DCD approvals for shopping centers in Dubai

Why is DCD Approval Mandatory for shopping centers in Dubai

DCD approval is mandatory for shopping centers in Dubai and especially for underground parking and presence of food hubs. Add to this having a temporary structure which is vulnerable to fire.. Moreover, high occupancy can cause delays in the evacuation process.

Here is a list that shows why the DCD approval is mandatory for shopping:  

1- Underground parking can cause heat and smoke trapping and poor lighting in emergency situations.

2- presence of food hub which can cause high fire load from cooking equipment.

3- high occupancy and visitors flow which can cause delays and panic during a fire.

4- temporary structure in public assembly regulations because it is vulnerable to fire

5- legal operation and insurance compliance.

Required Documents for DCD Submission (Checklist)

To submit for a DCD approval you need to fill the application on the DCD online portal and prepare the required drawings and documents.

Here’s a list for the required documents for the DCD submission:

1- DCD application form. You can find it on the DCD online portal and contain your personal information and the project details.

2- Architectural drawings. It should comply with the DCD requirements and have a uniformed color and symboLs code.

3- Electrical and mechanical drawings. It contains the detailed electrical and mechanical system of the building.

4- Fire safety equipment. Such as sprinklers, it shows where the fire safety equipment is located, what its type and design details. 

5- Evacuation plan. It includes the safest and easiest escape routes to take. Also ,emergency exits, assembly points and fire safety equipment location. 

Mega malls safety-Dubai mall

Mega malls such as Dubai Mall are much more than commercial spaces — these are mini-cities with tens of thousands of customers visiting every single day. Given their size, complexity, and density of population, mega malls operate at the highest fire and life safety standards outlined by Dubai Civil Defence (DCD). Here’s why:

1- Contemporary Fire Detection & Alarm Systems

Fire detection at the Dubai Mall includes:

• Smart smoke and heat detectors in all spaces. 
• Combined alarm systems with master control points to provide early warning. 
• Automatic fire alarm systems connected to the DCD monitoring system for prompt action.

2- High-Capacity Sprinkler & Suppression Systems

A sprinkler protection system, utilizing overhead coverage for all shopping areas, corridors, and storage areas and special suppression systems for food court areas including wet chemical extinguishing for kitchen hoods.

3- Systematic Evacuation Plan

• Zoned evacuation plan to reduce congestion and panic
• Multilingual illuminated emergency directional signs
• Regular fire drill exercises and staff training for tenant employees
• Instant guidance systems that connect to the fire panels

4- Emergency On-Site Response & Coordinating

• Emergency control center with 24/7 coverage, direct telephone connection to DCD
• In-house trained fire crew and security guards
• Fire warden program among all mall tenants

Conclusion

All shopping malls in Dubai – from small local malls to large shopping malls – need to have Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) approval for legitimacy and safety. 

In this article we outline the need for DCD approval, the documents needed, and how large malls, as part of their DCD approval, comply with the fire safety regulations and best practices including in their evacuation plans, fire suppression, and Consideration for People of Determination.