Dubai Civil Defense attaches great importance to fire safety requirements and ensuring the safety of citizens. Therefore, approval requirements are very strict and precise, requiring experts to ensure that mistakes are avoided.
Therefore, the process of obtaining civil defense approvals can sometimes be confusing and require many steps and conditions.
In this article, we explain step by step the DCD approval process and the required documents before and after the construction process.
Table of Contents
What are the steps involved in the DCD approval process?
The DCD certification process in the UAE starts with understanding the required documents, preparing those documents and submitting the application via the DCD online portal.
After submitting the documents and inspecting the site, you will obtain the completion certificate and the building will meet the safety requirements.
Here’s a step by step guide for the DCD submission process to follow:
- Understand Your Project Requirements
- Prepare the Required Documents
- Submit the Application via DCD Portal
- Initial Review by DCD Engineers
- Get Initial Approval
- Site Inspection by DCD
- Address Any Inspection Comments
- Receive Final Approval & DCD Completion Certificate
The DCD certification process in the UAE starts with understanding the required documents, preparing those documents and submitting the application via the DCD online portal.
After submitting the documents and inspecting the site, you will obtain the completion certificate and the building will meet the safety requirements.
Here’s a step by step guide for the DCD submission process to follow:
- Understand Your Project Requirements
- Prepare the Required Documents
- Submit the Application via DCD Portal
- Initial Review by DCD Engineers
- Get Initial Approval
- Site Inspection by DCD
- Address Any Inspection Comments
- Receive Final Approval & DCD Completion Certificate
1- Understand Your Project Requirements
Project type, project scope and industry type are necessary requirements that we should identify in order to know the required documents. Those elements are part of obtaining a DCD approval.
Project type
It means the project type based on construction whether it was infrastructure, commercial or residential and identifying it ensures the compliance with the fire and life safety code.
For example:
Infrastructure projects are more complex and require attention to details, while residential buildings focus on providing comfortable space and require less effort.
Project scope
DCD approvals require well-designed fire safety equipment and plans, and an exact number of emergency exits and sprinklers that suit the project scope (small-medium large project) and that is what the project scope provides.
For example:
A small project require a minimum of two emergency exits and a basic fire safety equipment such as smoke detector.
Industry type
The difference in the type of industry plays a role in civil defense approvals, as each industry requires specific requirements and different approvals.
For example:
Healthcare projects require more attention to hazardous materials, while marketing projects require more attention to stores.
2- Prepare the Required Documents
It’s important to prepare your documents well and ensure they comply with the safety standards and filing requirements set forth by the Civil defence on the DCD online portal, such as proper formatting, appropriate file size, and adherence to specific codes.
Even with complete submissions, unexpected delays can still happen—such as cases where investors submitted all their décor documents for a café in Dubai Mall but still faced approval issues. That’s why careful documentation and expert handling are key.
Check this article for more information: Complete Document Checklist for All DCD Services in Dubai
3- Submit the Application via DCD Portal
After preparing the required documents for DCD, you need to register on the Civil Defense platform.
Registration requires an Emirati phone number, passport, or ID to prove your identity, or you can hire a trusted DCD company to prepare the documents.
After choosing the service, DCD provides a brief about the service and the cost of the service.
Key takeaways for submitting a DCD application:
- Prepare the required documents
- Register on the civil defence platform
- To register you need an emirati phone number, passport, or ID
- DCD provides a brief about the service and the cost of the service.
4- Initial Review by DCD Engineers
After submitting the files, Civil Defense engineers review the application to ensure compliance with safety requirements and regulations.
A preliminary site inspection is then conducted to ensure the following requirements are met:
1- UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice
2- International standards (NFPA, BS, etc., as applicable)
3- DCD-specific regulations and guidelines They check things like:
4- Adequate fire exits and access
5- Fire detection and suppression systems
6- Emergency lighting and signage
7- Ventilation for smoke control
8- Fire compartmentation (walls, doors, etc.)
5- Get Initial Approval
If all the past criteria are met, you will obtain a no-objection certificate from the Dubai Civil Defense and If there are any comments, the DCD will require from the owner to make adjustments accordingly. This approval is the first approval obtained before construction work begins.
This approval is temporary (typically 6 months), and it needs to be renewed if construction has not commenced. Dubai Municipality (DM) approval and other government authorities usually require this Initial NOC as part of their process
If there are any modifications to the design, the DCD needs to reassess them and might demand a new NOC.
6- Site Inspection by DCD
The inspection process takes place after obtaining initial approval and after the construction process, where the DCD confirms that the engineer implements the submitted drawings and plans correctly.
During the inspection process, the DCD inspection officer examines the documents and check if the installations are correct and match the submitted drawings.
The documents for the site inspection include:
1- DCD approved drawings (stamped by DCD)
2- Initial NOC copy
3- Product approvals (DCD-certification for equipment)
4- Test reports (pump test, alarm test, etc.)
5- Maintenance manuals or as-built drawings (for larger projects)
7- Address Any Inspection Comments
The inspector notes any incomplete work or equipment that does not meet requirements. He then provides the Civil Defense with a comprehensive report detailing all errors and necessary repairs.
The owner must then make adjustments and reapply for a second inspection. There is no set time limit for making adjustments, but the timeline lengthens with each delay.
For complex projects with compliance issues, conducting a pre-inspection is critical. Learn how to resolve non-conforming construction scenarios while preparing for DCD inspections
8- Receive Final Approval & DCD Completion Certificate
After the inspection process is completed and all fire safety equipment and compliance with all requirements are verified, the DCD issues a fire safety certificate, proving compliance with all standards before residents move in.
This is a guarantee document that protects buildings and their occupants, and it can be obtained electronically via the Civil Defense website.
Time and cost
Application fees differ depending on the size of the building. It costs 0.5 AED for Inspection Fee (Building per sq.mtr).
The time required for DCD approval depends on the quality of the application and whether all requirements are met the first time.
Any errors will result in a resubmission, which will take longer but in ideal cases, the application process takes 10 days and large projects may take longer (+15 days).
Key takeaways for DCD cost and time:
- Application fees depend on the size of the building
- It costs 0.5 AED for inspection fee
- The speed of obtaining approval depends on the quality of the files.
- The process usually takes 10 days
- Large projects take +15 days
💡 Before starting your DCD approval process, it’s essential to ensure your project has obtained the required DDA Approval.
At Daem Contracting, we help you secure both approvals seamlessly: DDA for planning and construction compliance, and DCD for safety and fire protection standards — saving you time, effort, and unnecessary delays.
DCD Approval Requirements by Sector
every sector has additional DCD approval requirements, for example: hotels requires fire rated doors, while restaurants require exhausts available at the cooking station.
You will find below a list with the DCD requirements for each sector.
1- Hospitality and Restaurant industry
Hotels have to equip hallways with fire-rated doors and voice alarm systems, whereas restaurants require DCD-approved kitchen exhausts as well as fire extinguishers available within reach of cooking stations.
The process necessitates pre-approval of design plans and inspection after construction—otherwise, operations may face costly delays or even penalties. Some investors even paid a full year’s rent for a restaurant in Dubai but still couldn’t open due to missing approvals.
For customized guidelines, refer to our DCD for Restaurants and DCD for Hotels articles.
2- Healthcare facilities
DCD approvals for health facilities (such as pharmacies and hospitals) demand specialized fire safety systems, including medical gas shut-off systems, fire-rated compartmentalization of patient wards, and emergency lighting for intensive care areas.
There is rigorous adherence to smoke control systems for operating theaters and available evacuation routes for non-ambulatory patients.
Facilities must pass pre- and post-construction DCD inspections to determine life safety standards.
3- Commercial Industries
DCD for commercial buildings allows for commercial ventures to have fire-resistant building products, computer-activated sprinklers, and readily identifiable emergency exits to handle high-occupancy evacuations.
The buildings have to include smoke detectors, fire alarms, and compartmentation to slow down fire spreading, with strict adherence to DCD’s high-hazard building regulations.
Pre-approval design inspections and field checks are mandatory to ensure compliance, non-compliant projects need to be penalized or halted
4- Industrial Facilities
DCD for industrial facilities allows for the request of explosion-proof electrical equipment, adherence to hazardous materials storage and industrial fire-suppression systems (e.g., foam or deluge systems).
Compartmentalization of areas of high hazard and marking of emergency exits are mandatory, with regular fire drills performed on employees.
Flammable material-handling buildings must be equipped with leak detection monitors and ventilation systems in order to prevent vapor accumulation.
Final DCD certification is based on pre-approval of design and rigorous on-site inspection—non-compliance risks operational ban.
5- DCD for transportation facilities
DCD allows transport hubs (metro, bus terminals, airports) to have fire-resistance products for structures, computer smoke management systems for tunnels, and high-traffic zones with correctly marked evacuation routes.
Installations of emergency lights, voice alarm systems, and fire-resistant compartmentalization for essential facilities (control rooms, etc.) must be implemented.
Hubs should be put through DCD’s phased testing—design, build, and operation drills, in order to qualify with UAE Fire Code Chapter 8 standards for transport hubs.
6- DCD for Entertainment venus
DCD approval of entertainment facilities (theaters, clubs, museums) includes crowd management systems, acoustic materials which are fire-resistant, and emergency lighting for dark conditions.
High occupancy spaces require wide multiple exits, voice evacuation alarms, and automatic sprinklers—especially in stages/backstage.
Special effects (fog machines/pyrotechnics) require pre-approved clearances for safety. Final approval hinges on DCD’s surprise drill tests and compliance with as-built drawings.
7- Buildings, infrastructure and properties
DCD approval of buildings and infrastructure includes fire-resistant building materials, pressurized exit, and smoke control in high-rise buildings.
Transport terminals require emergency tunnel ventilation, fire-resistant utility rooms, and DCD-compliant exit.
Explosion-proof electrical gear, chemical storage dividers, and deluge sprinklers or super fast sprinklers are needed in industrial buildings.
All projects must go through design-stage checks, site visits, and regular compliance audits with a maximum AED 50K penalty for non-compliance.
8- DCD approval for shopping centers
DCD allows for Dubai shopping malls to require fire sprinklers, smoke control systems, large exits, and voice alarms.
Food courts require kitchen suppression systems, while anchor stores require fire barriers. Plan reviews, inspections, and evacuation drills make up the process.
Non-compliance will result in a fine or closure. Deal with contractors who are certified by DCD to allow for easy approvals.
9- Educational institutions
DCD approval for educational institutions(schools, colleges) requires fire-resistant building materials, clearly marked exit doors, and smoke detectors in all classrooms and dormitories.
Auditoriums, being high-occupancy areas, require voice evacuation systems and sprinklers, and science labs require specialized fire suppression for hazardous chemicals.
Regular fire drills and employee training get the facilities ready for emergencies. Finally, DCD inspection of the installed systems and evacuation routes are required for final approval.
Conclusion
Obtaining Civil Defense approval requires preparing and submitting documents and preparing for inspection in advance.
Obtaining approval can sometimes be confusing and require expert assistance. Therefore, you should contact a DCD consultant or DCD approved companies in dubai and brief them on the project, and they will take care of the rest of the details.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1- What is the Dubai civil defence contact number?
+971 4 347 5555 is the DCD contact number for emergencies and inquiries or you can visit the online DCD portal for any information.
2- What does the Dubai civil defence approved fire fighting companies mean?
They are companies licensed by Dubai Civil Defense to install and inspect fire safety devices.
3- What are the civil defence fire doors?
It is a type of door that is specially designed to resist fire and is manufactured according to DCD fire code.
4- What is the DCD fire code?
The UAE fire code is a set of regulations that ensure the safety of the buildings and the residents.
5- Which fire suppression systems are DCD-approved?
The Dubai Civil Defense (DCD) approves fire suppression systems that meet stringent safety and performance standards, including water-based sprinklers, gaseous suppression agents like FM-200 and Novec 1230, foam systems, and chemical-based solutions. All approved systems must comply with local regulations and international standards.
6- What types of fire suppression systems are used in Dubai across different sectors؟6
Dubai applies a wide range of fire suppression solutions depending on the facility. For example, Fire Suppression Systems for Oil Wells & Remote Storage are tailored for extreme industrial environments, while Restaurant Fire Suppression System units are designed to handle grease and cooking-related fires.
Similarly, Fire Suppression Systems for Mobile Stations and Fire Suppression Systems for Buildings ensure compliance across mobile and fixed infrastructures.
In addition, Fire Suppression System for Food Trucks in the UAE offers compact protection for mobile kitchens, Fire Suppression Systems for Commercial Kitchens provide advanced solutions for large-scale food operations, and Fire Suppression System for Home ensures safety in residential environments.
