Which railing type offers better fire safety for commercial Middle East projects?

For commercial projects throughout the Middle East—from high-rise office towers in Riyadh to sprawling resorts on the coast—fire safety is a non-negotiable priority governed by strict civil defense codes. In this critical context, our aluminum railing offers vastly superior fire safety compared to wood, and even has advantages over other metals. The most significant difference is that aluminum is non-combustible. It does not burn and will not contribute fuel to a fire, which is a fundamental requirement for materials used in emergency exit routes, stairwells, and public assembly areas. In a fire situation, a non-combustible railing maintains its structural integrity longer, ensuring that escape routes remain safe and usable for occupants and accessible for emergency services. Its melting point is high, at approximately 660°C (1220°F), and it does not release toxic fumes when exposed to high heat, unlike some treated woods or plastics. Wood, on the other hand, is a combustible material. Even when treated with fire retardants, it will eventually ignite, burn, and contribute to the fire's spread and smoke production, posing a direct threat to life safety. This makes it unsuitable for most commercial applications where fire codes are rigorously enforced. While steel also is non-combustible, in a fire, steel can lose a significant portion of its structural strength at temperatures commonly reached in building fires, potentially leading to earlier failure. Our aluminum railing systems are designed and engineered to meet and exceed the world’s most stringent fire safety standards, making them the responsible and code-compliant choice for any commercial project where the safety of the public is the primary concern.