Do I need DCD approval before my shop opens?
Yes. The shop opens after the DCD approval, the final inspection and the completion certificate.
The short answer
Yes. Before a shop, office or retail unit opens after a fit-out, it needs Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) approval of the fit-out, a DCD final inspection and the completion certificate. Every commercial fit-out change, including partitions, ceilings and any decoration update, needs Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) approval, a DCD final inspection and a completion certificate before the unit opens. Structural Solutions submits to DCD as consultant and arranges the final inspection.
Need the stamp?
Upload your fit-out drawings and trade licence. We stamp them as consultant and initiate the mall, authority and DCD approvals on your behalf.
Request a mall fit-out stamp →What you need to know
- Every change: Partitions, ceilings and any decoration update need DCD approval.
- Consultant submits: Structural Solutions submits the fire and life safety drawings to DCD.
- LPG or gas: If LPG or gas is used, the approved LPG or gas provider needs its own approval; with electric cooking, an undertaking letter is submitted to DCD instead.
- Before opening: DCD final inspection and completion certificate.
Documents for the submission
- Trade licence and tenancy contract (lease or Ejari)
- Unit plan and the mall or landlord fit-out requirements
- Fit-out drawings: partitions, ceilings and finishes
- MEP and fire safety drawings
- Fit-out contractor details
Who does what
Step by step
We confirm the route for your unit before you start.
| Step | Approval route | Guides |
|---|---|---|
| Landlord or mall approval Mall, landlord or building management | Approval of the fit-out first. | — |
| Fire safety drawings Structural Solutions (consultant) | Drawings for the new layout, partitions and ceilings. | Which drawings? |
| DCD submission Structural Solutions → DCD | We submit as consultant and answer comments. | Who submits? |
| LPG or gas Approved LPG or gas provider | Separate approval, or an undertaking letter for electric cooking. | LPG approval |
| Final inspection Dubai Civil Defence | Inspection and the completion certificate before opening. | What DCD checks |
Questions
Related questions
Can I open while waiting for DCD?
No. The final inspection and completion come first.
Does a small refresh need DCD?
Yes. Any decoration update needs DCD approval.
Who books the final inspection?
We do.
What about food outlets?
If LPG or gas is used, the approved LPG or gas provider needs its own approval; with electric cooking, an undertaking letter is submitted to DCD instead.
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