Why Fire Truck Access Planning in Giga-Projects Is More Than Just Code Compliance
| Fire & Life SafetyWorking on giga-projects like NEOM, Qiddiya, Diriyah Gate or the Red Sea quickly shows that just following code is not enough. These are not typical city developments. They are large-scale, high-profile destinations that need smarter and more flexible fire safety planning. And that starts with fire truck access.
Code Compliance is Only the Beginning
The Saudi Building Code and Saudi Fire Code define the basics; like road widths, turning radii, load capacities, and hydrant locations. But these codes were written for traditional city environments. Giga-projects come with different challenges altogether, and often these codes fall short of addressing them properly.
Real Challenges That Need Real Solutions
Scale and complexity at a different level Giga-projects often stretch across kilometers and include clusters of high-rise buildings and transport networks. They also bring in marine zones, underground connections, and pedestrian-focused spaces. Standard road-based access simply does not work in these cases.
Risk profiles that change constantly The construction activity is ongoing. Temporary uses, frequent layout changes, and new hazards emerge every month. Locations near the coast or designed for entertainment attract specific risks like crowd surges or corrosion exposure that the code may not even mention.
Smart cities need smarter access plans Most giga-projects are built with smart infrastructure; from autonomous shuttles to integrated utilities. Fire truck access planning needs to account for how the place actually works, not just what the drawings show.
What Actually Works
In projects like these, a risk-based approach is what brings everything together.
Design solutions that respond to context When roads are not viable, we look at marine, aerial, or alternative routes. These are planned alongside authorities and global fire safety experts so they are realistic, buildable, and meet the intent of the code.
Training that matches the environment First responders must be prepared for complex access situations; like vertical rescue, restricted corridors, or smart systems. We support this with scenario-based digital simulations that mirror the actual risk.
A living strategy, not a one-time task Access planning is not a submission that gets filed and forgotten. It needs regular review and constant updates as the development grows. Fire safety teams should be embedded in the project to manage this evolution.
What Vision 2030 Teaches Us
Giga-projects in Saudi Arabia are global case studies now. They have pushed the boundaries of fire safety planning. Performance-based and Risk-based thinking, use of international standards, and early collaboration with civil defense are already becoming the standard approach.
How We Support This Vision
At Design Confidence, we specialise in fire and life safety strategies for complex and high-profile developments across the Middle East. Our team has been part of some of the most ambitious giga-projects in the region, offering solutions that are grounded in real risk and practical to implement. Whether your project is in KSA or elsewhere in the region, we are here to support.
Feel free to reach out at info@designconfidence.me or directly to me at anam@designconfidence.me
Let’s raise the standard for fire safety; together.
