Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority launches mandatory accreditation initiative for engineering consultancy offices in Fire Protection and Life Safety Engineering

The Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority (ADCDA) has launched a mandatory accreditation initiative requiring engineering consultancy offices in Abu Dhabi to obtain certification in Fire Protection and Life Safety Engineering. Announced on 2 April 2026, the programme — described by the authority as the first regulatory model of its kind in the UAE — is implemented in collaboration with the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Under the new rules, consultancy firms must secure a classification in Fire Protection and Life Safety Engineering Consultancy by ensuring their engineers complete the Certified Fire Protection Engineer (CFPE) programme before submitting fire protection system designs.

"completing the required training and obtaining the CFPE certification, as well as its inclusion within the classification management system of the DMT, will become a mandatory requirement for engineering consultancy offices when submitting fire protection system designs in Abu Dhabi."

The ADCDA says the initiative is intended to raise the quality of engineering designs related to fire protection and safety systems, improve compliance with approved standards and strengthen the emirate’s public safety framework. The CFPE is described in the announcement as an internationally recognised training and professional accreditation programme that will standardise design, review and compliance practices in line with NFPA standards.

• Partners: Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
• Certification required: Certified Fire Protection Engineer (CFPE) for engineering professionals within consultancy offices.
• Classification: Inclusion in DMT’s classification management system tied to CFPE certification.
• Deadline: 1 September 2026 — after this date preliminary engineering design submissions will not be accepted unless the registered engineer holds a valid CFPE certification.
• Scope: Applies to consultancy offices submitting fire protection system designs across Abu Dhabi.

According to the ADCDA, the move will boost the competency of specialised engineering professionals and improve the quality of design and review processes for fire protection systems in buildings and facilities, contributing to the protection of lives and property. The authority emphasised that aligning local design and implementation practices with international standards such as those promulgated by the NFPA is central to advancing fire protection and life safety systems in the emirate.

For engineering consultancies operating in Abu Dhabi, the new requirement creates a clear compliance milestone: engineers who will be responsible for fire protection submissions must complete the CFPE programme and be registered within the DMT classification system ahead of the 1 September 2026 deadline. Firms that do not ensure their registered engineers hold a valid CFPE certification will find preliminary design submissions rejected after that date.

Looking ahead, the ADCDA frames the accreditation initiative as part of broader efforts to reinforce safety across Abu Dhabi’s built environment and infrastructure. By mandating CFPE certification and integrating it into the DMT classification, authorities expect to drive a higher and more consistent standard in the design, review and implementation of fire protection and life safety systems across the emirate.