You applied for a civil defense licence, and perhaps received an approval message, but the print option does not appear? This is one of the most common problems facility owners face on the Salamah portal, and it causes worry, especially when the licence is a condition for issuing or renewing the commercial licence or opening the facility. The good news is that the cause is usually procedural and can be solved quickly once you know it. This guide explains how to look up the licence, when the print option appears, the reasons it does not and how to fix each, and tips to avoid the problem from the start.
How to Look Up the Licence
From the facility's account on the Salamah portal, the requests list shows each request's status and stage (under review, awaiting inspection, awaiting payment, issued). Issued requests can be viewed and printed. To learn about the portal and its services read: The Salamah portal guide.
Request Stages and What They Mean
| Status | Meaning | What you should do |
|---|---|---|
| Under review | Attachments are being checked | Follow up any comments |
| Returned with comments | Missing or incorrect attachments | Address the comment and re-attach |
| Awaiting inspection | A non-instant activity needing a visit | Prepare the facility for inspection |
| Awaiting payment | Request accepted and fees due | Pay the invoice |
| Issued | The licence is ready | Print it and keep a copy |
When Does the Print Option Appear?
- After the attached requirements are complete and accepted.
- After the site inspection is finished for non-instant activities.
- After the service fee is paid.
Why Doesn't the Print Option Appear?
| Reason | Solution |
|---|---|
| Fees not paid | Pay the invoice; approval alone is not enough |
| The activity is non-instant and still awaiting inspection | Follow up the inspection date and prepare the facility. Read: Instant and non-instant activities |
| Comments on the request or attachments | Address the comment and re-attach (maintenance contract, safety equipment certificate, technical report...) |
| A technical report or certificate not linked to the request | Make sure the issuer issued it for the same facility and request on the portal |
| Activity or area data does not match | Correct the data; the route and requirements may change |
For the difference between a technical report and a safety equipment certificate read: When is a technical report required and when is a safety equipment certificate enough?.
Preparing for the Site Inspection
- Extinguishers with valid maintenance in their places.
- Open emergency exits and illuminated signage.
- Working alarm and fire-fighting systems, with a valid maintenance contract.
- Safe electrical wiring without temporary connections.
Tips to Avoid the Problem
- Start with the investor journey to learn the exact requirements.
- Deal with a safety company and engineering office accredited on the portal.
- Check the request status regularly; do not wait for messages only.
- Keep copies of all attachments and request numbers.
For broader reasons: Reasons a civil defense licence is rejected or delayed.
Frequently Asked Questions
I received approval but cannot print. Why?
Usually because the fees have not been paid or the inspection is still required.
Can an expired licence be printed?
An expired licence needs renewal through the portal.
Is the electronic licence enough without printing?
Many authorities verify electronically, but keeping a printed copy at the facility helps during inspection rounds.
Is the licence different from the building safety certificate?
Yes. Read: Safety certificate or civil defense licence?.
When should I start renewal?
Well before the licence expires, to allow time for attachments and inspection if required.
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office that follows up civil defense licence requests on the Salamah portal, prepares the required technical reports, and gets the facility ready for inspection until the licence is issued. See our civil defense licence service, or contact us.
Regulatory information is based on the Balady platform and the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, and procedures may be updated by the competent authority. Last reviewed: October 2026.