A delayed civil defense licence can hold up the municipal licence and the facility's operation, which means rent being paid on a closed shop and staff waiting to open. The good news is that most causes are known and recurring, and can be avoided with correct preparation from the start. This guide sets out the seven most common reasons a civil defense licence is rejected or delayed, the solution for each, a self-check list before applying, and what to do if your request is rejected.
1. Activity or Area Data That Does Not Match
Entering a different activity or an inaccurate area gives the wrong requirements and route. Solution: use the investor journey with data that matches reality and the commercial register. Read: The Salamah portal guide.
2. Missing or Unlinked Requirements
A safety equipment certificate or technical report not attached, issued for another facility, or an expired maintenance contract. Solution: deal with parties accredited on the portal and make sure documents are linked to the request. Read: The technical report and safety equipment certificate.
3. Site Inspection Comments
- Locked or obstructed emergency exits.
- Unsuitable extinguishers or expired maintenance.
- An alarm that does not work, or faulty emergency lighting.
- Haphazard electrical wiring.
- Storage blocking corridors.
Solution: a self-check before the inspection. Read: How to prepare for the site inspection.
4. Changing the Activity or Modifying the Facility
The civil defense regulation states that an existing building's continued use is conditional on its classification and activity remaining unchanged, and any change requires applying the regulation's conditions. Solution: review the requirements before the change. Read: Changing a shop's activity.
5. No Approved Drawings
Some facilities require approved fire prevention and protection drawings. Solution: approve fire system drawings before applying, and avoid drawing comments. Read: Civil defense comments on safety drawings.
6. Not Paying
The licence is not issued or printed before the fees are paid. Read: Why doesn't the print option appear?.
7. Problems With the Building Itself
If the building lacks basic systems required for its classification, the shop's own equipment will not be enough. Read: Old buildings and safety requirements and The building safety certificate for tenants.
Summary: Cause and Solution
| Cause | Quick solution |
|---|---|
| Mismatched data | Correct the activity and area |
| Missing attachments | An accredited party and linked documents |
| Inspection comments | Self-check and fix before the visit |
| Activity change | Review the new requirements |
| No drawings | Approve fire drawings |
| Not paying | Pay the invoice |
| Building systems | Coordinate with the owner to upgrade the building |
Checklist Before Applying
- Commercial register, activity and area match.
- A valid maintenance contract for safety systems.
- Extinguishers suited to the hazard type with valid maintenance.
- Working exits, signage and emergency lighting.
- Safe electrical wiring.
- Approved drawings if the activity requires them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is rejection final?
Usually the comments can be addressed and the request resubmitted.
Who addresses comments on the technical report?
The engineering office that issued it, working with the facility to carry out the changes.
How long does the licence take after comments are addressed?
It depends on the route and the inspection date if one is needed.
Does a delayed licence affect the commercial licence?
Yes, it is a requirement for many activities.
Are the requirements for my activity published?
Yes for many activities. Read for example: Requirements for shops and Requirements for restaurants.
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office that reviews your facility before applying, prepares the required reports and drawings, and addresses rejection comments until the civil defense 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.