Dubai Civil Defense Approvals: Expert Guidance from DAEM Contracting

What is Dubai Civil Defense Approval

Dubai Civil Defense approval is a critical document mandated by government agencies. It ensures that facilities meet stringent public safety standards, primarily focusing on fire prevention and mitigation. This approval is essential for creating a safe working and living environment that aligns with international safety standards.

importance of Dubai Civil Defense Approval

Prioritizes Personnel Safety: Ensures the safety of all individuals within the facility during emergencies.
Minimizes Property Losses: Protects property and minimizes damage caused by fire incidents through the implementation of advanced fire protection systems.
Ensures Legal Compliance: Guarantees adherence to the safety regulations and laws established by the Dubai government.

Facilitates Other Licenses: Obtaining Civil Defense approval is often a prerequisite for securing operating licenses for various commercial activities

Steps to Obtain Dubai Civil Defense Approval

Understand Requirements:

Thoroughly understand the specific requirements outlined by the Dubai Civil Defense (DCD).
Consider factors like project location and nature to ensure compliance.
Familiarize yourself with all applicable standards and regulations.

Prioritize Safety:

Implement comprehensive safety measures throughout the project lifecycle.
This includes installing robust fire protection systems and developing well-defined emergency evacuation plans.

Prepare and Submit Documents:

Prepare detailed and accurate drawings and comprehensive documentation that fully align with all DCD requirements.
This typically includes architectural and engineering plans.

Obtain Initial Approval:

Submit project plans and documents to DCD for review. This process usually involves two stages:

Initial Stage: DCD meticulously reviews the submitted plans to ensure they comply with all relevant safety codes and standards.
Second Stage: Approval is granted once DCD’s engineers have reviewed the project and no further comments or revisions are required. If comments are raised, they must be addressed promptly to secure final approval.

Final Inspection

After project completion, request a final inspection from the Dubai Civil Defense Department.
A specialized inspector will thoroughly examine the implemented safety measures to ensure their successful execution.
This assessment includes a detailed review of fire protection systems, evacuation routes, and other critical safety components.
The issuance of the completion certificate is directly contingent upon the inspector’s report. If all safety standards are met without any issues, the certificate will be granted promptly, allowing for successful project completion

Requesting an Inspection for Dubai Civil Defense Approval

Communication with Dubai Civil Defense:

Direct Contact: Contact the Dubai Civil Defense call center to obtain information about the required procedures and schedule an inspection appointment.
Website: Visit the official Dubai Civil Defense website to access information about available services and download necessary forms.

Filling Out the Application:

Complete the inspection request form provided by Dubai Civil Defense.
Ensure accurate entry of all required data, including:

Facility name and license number
Type of activity conducted within the facility
Facility location
Contact information
Any other information specified on the form.

Submitting Required Documents:

Submit a certified copy of the facility’s operating license.
Submit building plans that provide detailed information about the structure and various systems, including fire and alarm systems.
Submit any additional documents required based on the specific nature of the facility’s activities, such as certificates of conformity for equipment.

Payment of Fees:

Pay the specified inspection fees using available payment methods, such as credit cards or bank transfers.

Scheduling the Inspection:

Once the previous steps are completed, Dubai Civil Defense inspectors will schedule an inspection date.
Prepare the facility for the inspection by ensuring all systems and documents are readily available for audit.

Issuing the Report:

Upon completion of the inspection, the inspectors will prepare a detailed report that highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the facility’s safety measures

Types of Approvals and Certificates Issued by Dubai Civil Defense

Dubai Civil Defense issues a variety of approvals and certificates to ensure the safety of facilities and buildings, safeguarding lives and property. These approvals and certificates are crucial for compliance with safety and fire prevention standards.

Building Completion Certificate (Main Contractor):

An official document issued to the main contractor of a newly constructed building.

This certificate confirms that the completed building adheres to all fire safety requirements, ensuring the safety of occupants and property before commencing operations

Decoration or Fit-out Project Completion Certificate:

This certificate verifies that newly constructed buildings within free zones comply with fire safety requirements before occupancy.
It can also be obtained for decoration or fit-out projects

Certificate of Completion of LPG or Fuel Gas Installation:

This certificate confirms that newly constructed buildings within free zones meet fire safety requirements related to LPG/Fuel Gas installations before occupancy.

Safety Certificate (for Building or Facility Owners):

This annual certificate confirms that the building or facility meets the fire safety requirements.
Note: This certificate is not applicable to companies

Safety Certificate (Free Zone Companies):

This annual certificate confirms that the building or facility of a free zone company adheres to the highest safety standards.

Safety Certificate (Affiliates - Dubai Economy and Tourism):

This annual certificate for companies affiliated with the Dubai Economic Department confirms that the building or facility complies with fire safety requirements.
It may also include a smart monitoring certificate to enhance compliance with modern safety standards

Drawings Required for Dubai Civil Defense Approval

Cover Page
Master Plan
Existing and Proposed Floor Plans
Floor Layouts (e.g., ceramic, parquet, carpet)
Ceiling Layouts (e.g., gypsum tiles, plain gypsum, aluminum)
Existing and Proposed Firefighting (Sprinkler) Layouts
Existing and Proposed Fire Alarm (e.g., smoke detector) Layouts
Existing and Proposed Emergency Lighting and Exit Layouts
Typical Device Details
Existing and Proposed Site Plans with Specified Fire Safety Equipment
Clearly Marked Escape Routes and Emergency Exits
Detailed Floor Plans Indicating Locations of Fire Alarms, Sprinklers, and Fire Extinguishers
Exact Specifications for Smoke Detectors and Emergency Lighting Systems
Furniture and Equipment Layouts to Ensure Unobstructed Access to Exits
Sectional Drawings Showing Vertical Dimensions and Spatial Arrangements

Documents Required for Dubai Civil Defense Approval

Updated copy of the tenant’s commercial license.
No objection letter from the property management, real estate trade license, or property owner.
Copy of the owner’s passport or national ID card.
Copy of the notarized lease contract or rental agreement.
No objection letter issued by the building owner or property management

Avoiding Rejection of Transactions Submitted to Dubai Civil Defense

DAEM Contracting, LLC emphasizes the following tips to avoid transaction rejections:

Drawings and Submission Requirements:

Submit drawings using the official Dubai Municipality website’s Civil Defense forms.
Ensure the checklist is fully verified and completed.
Ensure the number of files matches the specified requirements, including color code, drawing scale, staircase details, map key, and file name.
Accurately depict fire exit routes in line with the drawing submission requirements

Special Requirements for High-Rise Buildings:

Comply with specific requirements for high-rise buildings, such as mandatory fire elevator lobbies (above 90 meters) and generator rooms (above 23 meters).
Adhere to UAE Fire Safety Code requirements for stair dimensions.
Ensure half of the stairs lead directly outside through protected passages.
Implement a partition between the upper floor exit and the basement exit at the exit level

Detailed Drawing Requirements:

Clearly indicate the location and details of the fire pump room and water tank.
Use appropriate colors to identify fire-resistant walls of corridors, stairs, living rooms, substations, and pump rooms.
Provide fully illustrated floor plans.
Include vertical sections with the height of each section.
Clearly depict stairs and their thresholds, avoiding any winding of the stairs.
Clearly mark exits, exit corridors, and exit access routes using green color

Penalties and Fines for Non-Compliance

Penalties:

Insurance companies are prohibited from issuing insurance policies for buildings or facilities without a valid DCD certificate.
If DCD personnel encounter inadequate safety conditions or firefighting equipment during firefighting and rescue operations, the violating facility may be charged for the costs and expenses incurred, up to a maximum of 50,000 dirhams.
Establishments and buildings that delay applying for or renewing required certificates may be subject to a financial fine of 10% of the prescribed fee for each month of delay, with a maximum fine equal to the prescribed fee