Al Thuraya Astronomy Centre is a three storey building in Dubai’s Mushrif Park that is the first-of-its-kind project in the UAE. It includes everything related to the world of astronomy, including a cinema, giant telescope, an astronomy gallery and an exhibition of science-related games. It also has a library, cafe outside the observation deck, a 100-seat theatre, interactive class room and labs where people are free to explore the universe by themselves. According to the officials, there are also ambitious plans to create a scale model replica of the International Space Station. The Building Technologies division has installed Life Safety Systems for the Al Thuraya Astronomy Centre. A Life Safety System is a system by which any interior building element is designed

to protect and evacuate the building’s occupants in emergencies, including fires and earthquakes and less critical events such as power failures. Fire-detection systems include electronic heat and smoke detectors that can activate audible alarms and automatically notify local fire departments. For fire suppression, hand-operated fire extinguishers and building sprinkler systems were provided. Smoke is as dangerous as fire, so protective measures include the automatic shutdown of ventilating systems and elevators and the division of the building into smoke proof compartments. Occupants evacuate through protected exits that include exit corridors and stairways.