What Is a CICPA security pass
A pass is a permit that allows authorised personnel to enter and work within areas designated as critical to Abu Dhabi. Employers must register relevant staff with CICPA when their operations require access to these restricted locations. Staff may be deployed on land or at sea. They may also be engaged in onshore or offshore activities.
The requirement applies to employees and contractors who must enter these sites for operational tasks.
Passes can also be issued for vehicles, vessels and specific activities. Some temporary permits are available for short-term work when supported by the correct documentation.
Who requires a CICPA pass
Employees in sectors that underpin national operations are most likely to fall within scope.
It is mandatory for personnel working with critical infrastructure sectors, especially oil & gas, ports, field sites, energy facilities, and other sensitive zones. This includes maritime services, power generation, aviation, finance, utilities and communications. Staff working with ADNOC entities often require approval because many ADNOC sites form part of the critical national infrastructure.
Many supply chain activities are covered. A company transporting food across the region can be treated as critical because disruption would affect daily continuity. That is why the classification extends beyond core industrial sites. Certain activities such as photography inside restricted zones also need specific permits.
Passes can be issued for drivers, vehicles, vessels and teams working on land or at sea. Because of this wide reach, companies must confirm their position before work begins.
Which companies are considered critical
An organisation may require critical infrastructure approval if its disruption would affect Abu Dhabi’s social or economic stability. This can apply to primary operators and to the suppliers that support them. A firm entering oil rigs, refineries or power plants will usually require passes for relevant staff. Some companies may also need Supreme Petroleum Council approval, since both regimes can apply in the oil and gas sector.
Since classifications vary by site and activity, businesses need to assess their exposure early. It prevents delays. It also reduces the risk of non-compliance.
Application Process
Every pass is different and needs to be obtained separately.
The Mandatory Requirements:
- An Abu Dhabi Mainland Licence (a copy of your Trade Licence is required)
- Have obtained Supreme Petroleum Council (SPC) approval to apply for CICPA – which is present on your licenses
- Have a Letter of Assistance (LOA) directly from ADNOC
We will also require details of exactly how many passes are required. Once you can provide Sovereign PPG with a copy of your Abu Dhabi Licence and LOA, we can handle all the steps to obtain CICPA Passes and include PRO Registration, if required.
The general steps, assuming you meet the mandatory requirements highlighted above are as follows:
- Company Registration
- POA/PRO Registration
- Pass Processing
How Sovereign can help
Sovereign assists companies in determining whether their operations fall within critical infrastructure and coastal protection-controlled areas. The team prepares the required submissions and coordinates supporting documents for staff, drivers and vessel operators. We manage applications linked to multiple sites and ensure that employers understand the limits attached to each pass.
Support also covers companies working with ADNOC or other entities embedded in the critical national infrastructure. That includes reviewing links with related approvals such as SPC.
We maintain a clear process so clients can move personnel into operational areas without disruption. The result is a record of compliance that supports internal audits and planning.
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Please contact us if you have any questions or queries and your local representative will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
