Are curtain walls suitable for high-rise buildings in Middle East cities?

Curtain wall systems are particularly well-suited to high-rise construction in Middle East cities such as Dubai, Doha and Riyadh when engineered for local loading, thermal, and service conditions. High-rise applications demand rigorous structural design for wind uplift and lateral loads; aluminum mullions and transoms can be proportioned to meet these demands while remaining light enough to reduce the building’s structural mass. Unitized curtain wall modules assembled in factory conditions ensure consistent quality and rapid installation on tall towers where site logistics are constrained. Fire performance, smoke control and egress considerations are integrated through compartmentation strategies and fire-rated glazing assemblies in key areas. Thermal performance is managed through thermal breaks, high-performance glazing, and controlled joint details that reduce heat transfer across the building envelope—critical for tall buildings with large exposed façades in hot climates. Accessory elements, such as maintenance anchors, window-washing provisions and facade access platforms, can be coordinated into the curtain wall design. When coordinated with structural engineers, façade consultants and local code requirements, aluminum glass curtain walls provide the safety, performance and refined aesthetic that high-rise projects in the Middle East require.