Obtaining a safety certificate or civil defense licence is an achievement worth celebrating, but it is not the end of the road. Systems age, extinguishers expire, batteries weaken, staff change, and the facility itself expands or changes its activity. Keeping the certificate valid is what truly protects your facility: from fire first, then from violations during inspection rounds, and from a stalled renewal. This guide sets out a periodic follow-up list, the regulatory reference for maintenance, the maintenance contract, timely renewal, changes that call for immediate review, and an annual follow-up schedule.
Periodic Follow-Up
| Item | What is checked |
|---|---|
| Extinguishers | Maintenance date, pressure and validity |
| Alarm system | Testing detectors, bells and batteries |
| Fire-fighting | Pumps, pressures, valves and sprinklers |
| Emergency lighting and signs | Working when power is cut |
| Exits | Open and free of obstructions |
| Electrical wiring | No overloading or haphazard connections |
A Suggested Follow-Up Schedule
| Frequency | Tasks |
|---|---|
| Daily/weekly | Exits open, corridors clear, alarm panel without faults |
| Monthly | Visual check of extinguishers, emergency lighting and signs |
| Periodic per contract | Maintenance company visits, system testing and documentation |
| Annual | A comprehensive review, an evacuation drill and updating evacuation maps |
| Before renewal | Reviewing requirements on the Salamah portal and preparing attachments |
The exact frequency is set by the maintenance contract and civil defense instructions. For drills read: The evacuation drill.
The Regulatory Reference for Maintenance
The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing's requirements for warehouses, workshops and stores call for periodic maintenance and calibration of automatic and manual fire alarm and fire-fighting equipment according to the instructions of the General Directorate of Civil Defense, and state that responsibility for installing, maintaining and preserving systems lies with the owner.
The Maintenance Contract
A valid maintenance contract with an accredited company ensures periodic visits and their documentation, and is often an attachment for licensing and renewal. Make sure the contract specifies: the systems covered, the number of visits, the response time for faults, and documented reports after each visit.
Renewing on Time
- Set a reminder well before the licence expires.
- Review the requirements on the Salamah portal before renewal, as they may change. Read: The Salamah portal guide.
- Make sure the facility's data has not changed.
- Prepare the attachments: the maintenance contract, and the certificate or technical report. Read: The technical report and safety equipment certificate.
Changes That Call for Immediate Review
- Changing the activity or adding an activity. Read: Changing a shop's activity.
- Expanding the area or re-partitioning the interior.
- Changing the type of goods or materials stored.
- Modifications to ceilings or walls affecting detectors or sprinklers.
Because the regulation requires the classification and activity to remain unchanged, and any change requires applying its conditions.
Common Mistakes
- Silencing the alarm panel instead of fixing the fault.
- Using the emergency exit as storage after licensing.
- Renewing the maintenance contract late.
- Changing the decor without reviewing detector and sprinkler positions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the maintenance contract alone enough?
The contract is essential, but day-to-day compliance (open exits, not disabling systems) is the facility's responsibility.
What if the licence expires?
Renew it through the Salamah portal; operating with an expired licence exposes the facility to violations. Read: Looking up and printing the licence.
Who keeps the maintenance records?
The facility, with copies of the maintenance company's reports, to present on request.
Does follow-up differ for the building and the facility?
The owner follows up shared systems, and the facility follows up its own equipment. Read: The building safety certificate for tenants.
When do I need a new technical report?
At renewal if the portal requires it, or after significant changes to the facility.
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office that helps you keep your safety certificate and civil defense licence valid: periodic reviews, technical reports at renewal, and reviewing requirements after any change. See our building safety certificate 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.