Engineering reliability and flexibility: how Advanced is meeting Saudi Arabia’s fire protection goals

Shadi Elhag, Business Development Manager – Middle East, Advanced, discusses UL and EN solutions, voice evacuation, smoke control, redundancy, suppression and strategies for tackling false alarms

From 29 September to 1 October, the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center (RICEC) hosted fire safety specialists, security professionals and decision-makers for Intersec Saudi Arabia 2025.

At Stand 5-D36, visitors sawfirst-hand how Advanced is addressing the Kingdom’s evolving fire protection needs with its UL 864-approved Axis AX system, upgraded Axis EN panels, and a comprehensive portfolio of solutions for smoke control, suppression, redundancy and more.

Meeting rising UL system demand

The Kingdom’s construction landscape continues to drive demand for UL-certified systems, particularly for complex, high-rise and mission-critical applications.

Axis AX stands out as a versatile UL 864 10th Edition-approved platform, bringing together high-performance detection and control with exceptional networking capacity.

Designed to grow with the needs of a building, Axis AX can support anything from a small two-panel network to a large-scale 200-node system.

The platform delivers rapid communication, advanced cause-and-effect programming and straightforward configuration, making it a preferred choice for major infrastructure, transport facilities, commercial towers and government projects.

Axis AX also offers built-in flexibility when it comes to appearance, with both red and grey cabinet options to complement different building aesthetics.

Built for voice communication and control

Many modern buildings in Saudi Arabia require voice evacuation, and Axis AX is purpose-built for that task.

Integrated audio functionality supports both pre-recorded and live paging, while multiple channels ensure clear, targeted delivery of evacuation and alert messages.

This is further strengthened by PerfectSync technology, which keeps strobes and audio perfectly aligned across all networked panels.

Even in installations with hundreds of nodes, messages are delivered without overlap or delay, ensuring clarity when it matters most.

For larger and taller buildings, an optional fire and emergency telephone integration enables reliable, wired communication between floors and the control room, a vital asset in high-rise hotels, mixed-use developments and residential towers.

EN solutions with new capabilities

Saudi Arabia’s market is distinctive in its frequent use of both EN and UL systems.

For EN projects, Advanced’s next-generation Axis EN system delivers improved performance, greater flexibility and enhanced sustainability.

Equipped with an eight-times faster processor and more efficient power supplies, Axis EN delivers swift system response while supporting more demanding cause-and-effect scenarios.

Whether protecting schools, hospitals or airports, the platform combines EN54 Parts 2 and 4-approved control with the option to use both wired and wireless detection devices.

Hybrid operation makes Axis EN especially useful for projects where wiring is impractical, such as historic buildings or busy operational sites.

With robust mesh wireless compatibility, it offers dependable coverage while minimising disruption during installation.

Extending protection beyond detection 

Alongside its control panels, Advanced will also present an array of complementary fire protection technologies.

For smoke control, DynamixSmoke provides a visual, grid-based programming interface for managing fans, dampers, stairwell pressurisation systems and more.

It simplifies configuration, supports post-alarm purging and interlocks, and offers automated testing capabilities, making it well-suited to complex buildings with multiple fire compartments.

In environments where downtime is not an option, redundant control panel configurations ensure continued operation even in the event of a fault.

This level of resilience is especially valuable in critical facilities such as data centres, telecoms infrastructure and energy installations.

Where suppression is required, ExGo delivers dependable gas extinguishing control, approved to EN12094-1 and EN54 Parts 2, 4 and 13.

Suitable for single-flooding zone applications, ExGo offers a trusted means of protecting high-value assets without the risk of water damage.

Tackling the issue of false alarms

False alarms remain a significant concern across the region, leading to unnecessary evacuations, disruption and reputational damage.

Advanced addresses this challenge through AlarmCalm, its advanced false alarm management software available Axis EN systems.

AlarmCalm enables customisable investigation delays and verification logic, applied via user-defined ‘building areas’.

This allows installers to set tailored responses for different spaces, for example, applying stricter verification in guest bedrooms than in kitchens or meeting halls, significantly reducing the likelihood of unnecessary evacuations.

Solutions for every scale of project

Not every installation requires a multi-panel network.

AxisGo offers a cost-effective, single-loop alternative built on the same reliable platform as Axis EN.

Compact, non-networkable and easy to program via Advanced’s ConfigTool, AxisGo is ideal for small businesses, retail spaces and temporary sites.

For conventional systems, QuickZone provides dependable protection across up to 32 zones, with quick installation and straightforward maintenance.

Available in standard and XL formats, QuickZone is approved to EN54 Parts 2 and 4, making it a solid choice for projects where simplicity is key.

Supporting the Kingdom’s fire protection goals

Saudi Arabia’s rapid expansion in sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, education and transportation is driving an unprecedented need for adaptable, intelligent fire safety systems.

Advanced works in close partnership with an expanding network of regional distributors and installers, providing technical expertise, training and support.

We are also actively seeking new partnerships within the Kingdom to help deliver innovative solutions across both UL and EN projects.

By combining global engineering expertise with a commitment to ongoing product innovation, usability and environmental responsibility, Advanced is proud to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s fire safety ambitions.

For further information, contact selhag@advancedco.com or visit advancedco.com.

This was originally published in the October 2025 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

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