive national safety measure that extends beyond school transport,”
Campbell noted.
“Future phases may include additional public, commercial, and private vehicles.”
UK-based Reacton Fire Suppression, in partnership with vehicle safety provider TABRA, is leading the implementation. Reacton CEO Sam Malins explained their system uses heat-sensitive tubing and a fire suppression agent to quickly smother flames, especially in engine compartments.
“We’ve already installed over 2,500 systems and seen real-world incidents where they’ve prevented disaster,”
he said.
TABRA General Manager Hassan Hijazi highlighted their precise, certified installations.
“We’re fully committed to ensuring every bus meets the new standard without compromising safety or operational uptime.”
The government will enforce compliance through annual audits and local authority inspections, ensuring full adherence to MoIAT standards. This rollout marks a significant step forward in the UAE’s efforts to make public transport safer and more resilient.
News Source: Khaleej Times
