Abu Dhabi mandates fire protection engineering certification with NFPA support
Lewis Tyler
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NFPA is supporting Abu Dhabi’s new fire protection engineering framework, making CFPE certification mandatory from September 2026
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is supporting a new initiative from the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority (ADCDA) that will require fire protection engineers working in engineering consultancy offices to obtain the NFPA Certified Fire Plan Examiner (CFPE) credential.
Developed in collaboration with the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), the regulatory framework is the first of its kind in the UAE. From September 2026, engineering consultancy offices submitting fire protection system designs and preliminary engineering plans for Civil Defence approval will need qualified professionals holding the CFPE certification.
To meet the new requirement, engineers will complete more than 47 hours of NFPA-led learning, including code training programmes, practical scenarios and examination preparation. The programme is designed to strengthen technical competency in reviewing fire protection systems against internationally recognised NFPA standards.
Mike Brunzell, Vice President of Global Business Development at NFPA, said: “Professional competency is one of the most important pillars of effective fire and life safety. The CFPE programme provides engineers with the specialised knowledge and skills needed to review fire and life safety protection systems in line with internationally recognised NFPA standards.
“Through this initiative, Abu Dhabi is reinforcing the role of qualified professionals in protecting people, property, and critical infrastructure, while setting a new benchmark for excellence in fire protection engineering across the region.”
Professionals who complete the programme will receive the CFPE certification, a digital badge through Credly and inclusion in NFPA’s online certification directory.
According to NFPA, the initiative represents a significant investment in engineering capability and workforce development while supporting the long-term resilience of the UAE’s built environment. By establishing a formal pathway to internationally recognised fire protection qualifications, the framework aims to strengthen the expertise of professionals responsible for protecting commercial developments, residential communities and critical infrastructure.
The initiative also aligns with the principles of the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem, which emphasises the importance of skilled professionals, effective regulation, code enforcement, education and investment in reducing fire risk and improving public safety.
ADCDA’s commitment to these principles has previously been recognised by NFPA. In 2025, the authority received the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem Global Influencer Award during the NFPA Conference & Expo in Las Vegas for its work in advancing safety innovation, workforce development and risk reduction.
The new certification requirement is expected to improve the quality, consistency and compliance of fire protection system reviews across Abu Dhabi, while providing a model for collaboration between regulators and technical organisations to strengthen fire and life safety through professional education and certification.