Are curtain walls compatible with fire-rated glass for safety compliance?

Yes—curtain wall systems can be engineered to incorporate fire-rated glazing and other passive fire protection measures to meet regional safety codes across the Middle East. Fire-rated glass options include 30-, 60- and higher-minute classifications in laminated or intumescent assemblies designed to limit heat transfer and maintain integrity during a fire. Integration requires careful coordination: fire stops, horizontal and vertical compartmentation details, and fire-rated mullion covers must be specified to prevent vertical smoke and flame spread between floors. Thermal performance and framing details must account for the different behavior of fire-rated glass under high temperatures. Local code authorities in Dubai, Riyadh and Doha often require specific vertical compartmentation strategies and tested interface details between curtain walls and floor slabs. Using tested systems and certified assemblies, curtain walls can meet both performance and aesthetic expectations while complying with life-safety requirements for commercial towers and mixed-use buildings.