Dubai educational institutions such as schools and universities must adhere to the UAE fire and life safety code, in addition to the drill training sessions for students to be prepared in case of fire.

Why are DCD approval mandatory? And what are the required documents to get the DCD approval?

In this article, we explain the mandatory DCD approvals for Dubai schools and universities. In addition, we show the special rules for child safety in Dubai schools and show a case study about the training sessions.

Why is DCD Approval Mandatory for Dubai Schools and Universities?

To safeguard lives in risk areas, comply with the UAE fire and  life safety code, avoid legal and financial penalties and facilitate emergency evacuations, the DCD approvals are mandatory for Dubai schools and universities.

1- Safeguarding lives in risk areas

• Schools and universities are densely populated (students, teachers, and institution personnel).
• Children and young people are more vulnerable to disaster during crises because evacuating in an orderly fashion is impractical.

2- complying with the UAE code

Dubai legislation requires all public buildings to comply with the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code.

3- avoiding legal and financial penalties

Forgetting approval puts the institution at risk of:

• Financial fines (up to AED 50,000).
• Immediate shutdown pending rectification of violations.

4- facilitating of emergency evacuations 

Which ensure access to:

• Open and illuminated emergency exits.
• Automatic alarm and fire-quenching equipment (especially in laboratories and libraries).
• periodic evacuation drillings (a few four annually for schools).

• Kindergartens: Provision of short, age-specific evacuation routes.
• Science laboratories:Increased requirements for chemical storage and room ventilation.
• Big halls (theatres, auditoriums): central fire-quenching systems.

Documents Required for DCD Approval for Educational institutions

The required documents for DCD approval are:

1- Emirates ID. which is mandatory to proof your identity for the UAE citizens.

2- Detailed Plan. It includes the documents and the drawings that show the building fire and life safety code.

3- Trade License. The Dubai Department of Economic Development issue this certificate for businesses to ensure they operate legally.

These documents are only for opening a school or university in Dubai with a ready-built building. However, if the plan is to start a new building, then you have to obtain the following additional approvals:

• Engineering approvals. It contains all the technical information about the building and its safety system.

• Building permit. The Dubai Municipality grants this certificate, which ensures that the building is legally authorized.

Special DCD Rules for Child Safety in Dubai Schools

DCD apply special rules for child safety to protect their physical and emotional state.

The rules that the DCD apply are:

1- Avoid exceeding the permitted number of students and increasing the human burden on buildings.

2- do not remove any fire fighting equipment, such as water hoses and fire extinguishers, from their locations, and ensure their maintenance.

3- Self-closing door mechanisms are mandatory in child-occupied areas.

4- the staff should clearly mark assembly points with child-friendly signs (pictograms + colors).

5- Curtains/carpets must be fire-retardant (anti-flammable decor). DCD Fit outs approvals: carpets fit outs

Case Study: How Dubai authorities enhance fire safety awareness in schools

By conducting training sessions and programs Dubai authorities enhance fire safety awareness in schools and highlights the importance of spreading this culture. GEMS Education in partnership with Emirates Civil Defence Academy  training sessions is a great example for this. 

• Purpose of the program

The program aimed to empower students by teaching them as “Fire Safety Ambassadors”—individuals who could recognize hazards, use simple fire fighting equipment, and guide others during emergencies.

• Program Features

The workshop taught hands-on demonstrations in:

1- Alarm recognition and evacuation procedures

2- Use of fire extinguishers

3- Simple first response techniques

4- Students directly engaged in drills and simulations.

5-  distribute educational materials and safety kits by certified trainers.

• Impact

The workshop not only enhanced school-level preparedness but also established a safety culture among the students.

pupils reported feeling more confident in recognizing risks and assisting others in times of emergency.

Teachers and administrative staff also learned from the demonstrations by providing a whole-school focus.

Conclusion

Dubai Civil Defense emphasizes the importance of spreading a culture of fire safety and how to act in the event of a fire through organizing programs in cooperation with various entities. It also outlines the requirements and design guidelines in educational institutions in Dubai.