Picture used for illustrative purpose only.

The Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority (ADCDA) warned against manufacturing, trading, installing or maintaining prevention and safety systems, devices, equipment or materials without obtaining prior approval and a licence, stressing that a fine of Dhs50,000 would be imposed on offenders.

The ADCDA explained that the fine is based on clause 91 of Cabinet Resolution No. 24 for 2012 with respect to organizing civil defence services in the country.

The ADCDA stressed the importance of obtaining a certificate of compliance with fire prevention and safety requirements to provide the highest levels of protection in buildings and facilities, protect individuals’ investments from the dangers of fire, avoid fines for the absence of a valid certificate of compliance and contribute directly to making the Emirate of Abu Dhabi safer and securer.

The General Directorate of Civil Defence in the country provides a service whereby a certificate is issued annually proving that building owners meet the preventive safety requirements for their buildings.

According to the Ministry of Interior, issuing a certificate of compliance requires the trade licence, tourist license, certificate from the Chamber of Commerce, signature authorization, lease contract, list of workers in case of contractors, facility site plan and fire equipment maintenance contract.

The certificate is issued only for homes, buildings, classified and unclassified facilities such as low, medium, and high-risk facilities, warehouses and workers’ accommodation.

Official statistics indicated that in recent years, a number of fires were recorded in homes and residential buildings, causing fatalities and many financial losses, despite the efforts made by the authorities to reduce fires.

Residential fire incidents also accounted for 66 per cent of the building and facility fires in 2019 and the same percentage in 2018.