LEXAN™ EXELL™ D Sheets: Crafting Quiet Boundaries at ENOC, Dubai Hills

When it comes to shaping the cities of tomorrow, Dubai isn’t just following trends — it’s setting them.

Dubai is a city that doesn’t just aim high — it aims smart. Skyscrapers may define its skyline, but it’s the forward-thinking infrastructure beneath that truly sets the city apart. Here, innovation isn’t only about aesthetics or speed; it’s about environmental responsibility, community comfort, and setting new benchmarks for how cities of the future should function.

That philosophy was front and center when Blue Rhine General Trading LLC and Eastern International LLC teamed up with ENOC (Emirates National Oil Company) to tackle a unique challenge: building advanced sound barriers for ENOC’s newest solar-powered fuel station located at Dubai Hills.

A Quiet Challenge in a Bustling City

Dubai Hills is a master-planned community where wide, leafy streets, landscaped parks, and serene walking paths create an atmosphere of calm. So when ENOC announced plans for a fuel station in the heart of the neighborhood, there was one concern: noise.

Fuel stations aren’t exactly silent. Between vehicle movement, equipment operation, and customer traffic, the soundscape can quickly rise. According to Dubai Municipality regulations, noise at the property’s boundary must not exceed 70 dBA — a strict limit for a high-traffic fueling site.

For ENOC, this wasn’t just about meeting a regulation. It was about respecting the community’s lifestyle and proving that even functional infrastructure could coexist peacefully with its surroundings.

The Brief: More Than Just a Wall

The Challenge Had Two Main Parts:

Create a noise barrier that would dramatically reduce sound levels for neighboring homes.
Select a material that wasn’t just effective but also durable, impact-resistant, flame retardant, and able to withstand Dubai’s harsh climate — all while looking sleek.

Blue Rhine and Eastern International approached the task as more than a construction job. It became an exercise in engineering precision, materials science, and urban design.

The Material of Choice: LEXAN™ EXELL™ D Polycarbonate

After evaluating multiple options, the team zeroed in on LEXAN™ EXELL™ D polycarbonate sheets. These specialty sheets offered:

Exceptional strength for long-term durability
UV resistance to prevent yellowing or degradation under Dubai’s intense sun
Outstanding acoustic performance to absorb and block sound

Unlike traditional barriers, which can look bulky and intrusive, LEXAN™ sheets allow for a lighter, more contemporary design that still delivers serious performance.

The Process: From Theory to Reality

Phase 1: Technical Evaluation

The project kicked off with detailed noise-reduction modeling. The proposed barrier was designed not only to meet the visual and structural requirements but also to deliver measurable results in reducing noise to within the 70 dBA limit.

Phase 2: Real-World Testing

On-site testing was critical. The team set up a variety of sheet configurations along the existing fence walls, each slotted into custom aluminum “U” profiles. To simulate operational noise, they used a hand-crank siren and measured decibel levels on both sides of the barrier with calibrated sound meters.

The Configurations Tested Were:

THERMOCLEAR™ Multiwall 16mm
EXELL™ D 6mm
Double layer of EXELL™ D 6mm
EXELL™ D 8mm

Each setup was tested twice, and the average results were compared to both manufacturer data and site-specific conditions.

The Results Spoke for Themselves:

EXELL™ D 8mm achieved up to 33 dB noise reduction
The next-best performer, a double 6mm layer, also scored well but lacked the single-layer simplicity of the 8mm option
THERMOCLEAR™ 16mm came in lowest at just over 25 dB reduction

Phase 3: Final Selection

Armed with hard data, ENOC chose the 8mm Opal EXELL™ D sheets for their combination of top-tier acoustic performance, durability, and visual appeal.

The Result: Quieter Streets, Cleaner Energy

When the barriers were installed at ENOC’s 1076 Dubai Hills site, they didn’t just work — they impressed. The sleek opal finish complements the station’s modern, solar-powered design, while the noise reduction ensures nearby homes remain peaceful.

For residents, the difference is tangible: mornings and evenings are as calm as ever, despite a busy fuel station operating just a short distance away. For ENOC, it’s a proof point that infrastructure can be both functional and considerate.

Why Does This Project Matter?

This wasn’t simply about ticking a compliance box. It’s about changing how we think about urban infrastructure.

In many cities, noise control is treated as an afterthought, with bulky barriers added as a quick fix. But this project shows that with smart planning, rigorous testing, and high-performance materials, you can integrate noise control seamlessly into the design from day one.

It’s also an example of how environmental responsibility goes beyond solar panels and energy efficiency. Reducing noise pollution is just as critical for community health and well-being.

A Model for the Future

With a 33 dB reduction in noise levels, ENOC’s Dubai Hills solar-powered fuel station is now a showcase for sustainable, community-friendly design. It proves that businesses can operate high-functioning facilities in the middle of residential neighborhoods without disrupting daily life.

For Blue Rhine and Eastern International, it’s another milestone in their mission to deliver smarter, cleaner, and quieter urban environments — across the UAE and beyond.

Conclusion

Thoughtful designs paired with advanced materials can transform cities into quieter, cleaner, and more livable spaces. The walls may be designed to block sound, but the message they send is loud and clear — when innovation, engineering, and environmental care come together, everybody wins.

Blue Rhine: Delivering Smart Solutions

Blue Rhine is proud to lead the way in delivering innovative, sustainable solutions that enhance urban living. By combining cutting-edge materials like polycarbonate, acrylic, and other thermoplastics with expert engineering, we help create quieter, cleaner, and smarter environments, building the foundation for healthier communities today and the cities of tomorrow.

Our comprehensive range of signage and construction materials empowers you to bring durable, visually striking, and future-ready projects to life. Contact us today to discover how Blue Rhine can support your next project with the right materials and expert guidance.