Selecting the wrong core for your ACP panels may only become apparent when your fire and life safety submission is rejected, often after fabrication. This error can require reordering, cause project delays, and lead to challenging discussions with the developer. In recent years, UAE Civil Defence has significantly tightened cladding regulations, and prior approvals or visual similarities are no longer accepted as justification.
In the UAE, ACP panels with a combustible polyethene (PE) core are usually restricted or completely rejected for most high-rise projects. Civil Defence typically requires A2-rated or non-combustible mineral-core panels for buildings above certain height limits. These requirements are checked through fire test certificates included in the facade approval package.
Here’s what determines approval, what the tests check, and how to prepare a submission that gets accepted the first time.
Why the Rules Got Strict
The UAE strengthened cladding regulations in response to several high-rise fires over the past decade. Many incidents involved PE-core ACP, which enabled rapid flame spread, prompting regulators to reassess permitted cladding types for tall buildings.
Dubai Civil Defence and Abu Dhabi Civil Defence now have much stricter core requirements than they did ten years ago, and they enforce these rules more carefully during the submission process. Developers who think old approvals still count are often the ones who run into problems.
The Three Core Types, and What They Actually Mean for Approval
Not all ACP panels are made the same way. The core material is the main factor Civil Defence looks at when deciding on approval.
PE (Polyethene) Core
A PE core is basically a plastic layer between two aluminium sheets. It’s affordable, easy to work with, and was the standard choice for many years. However, it’s combustible, and if it catches fire, flames can spread quickly behind the panels. Most emirates now limit or ban the use of PE-core ACP on building exteriors, especially for taller buildings.
FR (Fire Retardant) Core
An FR core is made from a mix of minerals and polymers that slows down ignition and limits flame spread compared to pure PE. It’s safer than PE, but it’s not non-combustible and can still add fuel in a fire. Some low-rise or interior projects allow FR core, but for exterior high-rise cladding, most authorities now require a higher standard.
A2 / Mineral Core (Non-Combustible)
This is now the standard for new high-rise cladding in the UAE. An A2-rated core is mostly mineral, so it doesn’t keep burning or help a fire spread. If you’re planning a tower today, this is almost always the core your consultant and Civil Defence will expect. ACP Comprehensive Overview
Fire Test Standards You’ll See Referenced
Approval submissions usually refer to internationally recognised fire test methods, because the UAE does not have its own testing system for every product. The two most common tests are:
- BS 8414: This is a full-scale fire test that checks how a complete wall assembly, not just the panel, performs in a real fire, including how flames spread on the outside.
- NFPA 285: This is a similar test for full wall assemblies. It’s more common on projects with US-based specifications or international consultants.
A manufacturer’s test certificate that refers to one of these tests, or another recognised standard, is usually the first thing a reviewer looks for in your submission.
Core Type Comparison at a Glance
| Core Type | Combustibility | Common Use Today | Typical UAE Approval Path |
| PE (Polyethylene) | Combustible | Largely phased out on exteriors | Restricted or rejected on most high-rises |
| FR (Fire Retardant) | Reduced spread, still combustible | Low-rise, interior, case-specific | Requires review; often declined for towers |
| A2 / Mineral | Non-combustible or near non-combustible | Standard for new high-rise facades | Generally approved with valid test certification |
Building a Submission That Doesn’t Bounce Back
Getting approval isn’t just about the panel itself. The paperwork you provide is just as important. Before you submit:
- Confirm the exact core type and get the manufacturer’s written material declaration, not just a verbal assurance from a supplier.
- Collect fire test certificates that match the actual product batch, not a generic brochure reference.
- Check the building’s height and use classification against the current civil defence threshold: requirements differ for residential, commercial, and mixed-use towers.
- Submit details for the entire wall assembly, not just the panel specifications. Reviewers look at how the whole system works together, including insulation and cavity design. Wind Load Analysis in Facade Engineering
- Involve your facade consultant early in the process. Reviewing everything before you submit can catch core-type mistakes before they lead to costly fabrication errors.
A Quick Compliance Checklist
Use this before any ACP order goes to fabrication:
- Core type confirmed in writing (PE, FR, or A2/mineral)
- Fire test certificate matches the exact product and batch.
- Building height and classification checked against current thresholds
- Full assembly (not just panel) included in the fire safety submission
- Facade consultant has reviewed the package before formal submission.
- Civil Defence approval received and filed before fabrication begins.
FAQ
Is PE-core ACP banned in the UAE?
Not universally banned, but heavily restricted. Most emirates now prohibit the use of PE-core ACP for exterior use on high-rise buildings, and enforcement has tightened significantly at the approval stage.
What core type does UAE Civil Defence require for high-rises?
Generally, A2-rated or non-combustible mineral-core ACP is expected for buildings above the defined height threshold, though exact requirements can vary by emirate and building classification.
How long does ACP fire safety approval take in the UAE?
The timeline depends on the authority and the completeness of your submission. The most common delays come from incomplete packages, missing certificates, or mismatched batch documents, which can add weeks to the process.
Can I use FR-core ACP anywhere on a UAE project?
FR-core ACP can sometimes be used for low-rise or interior projects, but it is rarely accepted for exterior cladding on tall buildings now. Always check with your facade consultant before choosing it.
Don’t Let a Core-Type Mistake Cost You a Fabrication Run
Fire safety approval is not something to leave to chance. If you are working on a UAE project and want experts to handle the core type, test documents, submission package, and facade engineering services, contact us, and we’ll review your project before you place any orders.
