On the Salamah portal, some activities require a safety equipment certificate (invoice), and others a technical report from an engineering office. Many facility owners think they are the same, so they bring the certificate when their activity needs the report, or the reverse, and the request is returned and the licence delayed. Confusing the two is one of the most common causes of licence delays. This guide explains the core difference, who issues each, how to know what your activity needs, what a good technical report contains, and common mistakes.
The Core Difference
| Item | Safety equipment certificate/invoice | Technical report |
|---|---|---|
| Issued by | A safety company registered on the Salamah portal | An engineering/technical office accredited on the portal |
| What it proves | Supply and installation of the safety equipment required for the activity | An engineering inspection of the facility verifying fire prevention and protection requirements |
| Suits | Simpler activities needing only proof of installation | Larger or higher-hazard activities, or as the portal classifies |
| Scope | Equipment: extinguishers, detectors, signs, emergency lighting | The whole facility: exits, systems, wiring and storage |
How Do You Know What You Need?
From the investor journey on the Salamah portal, by entering the request type, main activity and area. The civil defense guidance manuals explain that the instant route for some occupancy groups (such as business offices, Group B, and warehouses, Group S) requires attaching a technical report from a technical engineering office accredited on the portal, or the safety invoice requirements depending on the case. Read: Instant and non-instant activities on Salamah.
Indicative Examples
| Facility | Likely requirement |
|---|---|
| A small shop | Usually a safety equipment certificate |
| An administrative office | A technical report or certificate depending on area and classification |
| A warehouse | Usually a technical report |
| A restaurant or assembly hall | Depending on area and number of occupants |
The final reference is what the investor journey shows for your specific facility. Read examples: Requirements for offices and Requirements for warehouses.
What Does a Good Technical Report Contain?
- Facility, activity, area and classification details.
- An inspection of means of escape and exits. Read: Evacuation signs and escape routes.
- An inspection of alarm, fire-fighting and lighting systems.
- Observations, recommendations and site photographs.
- A clear conclusion of compliance or what remains to be completed.
Practical Steps
- Enter the investor journey with accurate data.
- Identify the requirement: certificate or report.
- Deal with a party accredited on the portal for that requirement.
- Prepare the facility before the visit.
- Make sure the document is linked to your request on the portal.
Common Mistakes
- Issuing an equipment certificate when the activity requires a technical report.
- Dealing with a party not accredited on the portal.
- Area or activity data in the report that differs from the request.
- A report for another facility or another branch.
These are common reasons for rejection. Read: Reasons a civil defense licence is rejected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an engineering office issue the safety equipment certificate?
The certificate is issued by registered safety companies and the report by accredited offices, each according to its registration on the portal.
Does a technical report replace installing the equipment?
No, the report verifies the systems and requirements are in place; it does not replace installing them.
Is the technical report different from the systems compliance report?
They are similar in inspection, but the purpose and requesting authority may differ. Read: The safety systems compliance report.
How long is the report valid?
It is tied to the request and licence; a new report may be required at renewal.
What if the facility's area changes?
The requirement and route may change, so redo the investor journey.
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office that identifies the correct requirement for your activity, prepares the technical report required on the Salamah portal after an engineering inspection of the facility, and follows the request until licensing. See our technical safety reports 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.