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Many tourists choose Dubai as a destination to spend good times during holidays. Thus, DCD approvals for entertainment venues in Dubai are mandatory to ensure the safety of the visitors and to reflect a positive image of the city.
It is important to know the required documents for Dubai civil defence regulations and comply with the UAE fire and life safety code to avoid legal and financial penalties.
In this article, we talk about fire safety for indoor and outdoor venues and the required documents for DCD approvals. In addition to discussing special cases such as fireworks in entertainment places.
DCD approval is mandatory for Dubai venues to keep the visitors safe and to protect their life. Also, to prevent any potential disaster that can be caused during events.
Here is a list for the reasons why DCD approval is mandatory for Dubai entertainment venues:
1- compliance with UAE fire and life safety code. Which include standardised procedures and instructions such as:
2- guests safety in a high risk environment. Such as amusement parks or high crowded places where the risk of fire is always around (cigarettes or fireworks).
3- Prevent disasters as they are densely populated places. Especially that people from different ages and backgrounds come to those places which fire become unpredictable.
4- give a positive image of Dubai and encourage tourists to come as it is one of the safest countries in the world.
Special events like weddings or parties require specific documents such as inspection of smoking area service.
Here is a list of services and their required documents:
1- Protecting private celebration or an activity (The Event Layout Drawings indicating the Emergency Exit Assembly Points fire Extinguishers places fire hose reel and complying with all the requirements)
2- Event inspection (private activities and celebrations)
Indoor and outdoor venues differ from each other in event layout drawings, firefighting equipment, emergency exits, evacuation plan, smoking area inspection and smoke detection.we will clarify the main differences of each aspect, in indoor and outdoor venues in the table below:
| Indoor venues | Outdoor venues | |
| Event layout drawings | Should be provided with exits, fire extinguishers, hose reels, and emergency lights. | hose reels, and emergency lighting. Must indicate open paths of escape, fire points, barriers, and assembly points. |
| Firefighting equipment | Permanent equipment like fire hose reels, sprinklers, and extinguishers required. | – Fire extinguishers and water tanks can be brought to the job site. |
| Emergency exits | Well-lit, well-signposted, and clear of obstruction; generally already built in. | Well marked with lighting and signage; needs to be available around the clock. |
| Evacuation plan | Has to be modified to suit the venue design (floors, capacity, etc.). | Ought to be able to explain crowd control in open spaces, fencing, and exit proximity. |
| Smoking area inspection | Requires a separate, ventilated room or enclosed area. | Must be located in an open-air area with proper ventilation and fire protection systems. |
| Smoke detection | Mandatory; integrated into building systems. | Temporary alarm systems or manual fire alarm systems normally required. |
Fireworks need extra attention because they are explosive materials and flammable compositions. Hence, the DCD demands an approval when fireworks are used in a party or a special event.
The list below clarify the documents required to get a DCD approval to use fireworks:
It’s not just legal to purchase Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) licenses for entertainment venues, it’s also an essential procedure of protecting human lives, investments, and the city’s image as a worldwide destination and especially with the presence of a lot of people in indoor and outdoor venues.
Additionally, using fireworks in parties and festivals can cause environmental pollution and can cause fire if used incorrectly or by unexperienced people. Thus, DCD approvals are mandatory when the owner wants to use fireworks.
Ultimately, special events and celebrations require DCD approvals to maintain safety during the event and to protect visitors lives.
1- Choose a legal structure (Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore). 2- Register a trade name and receive initial approval. 3- Obtain a business license (commercial, professional, or industrial). 4- Obtain approvals (e.g., Dubai Civil Defence for fire safety if necessary). 5- Rent office space 6- Apply for visas (if hiring). 7- Open a corporate bank account. 8- Renew licenses annually
DCD fees are the cost of the DCD application or other services that the DCD offers. it vary depending on the type of service or the certificate applied
It is an official certificate proving that the building complies with UAE life and fire safety regulations.
Dubai municipality has authority over the local services such as waste management while DDA is responsible for all the requirements to manage a business in the free zone, Tarakhees is a system that allows real estate firms to advertise for their business.