Capital Trustees Board approves mandatory soundproofing proposal for multi-storey flats

TDT | Manama

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A proposal to set soundproofing standards for floors in multi-storey flats was approved by the Capital Trustees Board during its session yesterday.

The plan is intended to reduce disturbances in shared buildings and encourage quieter homes.

Developers would be required to meet minimum insulation levels between floors, particularly in freehold properties.

Dr Bashar Ahmadi, who submitted the proposal, said noise between flats is a common complaint.

He pointed to the use of poor construction materials and designs that fail to block sound.

The aim, he said, is to bring in standards drawn from practices already used in other parts of the world.

Expectations

Mubarak Al Nuaimi, who chairs the board’s technical committee, said the measure would help set clear expectations for builders and buyers alike.

It would also support building managers in handling disputes and allow inspectors to assess compliance more easily.

The committee recommended making soundproofing a condition for issuing permits in new freehold developments.

Idea

Mohammed Al Sahli, Director-General of the Capital Trustees Board, said the idea could benefit buyers but noted that such matters fall under the Urban Planning and Development Authority.

He suggested soundproofing could be left as an option, allowing developers to offer both insulated and non-insulated flats.

Deputy Chair woman Khalood Al Qattan supported the view that buyers should be free to choose whether they want this feature.

Report

Also during the meeting, the board reviewed a report on messages received through the Tawasul platform between September 2024 and May this year.

There were 1,823 complaints, 319 enquiries and 39 suggestions.

Most were about public cleanliness, road obstructions, unsafe structures, damaged pavements, worn roads and rainwater collecting in low-lying areas.