Bollard Spacing Guidelines in the UAE: Balancing Security and Emergency Access
Bollard spacing is a balancing act—tight enough to stop hostile vehicles, but wide enough to let people, wheelchairs, and emergency responders pass.
In the UAE, spacing rules vary by site type, from airports and logistics centers to government compounds and public walkways. Typically, bollards are placed 0.9 to 1.5 meters apart: closer in high-security zones, wider in pedestrian-heavy areas. Choosing the right spacing ensures security, compliance, and accessibility.
Why Bollard Spacing Matters More Than You Think
Imagine you’re threading a needle. Too tight, and nothing passes through. Too loose, and everything slips by. That’s exactly what bollard spacing feels like for security planners in Abu Dhabi or Dubai.
Get it wrong, and you either frustrate daily users or create loopholes for vehicles to exploit. Get it right, and you’ve created a seamless balance of safety, accessibility, and hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM).
For facility managers, engineers, and government agencies, this isn’t just theory—it’s life safety, compliance, and sometimes, reputation on the line.
Bollard Spacing Guidelines for Emergency Vehicle Access in the UAE
When emergencies strike, the last thing fire trucks or ambulances need is a “metal picket fence” blocking their way.
- Clear lane width: At least 3.7 m (12 ft) should be available for emergency access.
- Removable or automatic bollards: Best practice is to use retractable or removable bollards at emergency lanes to preserve perimeter security without slowing responders.
- Practical example: At a Dubai logistics hub, automatic bollards are programmed to retract instantly when emergency sirens are detected, ensuring zero delay.
👉 Tip: Emergency readiness should always be written into your bollard plan, not bolted on later.
Ideal Bollard Gap for Warehouse Loading Docks in UAE Logistics Centers
Logistics managers often ask: “How do I keep trucks moving without inviting security breaches?”
Here’s the sweet spot:
- Truck bays: Leave 3.5–4 meters clear width.
- Pedestrian walkways nearby: Bollards should be 1.2–1.5 meters apart.
- Flexible options: Use removable bollards when layouts change or temporary clearance is required.
Why? Because nothing kills warehouse efficiency like a truck driver trying to squeeze into a gap better suited for a bicycle.
Bollard Spacing Between Posts for Pedestrian vs Vehicle Zones
Warehouses and public spaces aren’t just for trucks—they’re for people too. Spacing should reflect dual use:
- Pedestrian zones: 1.2–1.5 m apart for smooth flow and accessibility.
- Vehicle deterrence zones: ≤1.2 m spacing to stop compact cars.
- Hybrid zones: Mix fixed bollards (permanent control) with removable bollards (flexibility during peak times).
Think of it like designing a shopping mall entrance—you want crowds moving freely, but you don’t want a car rolling straight inside.
How Far Apart Should Bollards Be Spaced to Prevent Vehicle Intrusion in the UAE?
The simple answer: no more than 1.2 meters apart.
But in high-risk environments—like airports, embassies, or military bases—spacing shrinks to 0.9 meters. This ensures even small vehicles can’t slip through gaps.
Pair this with PAS 68 or IWA 14 crash-rated bollards and you’ve got a fortress that doesn’t look like one.
Recommended Bollard Spacing for Wheelchair and Accessibility Compliance in the UAE
Security is important—but so is inclusion. UAE barrier suppliers must plan for both.
- Wheelchair access: At least 0.9 m clearance between bollards.
- Pedestrian-friendly spacing: 1.2–1.5 m for strollers, prams, and carts.
- Compliance note: UAE municipalities often align with ADA standards to ensure universal accessibility.
Because the real test of good design isn’t just keeping threats out—it’s making sure everyone else can get in.
Quick Reference Table: Bollard Spacing Standards
| Application | Recommended Spacing |
|---|---|
| Emergency vehicle access | ≥3.7 m clear lane with retractables |
| Warehouse loading docks | 3.5–4 m for trucks; 1.2–1.5 m walkways |
| Pedestrian-only areas | 1.2–1.5 m |
| Vehicle intrusion prevention | ≤1.2 m (≤0.9 m in high-risk sites) |
| Wheelchair & accessibility compliance | ≥0.9 m |
Engineering and Environmental Factors
Spacing isn’t just about tape measures—it’s about the ground beneath.
- Soil strength: Sandy foundations in Abu Dhabi may require closer spacing or reinforced bases.
- Utilities: Underground pipes or cables can limit bollard placement.
- Climate: Corrosion-resistant bollards are vital in coastal UAE regions where salt and humidity wear down metal faster.
👉 Always plan spacing with an engineer, not just an installer.
FAQs: Bollard Spacing in the UAE
Q1. What are the bollard spacing guidelines for emergency vehicle access in the UAE?
A: At least 3.7 m clear lanes, with retractable bollards for quick access.
Q2. What is the ideal bollard gap for UAE logistics loading docks?
A: 3.5–4 m for trucks and 1.2–1.5 m for pedestrians.
Q3. How should bollards be spaced in pedestrian vs vehicle zones?
A: 1.2–1.5 m in pedestrian areas, ≤1.2 m in vehicle control zones.
Q4. How far apart should bollards be spaced to stop vehicles?
A: ≤1.2 m apart, or ≤0.9 m in high-risk sites.
Q5. What is the recommended spacing for wheelchair access?
A: At least 0.9 m clearance.
(Additional FAQs can expand into maintenance, decorative vs crash-rated, and UAE compliance codes.)
Final Thoughts
When it comes to bollard spacing in the UAE, there’s no one-size-fits-all. Airports need tight control, warehouses need wider truck gaps, and public spaces need accessibility. The key is balance: security that doesn’t strangle flow, and accessibility that doesn’t compromise safety.
At Frontier Pitts Middle East, we don’t just supply automatic bollards, removable bollards, and pedestrian bollards—we design perimeter security installations that respect both international crash standards and UAE municipal codes.
👉 Ready to upgrade your perimeter? Contact Frontier Pitts Middle East the UAE’s trusted barrier supplier today.