Critical Infrastructure & Coastal Protection Authority (CICPA) Security Permits

CICPA is tasked with ensuring the security and protection of critical installations and
facilities in the United Arab Emirates. This involves issuing various security permits to companies Working on projects in critical industries.

CICPA issues several types of security permits, including: 

• Onshore permits
• Offshore permits
• Temporary permits
• Vehicle permits
• Photography permits
• Ships and Vessels
• PRO cards for company representatives

To initiate the file opening process for security permits, companies must submit the
Below documents to CICPA head Office, including:

• Commercial License
• Establishment Card
• Chamber of Commerce Membership Certificate
• Memorandum of Association
• Power of Attorney of the Signatory (Less than 3 Years)
• Passport Copy & Emirates ID of the Shareholders.
• Company should have a contract with the Franchised Company (LOA)
• An official letter from the company requesting file opening and PRO approval
• Complete the File Opening Form available on CICPA’s website.

To register contracts, companies must provide specific details, including: 

• Contract type
• Contract duration
• Operating work areas
• The number of personnel and vehicles involved
• Photography requirements, if relevant to the nature of concession agreements
• For government companies, a cover letter from the Abu Dhabi Supreme Petroleum Council may be required.

Companies can obtain a PRO Card by following these steps:

• Provide a completed form (signed and stamped by the company).
• Complete the Personal Introduction Form, which should be signed and include personal photos.
• Provide a copy of a valid passport (with at least 6 months validity).
• Submit a copy of the residence visa or employment visa, along with a copy of the labor card.
• Include a letter from the company approving the PRO Card issuance.
• Attach a copy of the valid PRO Authorization letter attested by a notary public, along with a copy of the signature authorization and commercial license

The procedures for obtaining security permits for individuals include:

• Completing the application form (typed) and signing it.
• Completing the Personal Introduction Form and affixing personal photos.
• Providing a copy of a valid passport (with at least 6 months validity) and a copy of the Emirati National ID.
• Supplying a copy of a valid residence visa or employment visa.
• For government companies, including a letter from the company, is required.

To renew security permits for individuals (offshore, onshore, or temporary permits),
the following documents are required:

• All necessary documents mentioned above.
• Attaching a colored copy of the previous security permit within 30 days prior to its expiry

The terms and conditions for companies include:

1. Being officially licensed by the Department of Economic Development in Abu Dhabi.
2. Ensuring that all employees and workers are legally sponsored by the company.
3. Restriction on the movement of laborers between branches within the Abu Dhabi unless a temporary security permit (6 months term) is issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
4. Restriction on employing personnel sponsored by free zone companies or those under personal sponsorship.
5. Restriction on employing personnel sponsored by governmental or local entities without official approval from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
6. Work in critical Installation and Facilities is not allowed for persons with Visit Visa or entry permit for tourism or transit

Prohibited items within critical installations and facilities secured by CICPA include:

• Explosives of all types, including ammunition, firearms, bombs, and explosive devices.
• Sharp tools, such as knives and cutting instruments.
• Firearms, including pistols, guns, fire blasters, bows, and arrows.
• Hazardous chemical substances and radioactive materials, as well as flammable contents.
• Toxic or contagious biological substances and any pesticides.
• Cameras and mobile phones with cameras, computers, laptops, or any data storage devices without a valid security permit.
• Immoral or indecent photos, pictures, and magazines.
• Alcoholic beverages and drugs of all kinds.
• Sticks and batons, including skating poles, sportive batons, and cricket sticks.
• Any hazardous materials or devices that could cause damage or harm when used for unintended purposes.

Violations within critical installations can lead to various actions:

• Submitting a transaction on behalf of someone who is rejected or dismissed and imposing a fine.
• Detaining individuals involved in security permit violations.
• Arresting and investigating any person involved in violations within the premises.
• Confiscating the items associated with the violation.
• Canceling security permits or refusing to issue new permits if there are multiple violations.

For Companies 

To obtain security permits for vehicles without drivers for companies, you need to follow these procedures:

• Fill out the Application Form completely, sign it, and have it stamped by the company’s Public Relations Officer (PRO).
• Provide a colored copy of a valid vehicle license.
• Obtain a non-objection reference number from the Vehicle Directorate, following their respective procedures related to the land areas where the approval and required data will be electronically sent to CICPA (Security Permits Section).
• Obtain a letter from Abu Dhabi Police Vehicle Department, as per the applicable procedures for maritime areas. The vehicles’ inspection and scanning form will be completed via the Barcode permit program, stamped by Delma Cooperative Society and a copy of the form should be attached to the submitted application.
• Include a copy of the signature authentication and a copy of the trade license.

For Governmental Companies Affiliated to the Supreme Petroleum Council:

• Follow the required procedures as mentioned above for obtaining a permit without a driver.
• Include a copy of the security permit for employees.
• Attach a copy of the driver’s license.
• Provide a letter from the company.

For Individuals:

• Follow the same steps as mentioned for companies to obtain a permit without a driver.
• Include a letter from the company.
• Attach a copy of the security permit for the persons along with a colored copy of the driving license, passport, and residence visa.

For Companies

To obtain security permits for vessels, companies must follow these procedures:

• Completely fill out the Application Form, sign it, and have it stamped by the company.
• Provide a copy of the navigational license issued by the National Transportation Authority.
• Include a copy of both the signature authentication and the valid security permits for the crew.
• If the application is submitted by a navigational operator, a non-objection letter from the National Transportation Authority is required.

Required Documents
To obtain a photography security permit, the following documents and procedures must be followed:

• Fill out the Application Form completely, sign it, and have it stamped by the company.
• Complete and sign the Personal Introduction Form.
• Provide a copy of a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity.
• Include a copy of a valid residence visa or employment visa or mission visa.
• Attach a copy of the commercial license, a copy of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of
Commerce & Industry membership certificate, and a copy of signature authentication.
• Include a copy of the security permit in all case.
• Attach a copy of the contract upon renewal.

Terms and Conditions:
• Upon registering the contract, an application for industrial photography shall be submitted.
• For government companies, the Supreme Petroleum Council shall submit an approved list of cameras detailing the camera’s serial number and the photographers’ name, profession, and nationality.
• For other companies, a list must be submitted by the contracting party detailing the cameras’ type, serial number, and the photographers’ name, profession, and nationality.
• An Undertaking Form for maintaining information confidentiality and privacy must be submitted.

Security Permit Cancellation Options

Security permits can be canceled in the following cases:

• When the permits are no longer needed and are no longer referenced in the contract.
• Upon receiving a new card and returning the old one.
• If the card is lost or becomes expired.
• Procedures for Cancellation:

To cancel a security permit, you need to:

• Provide the original cards to be canceled.
• Return the old card within a maximum of 10 days if it’s being renewed.
• Complete a cancellation form signed and stamped by the company in case the original card is lost or has become expired.

The requirements for personal photos to be used in security permit applications are as follows:

• Two photos of the person, measuring 5×5 cm, are to be affixed to the application form and the Personal Introduction Form.
• Photos must be affixed with glue; the use of staplers or scotch tape is not allowed.
• The photos must be frontal (not in profile).
• The background must be white-colored.
• Photos with headgear are not accepted, except for GCC nationals.
• Photos must not be reconstructed or retouched
• Photos for persons wearing eyeglasses will not be accepted.
• The face must be clear and appearing in full.
• Photos must be printed on high-quality paper.
• Photos with the head tilted down or turned sideways will not be accepted.