Limits on Window-to-Wall Ratios in UAE

Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has set limits on window-to-wall ratios, potentially halting the proliferation of all-glass buildings in the region. Dubai has set a limit of 60% glazing for buildings, which will go into effect in 2014. Another city, Abu Dhabi, is considering a more stringent limit—30%—but has included a loophole that allows designers to shade glazed facades or put them on the north side of buildings. Under the proposed regulations, designers would have to show that buildings with higher glazing percentages only experience the solar heat gain of a building with 30% glazing.