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What to know before Getting DCD Approvals

Dubai is a destination for many people around the world. It is distinguished by its safety level & stability. It makes great efforts to prevent accidents and disasters and has maintained its position as the fourth safest country in the world.

This is due  to the unique protection and rescue services it provides, such as the Dubai Civil Defense. The Dubai Civil Defense is committed to handling all matters related to incident management during crises.

We will outline the Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) approval process, covering its mandate, approval classifications, requisite documentation, associated costs, and the sequential stages involved

What is DCD approval?

The Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) mandates stringent safety and security regulations for buildings and occupants within its jurisdiction. These regulations necessitate periodic renewal of approvals, typically every 1-3 years, to ensure ongoing compliance. Non-compliance results in financial penalties.

DCD approvals are required for even minor project modifications, guaranteeing unobstructed emergency egress and mitigating fire hazards. Documentation submitted for DCD approval must adhere to the Dubai Fire and Life Safety Code and relevant building design standards.

Almost any business needs DCD approvals, here’s a list of industries that require approvals:

  • Buildings infrastructure & properties. High rise buildings (above 23 meters), warehouse, shopping malls
  • Hospitality & restaurant industry. Restaurants, cafes, hotels
  • Healthcare. Pharmacies, hospitals
  • Education. Schools, kindergarten
  • Commercial industries. Shops, supermarkets
  • industrial sector. Factories, 
  • Transportation. Airports, metro stations
  • Events. festivals

Each industry needs specific documents & the approvals have two stages in general.

What does the Dubai civil defence (DCD) do?

The Dubai Civil Defence responsibilities include firefighting, rescuing, disaster management, public education, DCD approvals, and inspections. It was established in 1976 as a part of United Arab Emirates emergency services.

It started as a committed institution to ensure fire safety and emergency response. Since that time, DCD kept improving and updating fire equipment and building more fire stations.

Recently, DCD started to use Shaheen Drones & AI to enhance their capabilities. Many people depend on DCD approval companies or DCD consultants to apply for DCD applications. 

1- Fire prevention & safety.  

DCD prioritizes fire prevention and safety; for instance, in 2022, DCD conducted a huge evacuation drill on the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa, as a preparation for 2022 New Year’s Eve. 

Besides drills, it applies fire safety standards to building materials, hazardous materials, and electric systems which is mandatory for DCD requirements.

 It also organizes training programs and educational workshops to educate business owners and individuals about prevention techniques and fire risks. This strategy contributes to preventing fires and unwanted circumstances, with a 17% drop in fires between 2022 & 2023.

2- Emergency response & fire fighting. 

In less than 6 minutes, the DCD arrived at the Barsha building when a massive fire broke out. This reflects One of the best characteristics of DCD which is the 24/7 readiness for emergencies and traumatic incidents.

Also, they use a well-trained team to make the rescue process and save people’s lives with the least damage possible. Collaborating with other authorities in a planned and organized way makes sharing information and techniques easier, and that is why it is among the DCD requirements.

Those efforts contribute to saving lives and dealing with incidents professionally.

3- Disaster Management. 

Without DCD’s immediate actions, Dubai’s Jebel Ali area fire could have been disastrous. This is due to Dubai Civil Defence actions that include before, during, and after the disaster.

DCD is distinguished for its preparedness and responsiveness and, finally, by delivering support to the damaged individuals and analyzing the situation to abstract the learned lesson. It includes restoring and repairing damaged buildings or infrastructure.

Their dynamic attitude makes the United Arab Emirates emergency services a global role model.

4- Public awareness & education. 

The UAE has a leading role in improving safety and security measures globally . Thus, the UAE has launched the “1 billion readiness” initiative this year.

This initiative targets 1 billion individuals around the world and all segments of society on a local scale. It aims to train them about fire prevention through those DCD approved training programs.

This reflects the UAE’s keenness to spread awareness and avoid accidents as much as possible. Also, it simplifies the DCD approval steps by fully understanding DCD goals and vision.

5- Approvals & Inspections. 

Dubai civil Defence ensures that businesses and buildings comply with regulations through approvals and inspections. It is a part of its duty to prevent fire accidents and hazardous events.

DCD Approvals and DCD inspections are different from each other, but as a final result, they serve the same purpose which is assuring safety for both residents and visitors.

People hire DCD approval companies or DCD consultants to avoid making mistakes, and that makes the process easy.

Why is DCD Approval important? 

DCD Approval is not just a piece of paper, it is a life saving issue. DCD approval is non-negotiable and mandatory to keep people safe and to deal with any disastrous accidents. Here’s why DCD approval is important: 

  • Save people’s lives by responding immediately 
  • Prevent disasters by preparing anti fire buildings
  • Preventing illegal acts and ensuring the implementation of laws.
  • Avoid commercial loses and losing millions on paying fines
  • Preparing for disasters before they happen and educating people about how to deal with fires and other things.

Types of Dubai civil Defence (DCD) approvals

Hazardous material approvals, wedding and funeral approvals, business approval, and engineering approval are the types of approvals that DCD provides.

1- Hazardous material approvals:

This type of approvals are specialized for businesses that transport and store hazardous materials.

  • Approval of Engineering Drawings(Free Zone)
  • Approval of Dangerous Material Stores
  • Approval of Factories and Companies Trading Hazardous Material
  • Approval of Flammable liquids Storage Tanks
  • Approval of Gas Cylinder Sites
  • Approval of Gas Distribution Companies
  • Approval of Hazardous Material Import OR Export Trade

2- Wedding and funeral tents approvals

Large events usually require the green card from authorities to make sure people are safe. Tents should be durable and withstand adverse weather conditions.

Furthermore, emergency exits should be easy to use and reach. Finally, there should be enough space for people, and the tent should be suitable for members.

3- Business approval

This approval depends on the business type. It is a necessity to have this type of approval to register your business and make sure everything is legal. 

Approval of Annual Maintenance Contract (Companies under DED) &  (Companies under Free Zone)

4- Engineering approvals

Before starting your project, you need to show your plans and drawings that follow all safety codes. Having those approvals build a strong trust with individuals and authorities. 

  • Approval of Engineering and Executive Drawings
  • Approval of Cladding Report
  • Approval of Engineering Drawings(Free Zone)
  • Events drawings Approval

Those approvals are not skippable and ignoring them endangers people’s lives.

Required documents for DCD approval

 Trade license, Emirates ID or passport, DCD application form, Tenancy contract and No objection certificate (NOC) are mandatory requirements for Dubai Civil Defence approval. 

  • Trade license. which is mandatory for all types of businesses, you can apply for it through the Department Of Economic development through its online platform or smart application. 
  •  Emirates ID or passport. Emirates ID: A required proof for local identity, it is necessary to access public and private services in the United Arab Emirates. 
  •  DCD application form. It depends on the business type (commercial, industrial, restaurant, etc).
  • Tenancy contract. It is required for all types of business except free zone businesses.
  • No objection certificate (NOC). It is a permission given from property owners and free zones to give legality to business. 

Some approvals need additional documents for example: Healthcare needs medical equipment approval. Construction and engineering firms needs dubai municipality and Trakhees approval.. 

Applying process for Dubai civil defence (DCD) approval

  1. Submit required documents through DCD online platform
  2. DCD reviews the documents and makes sure they are compatible with fire safety plans. 
  3.  DCD will send feedback on the documents.
  4.  the project gains the initial approval.
  5. an engineer goes to the site and checks installation standards and fire safety regulations. 
  6. The engineer gives comments if there is an issue.
  7.  the project obtains the DCD approval
Is Dubai Civil Defence approval mandatory for all businesses in Dubai?​

Yes, DCD approval is mandatory for all businesses to protect lives and property.

2- How much are the Dubai Civil Defence approval fees?​

Fee: AED1000 for each system + 300 Dh card fee for single system engineer or technician+50 Dh for every additional system added on the engineer or technician card+ AED1000 for the 1st equipment + 100 Dh for each additional equipment+ 10 Dh ‘Knowledge Fee’ for each Request + 10 Dh ‘Knowledge Fee’ for each card.

3-How do I apply for Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) approval?​

Through DCD online portal or in-person submission

4-How long does it take to get Dubai Civil Defence approval?​

4 to 8 weeks

5- Wat are steps to obtain DCD approval?

– Hire a DCD approved consultant
– Prepare required documents
– Apply for DCD online portal
– Pay fees 
– Inspection audit
– Get certification for 1-3 years
– Certification renewal

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