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Submitting documents to Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) can feel overwhelming — but missing a single paper might delay your approval or even result in rejection. Whether you’re applying for a fire safety inspection, hazardous materials license, or Hassantuk Dubai subscription, having the correct documents ready is the first step toward smooth, stress-free approval.
This article is your go-to document checklist for every DCD service, covering company approvals, engineering drawings, inspections, smart systems, and more. You’ll also discover the differences between Free Zone and DED license costs, and how to avoid common pitfalls that cost time and money.
By following this detailed guide, you’ll not only ensure compliance with DCD standards — you’ll also speed up your licensing and approval process, minimize back-and-forths, and focus on growing your business with confidence.
It is an official permitting that allows companies to deliver services or provide equipment related to fire safety in dubai. This authorization is a strong proof that the company is committed to technical and legal standards for fire prevention.
Who needs it?
Companies that work in those fields need this approval:
What does the DCD approval provide?
What are the company approval services?
Company approval services in DCD online portal are: Company approval services in DCD online portal contain: annual maintenance contract, approved signature card, licensing agent of tools, licensing house of experts, licensing local manufacturer of tools for civil defence, licensing maintenance companies of tools for civil defence, licensing reseller of tools for civil defence, licensing training institute in preventive fire safety, NOC (no obligation certificate), request an engineer or technician card.
In addition to the general documents, there are additional documents that must be provided. Those additional documents are available on the platform for each service. The services also are split into companies under DED and companies under free zone
Mainland companies are managed by the Department of economic development, while free zones are managed by multiple authorities. Moreover,
Geographical location and business activity: DED (Department of economic development) Operates in the major cities (Manila. While free zone Operates within a specific free zone (e.g., Jebel Ali, Dubai Investments, Dubai Internet City). DED Can manage business throughout the UAE (including free zones). While free zones activities are usually restricted to the free zone unless they obtain a special license to operate in the local market.
Company ownership:
DED requires a local partner (UAE sponsor) who owns 51% of the company (for most business activities). Free Zone allows foreign ownership without the need for an Emirati sponsor.
DED is subject to a 5% VAT (value-added tax ) (if revenue exceeds a certain threshold). May be subject to the corporate tax (9% on profits above AED 375,000) starting in 2023.
Free Zone: they may be subject to value-added tax (VAT) if they deal with the local market. May be exempt from corporate tax (0%) if they qualify as a “Qualifying Free Zone Person” (QFZP).
Commercial Transactions with the Local Market:
DED: Can freely deal with all companies within the UAE (including free zones). Does not require an intermediary to deal with the local market.
Free Zone: If it wants to sell its products within the UAE (outside the free zone), it needs: A local agent (for commercial products). Or open a branch in the mainland (and pay additional fees).
DED: Incorporation costs are lower compared to free zones (but you may need a sponsor or physical office). You need an actual business place (real estate or registered office).
Free Zone: Incorporation fees are higher, but they offer greater flexibility in ownership. Some free zones allow virtual offices or shared offices (flexi-desks).
DED: Can employ workers from within and outside the country. Provides residency visas for employees and owners.
Free Zone: Provides residency visas for employees and owners. Some free zones allow the employment of local or foreign employees, depending on their policies.
These are official documents issued by the Civil Defense or relevant safety authorities, proving the facility’s commitment to fire safety and rescue measures. They include:
Documents differ depending on the service required. The services are: electricity reconnection, evacuation drill training, events and insurance request and request the preparation of emergency plans.
On the recent table, you can find services provided on the Dubai Civil Defence online portal and documents required:
| Service | Documents required |
| Electricity reconnection | Official letter from companyTrade license Ejari |
| Evacuation drill training | Trade license issued by competent licensing authorities in the Emirate where the activity is taking place. |
| Events and insurance request | Approved drawings |
| Request the preparation of emergency plans | Emirates IDDetailed planTrade license |
Hazardous materials are any substances that may pose a risk to health, safety, or the environment. They include:
Facilities that require dealing with harmful materials need to get the Hazardous materials license such as industrial units, healthcare sectors, service enterprises and more. Entities and companies that require approvals to handle hazardous materials include:
1. Industrial units: (Chemical and pharmaceutical factories Oil and petrochemical refineries Plastic and paint factories Nuclear and medical facilities)
2. Storage and transportation facilities: (Fuel and gas storage warehouses Shipping and logistics companies Ports and airports (for shipping hazardous materials)
3. Healthcare sector: (Hospitals and clinics Medical and pharmaceutical laboratories Scientific research centers)
4. Agricultural sector: (Pesticide companies, Chemical fertilizer factories)
5. Construction sector: (Contracting companies (that use flammable materials). Cement and construction materials factories)
6. Educational institutions: (Universities and research centers, Educational laboratories and laboratories)
7. Service enterprise: cleaning companies, Hazardous waste disposal companies, Recycling centers
8. Military and security facilities: (Military bases, Defense research centers)
9. Any facility that uses:
| service | Documents required |
| Approval of Balloons and Airships Setup | NOC from Civil Aviation Department Letter from the advertising company Trade License of Company |
| Approval of Dangerous Material Stores | Material safety data sheet-MSDS Smart Monitoring Subscription Certificate DCD Approved Annual Maintenance Contract Trade License of Company (for companies under free zone) |
| Approval of Factories and Companies Trading Hazardous Material | What all these hazardous materials services have in common is the requirement to apply strict safety standards to obtain approvals. Risk Assessment Safe Storage Requirements: – Warehouse/Tanker Validity Certificates – Ventilation and Cooling Systems – Safety Distances Between Materials – Alarm and Fire Fighting Systems Employee Credentials: – Accredited Training Certificates for Drivers and Workers – Qualification Cards (such as Driver’s Card) – Periodic Training Records Transportation Documents: – Special Permits for Transport Vehicles – Warning Signs and Signals – Emergency Equipment for Transport Vehicles Pre-Approvals: – Initial License from Civil Defense |
| Approval of Flammable liquids Storage Tanks | |
| Approval of Gas Cylinder Sites | |
| Approval of Gas Cylinder Transportation Vehicles | |
| Approval of Gas Distribution Companies | |
| Approval of Hazardous Material Import OR Export Trade | |
| Approval of Hazardous Material Transportation Tankers | |
| Approval of Hazardous Material Transportation Vehicles | |
| Approval of Hazardous materials Storage Tanks | |
| Hazardous Material Import OR Export | |
| Hazardous Materials ( Driver Card ) | |
| Hazardous Materials Driver (Trainer Card) | |
| Licensing of Hazardous Materials Drivers Training Companies | |
| Request for transit of hazardous materials |
It is a set of official documents required to obtain government approvals to start or continue a commercial/industrial activity, which are subject to periodic inspection to ensure compliance with regulations.
Most businesses need inspection and licensing. And they vary by the type of business. Some businesses need approvals from different authorities. Also, some licenses are linked to the size of the activity and the number of employees. It needs periodic renewal (annually or semi-annually).
| Business Type | Example |
| Commercial establishments: | Restaurants and cafesDepartment stores and supermarketsFitness clubsRetail stores |
| Industrial establishments: | Manufacturer (food, chemicals, appliances)Work sites (buildings)Storage Warehouses |
| Healthcare establishments: | Hospitals and health ClinicsbiomedicalLaboratoriesHealthcare Centers |
| Educational establishments: | Schools and UniversitiesNurseries and KindergartensDriving Centers |
| Construction sector: | Contracting CompaniesConstruction SitesConcrete and Brick Factories |
| Transportation sector: | Public Transportation CompaniesGas StationsCar Service Centers |
| Private activities: | weddingsConcertsSeminars |
The common essential requirements are:
No Obligation Certificate (NOC): It is an official document issued by a government agency or a rights holder, declaring its non-objection to a specific action.
Insurance certificate: It is an official document given by an insurance company, proving that a person or organization has valid insurance coverage.
Emergency evacuation plan: A procedural document that explains how to safely evacuate a building or site during an emergency (fire, earthquake, chemical spill, or attack). It is a mandatory requirement in most countries for large commercial and residential buildings.
Safety Certificates: These are documents proving that a facility has the basic safety equipment required by law and can use it during an emergency. They are required by Civil Defense and municipalities for licensing or inspection.
Engineering drawings usually are used by architects to evaluate the construction work, and to check infrastructure and their consent to the UAE building code.
| Service | Documents required |
| Approval of cladding report | – Cladding Report for Approval – DCD HOE License if applied by HOE – Dcd Stamped Cover Sheet for the Project. (Projects Not Having Design Noc/approvals From Dcd Shall Not Be Submitted to Dcd With Their Facade Reports, From 1st January 2022) * – Delegate Card or PRO Card of the company – Report Format to be downloaded and filled. * |
| Approval of engineering drawings (free zone) | – Additional letters, files such as material letters, scope of work, electrical appliance usage etc to be attached if required – – Drawing for Approval in PDF/DWF format – Trade license of Consultant issued by competent licensing –authorities in the Emirate where the activity is taking place |
| Events drawings approval | * Drawings for Approval * Trade License Copy |
An engineering drawing is a type of technical drawing that is used to convey information about an object. A common use is to specify the geometry necessary for the construction of a component and is called a detail drawing. Usually, a number of drawings are mandatory to completely specify even a simple component.
– Dubai civil defence requests engineering drawings to ensure life safety and comply with UAE fire code and prevent penalties and project delay.
Documents checklist
| Service | Documents required |
| Hassantuk (Commercial) Building Details Update | Official Letter in Arabic, stamped and signed on letterhead requesting for letter * |
| Hassantuk (Commercial) Disconnection | * Official Letter in Arabic, stamped and signed on letterhead requesting for letter * Download Form * Building Demolition Permit * DEWA Clearance Certificate |
| Hassantuk (Commercial) Inform Scheduled Maintenance | Service Provider Report |
| Hassantuk (Commercial) No Objection Certificate for Panel Usage | Official Letter (NOC Letter) * |
| Hassantuk (Commercial) Ownership Transfer | Official Letter in Arabic, stamped and signed on letterhead requesting for letter * |
| Hassantuk (Commercial) Reconnection | Official Letter in Arabic, stamped and signed on letterhead requesting for letter * |
| Hassantuk (Commercial) Relocation | * Title Deed/Building Permit – For Owner or Consultants/Contractor representing Owner * Affection Plan * Ejari/Tenancy Contract No/Lease Agreement No – For Tenant or Consultants/Contractor representing Tenant |
| Hassantuk (Commercial) Resurvey | No additional documents required |
| Hassantuk (Commercial) Subscription | * Title Deed/Building Permit – For Owner or Consultants/Contractor representing Owner * Affection Plan * Ejari/Tenancy Contract No/Lease Agreement No – For Tenant or Consultants/Contractor representing Tenant |
Hassantouk Duba is a mandatory fire alarm monitoring system in Dubai that sends alarm signals automatically in case of emergency , it monitors fire safety systems in commercial buildings 24/7 and connects directly to Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) to ensure rapid response in emergency situations.
Private and commercial buildings need hassantuk to secure buildings from fires and to provide immediate responses for emergencies.
Public relation officer card is a service provided by any ministry. It provides a permission to a person (PRO) to submit, monitor, and carry out its transactions at the Ministry. For both UAE citizens and noncitizens, the PRO card will be valid for two years.
Yes, Hassantuk is mandatory for private and commercial buildings.
