Saudi Released New High-rise Elevator Fire Regulations, Strengthening Fire Safety in 2025
On January 15, 2025, Saudi General Directorate of Civil Defense (GCD) released Fire Safety Specifications for High-rise and Super High-rise Building Elevators, implemented on July 1, 2025. Core requirements:
1. Scope: All elevators in high-rise and super high-rise buildings with height ≥100 meters;
2. Fire-resistant structure: Shaft, machine room, car fire resistance ≥2 hours, door system fire resistance ≥1.5 hours, Class A fireproof materials;
3. Smoke prevention design: Shaft positive pressure air supply, automatic shutdown when smoke concentration exceeds standard, smoke-proof seal;
4. Fire operation: Automatically return to first floor in fire, open door and cut off power, special operation for firefighters, emergency lighting ≥90 minutes;
5. Emergency power supply: Independent fire emergency power supply, maintain 3 hours fire operation, automatic switch;
6. Material flame retardant: Elevator materials flame retardant V-0 grade, low smoke zero halogen, non-toxic combustion;
7. Old renovation: Existing high-rise elevators complete fire upgrade by 2028, non-compliant elevators stopped;
8. Certification: Must pass Saudi SASO fire certification, affix mark. The new regulations improve Saudi high-rise elevator fire safety level.