The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is supporting a landmark initiative launched by the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority (ADCDA), in collaboration with the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), to strengthen fire protection standards across the emirate.
The new framework introduces the UAE’s first regulatory requirement for engineering consultancy professionals involved in fire protection system design and the submission of preliminary engineering plans for Civil Defence approval to obtain the NFPA Certified Fire Plan Examiner (CFPE) credential.
Mandatory certification from September 2026
Under the framework, engineering professionals will complete more than 47 hours of NFPA learning, including fire codes training, practical scenarios and examination preparation, before achieving CFPE certification.
The qualification will become mandatory for engineering consultancy offices submitting fire protection system designs in Abu Dhabi from September 2026.
Successful candidates will receive an NFPA certificate, a digital badge through Credly and be listed in the NFPA’s online certification directory.
Building technical expertise
NFPA said the initiative represents a significant investment in engineering capability, helping to strengthen the expertise of professionals responsible for protecting critical infrastructure, commercial developments and residential communities.
The framework aligns with the NFPA Fire and Life Safety Ecosystem, which promotes skilled professionals, effective regulation, code enforcement, education and investment in safety as key elements in reducing fire risk.
Supporting long-term resilience
ADCDA’s commitment to advancing these principles was recognised in 2025 when it received the NFPA Fire and Life Safety Ecosystem Global Influencer Award during the NFPA Conference and Expo in Las Vegas.
According to NFPA, the new certification requirement will improve the competency of specialist engineering professionals while enhancing the quality, consistency and compliance of fire protection system reviews across Abu Dhabi.
The organisation said the initiative demonstrates how collaboration between regulators and technical organisations can accelerate the adoption of international best practice while strengthening local expertise and supporting a safer, more resilient built environment.
Mike Brunzell, NFPA Vice President of Global Business Development, 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.”
