New fire protection classification rule set for Abu Dhabi consultants
Iain Hoey
Share this content
Fire protection accreditation becomes mandatory
The Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority has launched a mandatory accreditation programme for engineering consultancy offices in Abu Dhabi working in fire protection and life safety engineering.
Abu Dhabi Media Office reported that the scheme is described as the first regulatory model of its kind in the UAE and applies to consultancy offices submitting fire protection system designs in the emirate.
The programme was launched in collaboration with the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
It requires engineering consultancy offices to obtain a classification in Fire Protection and Life Safety Engineering Consultancy by completing the Certified Fire Protection Engineer (CFPE) programme.
The requirement is intended to improve the quality of engineering designs related to fire protection and safety systems and compliance with approved standards.
Certification deadline set for September 2026
Engineering professionals within consultancy offices in Abu Dhabi will complete an internationally recognised training and professional accreditation programme to obtain CFPE certification.
The certification will also be included within the classification management system of the DMT.
The Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority said the requirement will become mandatory when consultancy offices submit fire protection system designs in Abu Dhabi.
The deadline for completing the training programmes and obtaining official certification is 1 September 2026.
After that date, preliminary engineering design submissions from consultancy offices will not be accepted unless the registered engineer holds a valid CFPE certification.
Standards and design review requirements
The accreditation programme is intended to standardise design, review and compliance practices in line with NFPA standards.
It is also expected to improve the quality of design and review processes for fire protection systems in buildings and facilities.
The authority said the programme forms part of its work on fire protection and life safety systems in Abu Dhabi.
