A2 class (GB 8624, factory tested) Cladding UAE: Complete Compliance Guide 2026
Following the UAE Fire Safety Code updates in 2024-2025, choosing A2 class (GB 8624, factory tested) cladding has become mandatory for most commercial and high-rise residential buildings. This guide explains the requirements and helps you find compliant materials.
UAE Fire Safety Regulations: What You Need to Know
Dubai Municipality Requirements (2026 Update)
All cladding materials used in Dubai must now meet:
- A2-s1,d0 rating (EN 13501-1 standard)
- Civil Defense approval before installation
- Traceability – Material must be from approved manufacturer list
- Estidama Pearl Rating compliance required
- A2 class (GB 8624) for buildings over 15 meters
- Third-party testing from ESMA-approved labs
- A2: Limited combustibility (very limited contribution to fire)
- s1: Limited smoke production
- d0: No burning droplets/debris
- Location: Al Quoz, Dubai
- Products: A2 aluminum composite panels, fiber cement boards
- Certification: Dubai Civil Defense approved
- Location: Ras Al Khor, Dubai
- Specialization: A2 class (GB 8624) flexible cladding systems
- Projects: Burj Khalifa District, Dubai Marina
- Location: Musaffah, Abu Dhabi
- Products: A2 fiber cement, fire-rated insulation systems
- Certification: ESMA + Civil Defense approved
- Test report from approved lab (TUV, SGS, Intertek)
- Dubai Civil Defense approval letter
- Manufacturer’s Declaration of Conformity
- Visit Dubai Civil Defense website
- Search for approved product list
- Verify supplier is on authorized list
- Civil Defense may inspect materials before installation
- Keep all documentation on-site
- Non-compliant materials will be confiscated
- A2 class (GB 8624, factory tested); can be specified to meet EN 13501-1 A2-s1,d0 backing system
- 3.0–10.5 kg/m² – 90% lighter than natural stone
- Real stone surface – Not a printed pattern
- Flexible – Can be applied to curved facades
Abu Dhabi Regulations
What is A2 class (GB 8624)?
A2-s1,d0 classification means:
Materials That Meet A2 Rating
| Material | A2 Compliant? | Notes |
|———-|—————-|——-|
| Aluminum Composite (A2 core) | Yes | Must have A2 class (GB 8624) core |
| Fiber Cement | Yes | Naturally non-combustible |
| Flexible Stone (with A2 backing) | Yes | New technology, lightweight |
| PE Aluminum Composite | No | Banned in UAE since 2017 |
| EPS Sandwich Panels | No | Fails fire safety tests |
A2 Class Cladding Suppliers in the UAE
Dubai
#### 1. Emirates Building Systems
#### 2. Cladding Systems Middle East
Abu Dhabi
#### 3. Gulf Cladding & Insulation
Cost of A2 class (GB 8624, factory tested) Cladding in UAE
| Material | Price (AED/sqm) | Installation (AED/sqm) |
|———-|——————-|————————|
| A2 Aluminum Composite | 180-280 | 60-90 |
| Fiber Cement Board | 120-200 | 50-80 |
| Flexible Stone (A2) | 250-380 | 40-70 |
| A2 Rainscreen System | 350-500 | 100-150 |
Note: Prices as of January 2026. VAT (5%) not included.
How to Verify A2 Certification
Step 1: Request Documentation
Ask supplier for:
Step 2: Check Online
Step 3: Site Inspection
Flexible Stone Veneer with A2 Rating: New Innovation
Traditional flexible stone veneer was not A2 compliant. However, new products with fire-resistant backing now meet UAE standards:
Features:
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Buying “A2-equivalent” – Must have official certification
2. Using PE core panels – Banned, will fail inspection
3. Skipping Civil Defense approval – Project will be shut down
4. Mixing cladding types – Must use same system throughout
Conclusion
For UAE construction projects, A2 class (GB 8624, factory tested) cladding is not optional – it’s the law. While A2 materials cost 20-30% more than standard cladding, the cost of non-compliance (fines, project delays, safety risks) is far higher.
Recommendation: Choose A2 class (GB 8624) flexible stone veneer for a balance of aesthetics, weight savings, and full compliance.
Quick Specification Reference
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 2–9 mm (varies by texture) |
| Weight | 3.0–10.5 kg/m² |
| Panel size | 600 × 1200 mm · 1200 × 2400 mm |
| Fire classification | A2 class (GB 8624, factory tested); can be specified to meet EN 13501-1 A2-s1,d0 |
| Minimum order | 200 m² per single colour or pattern |
| OEM / ODM | Supported |
Sourcing A2 Class Cladding for UAE Projects
Specifying imported cladding for a Dubai or Abu Dhabi project comes down to four practical questions: documentation, lead time, logistics, and samples.
Documentation. Factory test reports to GB 8624 are available, and project documentation can be prepared to support a Dubai Civil Defense or Abu Dhabi ESMA submission. Confirm the exact document set with your consultant before ordering — requirements differ by emirate and by building height.
Logistics. Orders ship FOB from ports in Guangdong or Guangxi, including Shenzhen and Qinzhou. Sea transit to Jebel Ali is routine for consolidated container loads; your freight forwarder can quote door-to-door against the FOB terms.
Lead time. Samples are produced in 7–10 days. Production for container quantities is scheduled after sample approval and deposit.
Samples. Sample panels are available for evaluation; freight is carried by the buyer. We recommend testing a sample on the actual substrate before committing to a full container.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is flexible stone veneer accepted under UAE fire codes?
Flexible stone veneer is A2 class (GB 8624, factory tested) and can be specified to meet EN 13501-1 A2-s1,d0 when installed over an appropriate backing. Final acceptance always rests with Dubai Civil Defense or the relevant Abu Dhabi authority, so submit documentation before installation.
What weight does it add to the facade?
At 3.0–10.5 kg/m² it is roughly 90% lighter than natural stone, which reduces structural load and anchoring cost — a key advantage on high-rise retrofits.
What is the minimum order quantity?
200 m² per single colour or pattern. Custom colours and textures carry higher minimums; ask for a specific figure when you request a quote.
Can it be used on curved facades and columns?
Yes. The veneer bends to follow curved substrates and column radii, which is why it is often specified for feature walls, soffits and column wraps.
How do I get a quote for a UAE project?
Send your drawings, quantities, and target completion date. We will return an FOB quotation with packing details and estimated container utilisation. You can reach the export team on WhatsApp or through the contact page.
Get a Quote for Your UAE Project
Message the TooFlexi export team on WhatsApp or request a quotation. Include project location, facade area, and height above grade so we can advise on the correct specification.
