Can curtain walls withstand strong winds and sandstorms in Gulf regions?

Curtain walls can be engineered to withstand the demanding wind and sand conditions common in Gulf regions such as Qatar, Kuwait and the UAE. Performance begins with structural design: mullions and transoms sized for site-specific wind pressures are verified through finite element analysis and certified by local structural codes. Glass units are specified with appropriate thickness, laminated safety layers and framing restraint details to resist pressure differentials during storms. Sandstorms present abrasion and sealing challenges; we specify durable gaskets, pressure-equalized drainage systems, and protective drip edges to prevent abrasion-driven leaks. Surface finishes for aluminum extrusions use corrosion- and abrasion-resistant coatings—anodizing or high-quality powder coat with enhanced film thickness—to reduce visible wear from airborne sand. Sealing strategies must accommodate thermal expansion while maintaining a barrier to fine particles; multi-stage gasket systems and hidden extruded gaskets are widely used. Unitized curtain wall panels pre-assembled in a controlled factory environment allow rigorous QC and shop testing before shipment, reducing field errors that could compromise performance during storms. When properly designed, tested, and installed, aluminum glass curtain walls meet or exceed regional wind-load standards and provide resilient, low-maintenance façades suitable for Gulf high-rises and public buildings.