Al Shirawi Scales Smart Fire Safety Innovation Across the UAE

Charalampos Sarafopoulos, Executive Director of Al Shirawi Fire Fighting Systems, highlights the company’s innovation drive in the UAE through smart technologies, sustainable retrofits, and AI-enabled security, ensuring future-ready fire protection across various sectors.

How is Al Shirawi Fire Fighting Systems positioning itself to meet the growing demand for advanced fire protection solutions in the UAE?
We are scaling to meet demand by combining proven systems with next-generation technologies. Our portfolio is comprehensive, spanning linear heat detection, pre-action and deluge suppression, kitchen hood systems utilizing potassium-based wet chemicals, and clean-agent systems, such as FM-200. What truly sets us apart is our seamless integration of web-based connectivity, remote diagnostics, and smart analytics, which improve emergency response times, enable predictive maintenance, and strengthen compliance oversight. The net result is reliable, future-ready fire protection that safeguards people, assets, and operations.

What are your key growth sectors currently – residential, commercial, or industrial – and how is your portfolio evolving to meet specific needs?
Beyond residential, commercial, and industrial, we see strong growth in infrastructure and new construction, including the defense sector. In line with the UAE’s sustainability agenda, we are also prioritizing retrofit projects to modernize legacy fire protection systems where possible. In parallel, we are exploring advanced ELV solutions with AI-enabled capabilities such as face detection, people counting, and live guard deterrence so that we deliver next- generation security solutions and our clients can consolidate safety and security outcomes where appropriate.

How is Al Shirawi integrating smart technologies, IoT, or automation into its fire safety systems to enhance responsiveness and monitoring?
We deploy smart, connected platforms that centralize real-time monitoring across sites, supported by role-based mobile apps for remote access and instant alerts. IoT-enabled devices improve incident visibility and health monitoring, while automation streamlines testing, reporting, and maintenance planning. By integrating these layers with established fire protection systems, we help clients respond more quickly, reduce downtime, and maintain continuous visibility into compliance.

With sustainability becoming a top priority, are you seeing a shift toward eco-friendly fire suppression solutions, and how is the company responding?
Yes, there’s definitely a shift, and we’ve adapted quickly. We recognize the growing demand for eco-friendly fire protection and have aligned our solutions with the UAE’s green infrastructure and smart city vision. We integrate fire systems with Building Management Systems and Central Monitoring Systems to optimize energy use and diagnostics. Our offering includes energy-efficient fire pumps, clean-agent suppression options, and retrofit services that extend system life and reduce waste. We also operate an in-house FM-200 refilling capability to minimize transport-related emissions. Internally, paperless workflows and digital reporting further reduce our footprint. Our aim is precise – it is to deliver compliant, intelligent, and more sustainable fire protection.

How does Al Shirawi stay ahead of evolving UAE Civil Defense regulations and international fire safety standards?
Staying ahead starts with staying involved. Our teams regularly attend Civil Defense-led training to ensure we’re up to date with the latest codes and standards. We also work side-by-side with clients during project planning and approvals to help secure key certifications. Beyond compliance, we assist with mock drills, evacuation plans, and 24/7 monitoring setups to make sure systems are truly ready. Our blend of technical expertise and practical support enables us to navigate evolving regulations, providing clients with complete confidence in their safety infrastructure.

Can you share how your company contributes to fire safety awareness, training, or compliance initiatives in collaboration with local authorities or developers?
We collaborate with developers and contractors from early planning through to commissioning, ensuring code-compliant designs and correct installation. Al Shirawi Fire Fighting Systems also conducts regular fire drills, comprehensive staff training sessions, and workshops on prevention, response, and evacuation procedures. We also conduct periodic audits and implement corrective actions to ensure sites remain aligned with current standards.

What is your long-term vision for Al Shirawi Fire Fighting Systems, and what strategic shifts or investments can we expect in the near future?
Our vision is to grow our market share through continuous innovation, investment in new technologies and client partnership. We are investing in the integration of IoT, BMS, and AI-enabled analytics to elevate safety outcomes and operational efficiency. We will continue to focus on retrofit projects aligned with the UAE’s sustainability goals and on raising client awareness, enabling older buildings to be upgraded for improved protection, compliance, and long-term value.