Dubai Municipality Approval

The Dubai Municipality, or DM, has come a long way since its establishment on February 28^th, 1957, by the first decree. It provides municipal services to the population of Dubai and its work includes urban planning, construction supervision, environmental protection and improvement, public parks conservation, regulating and ensuring international quality standards compliance in aspects such as

• construction and building materials
• food & consumable items
• professional services in laboratory certification and accreditation.

DM, having begun with just 3 operating employees, has grown into an organization having more than 15,000 staff working in 32 organizational units, making it a major driving force in the development of Dubai City. With a vision of “Developing a happy and sustainable city,” the Dubai Municipality is also instrumental in maintaining the architectural heritage of the emirate by revival and maintenance of many cultural landmarks.

The DM Dubai is currently composed of 34 departments under six sectors, namely:

1. Communication & Community Sector
2. Corporate Support Sector
3. General Support Sector
4. Environmental Health & Safety Control Sector
5. Environment & Public Health Services Sector
6. Engineering & Planning Sector

The services offered by these sectors are segregated into individual, government, and business-centric, with the focus of DM Dubai quality control on areas such as Environment and waste, Financial and business, building and land planning, lab testing and accreditation, Public health and consumer safety, drainage and irrigation, veterinary, agriculture and public markets services.

An example of planning assistance by DM

The DM Dubai has a planning division that allows streamlined submissions to be made from the user end and a legislative system in place to demarcate its jurisdiction to acquire the Dubai Municipality Approval. One example of planning assistance is guidelines for the submission of a Master plan for building plan proposals. Here, the applicant submits a draft proposal for preliminary assessment that covers ownership, on-site, and surrounding region description. Following this, a final assessment submission requires Non-Objection Certificates from the concerned local authorities (Dubai Police, Civil Aviation, Road Transport Authority, Dubai Electricity, Water Authority, etc). Finally, the DM provides a “sign-off sheet” to all service authorities to get Dubai Municipality Approval for their master plan.

After completing all these procedures, a follow-up application needs to be filed online at the Dubai Municipality which consists of paying the application fee as well. 

Non-Compliance Crackdowns – Serious Quality Assurance

The year 2011 was a dramatic one for the DM. This was primarily due to the disconnection of utility services to many residential, industrial, and commercial buildings as a result of illegal modifications, partitions, and additions that were made. Warning notices were first sent, following which heavy fines were levied to discourage non-compliance. Repeated offenses meant that utility services to the offenders were cut off through the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority - DEWA. Sometimes unauthorized changes to buildings also run the risk of a lack of fire exits or basic health requirements, and ambiance quality like lighting and ventilation. Once corrective action was taken, the services were restored to these locations.

Also, read Some Facts about Dubai Municipality (DM)

Since its Industrial Revolution, Dubai has provided numerous opportunities for everyone looking to achieve heights of success, and it is continuing to do so as of 2021. Today, Dubai has become an international hub where people from all backgrounds are competing against each other. To cope with the growing industrialization and infrastructure demand, it becomes very important to set a bar of standards for ensuring safety and security. The government of Dubai has handed over this responsibility to Trakhees.

Process to get Trakhees Approvals

It is worth noting that if you are planning to set up your project in Dubai (under Trakhees Jurisdiction), you have to follow certain rules and regulations set by Trakhees. Moreover, you need to have a permit or approval to commence the construction work. But the fact of the matter is that sometimes the whole process of getting Trakhees' approval can be a bit difficult if you have not followed the procedures properly. Let’s make it simple for you and discuss what you need to do so that you can get approvals easily:

Procedure For Getting a Building Permit from Trakhees

You cannot commence any construction work at your site before getting a building permit from Trakhees. You must follow the given procedure to get Trakhees Approval:

• Pre-Approval Formalities: Before applying for Trakhees Approval, your contractor or consultant has to first get NOC for concept design. This design is then submitted online via e-permit to obtain a Building Permit application ID. A building permit fee notification will then be sent to your consultant and the specified payment is to be made.
• Application Submission: Once the payment is made to the Trakhees cashier, your consultant has to submit the application at Trakhees Helpdesk along with the payment receipt. However, the documents and the application form are to be submitted on a CD containing the documents in pdf format. If the CD contains all the documents as per the requirement, it is accepted and your consultant will receive a submission serial number sent through the mail. If the documents are not complete, Trakhees has the full right to reject your application.
• Document Distribution: Once your application is accepted for Trakhees Approval, a copy of your documents is sent to a structural engineer who then forwards them to an architect, a quality engineer, and an HVAC specialist. The Structural engineer will check your drawings and documents for the desired structural calculation. The architect will cross-check your drawings as per various applicable standards. The quality engineer will examine the drawings as per the quality guidelines, and thermal load calculations will be checked by an HVAC specialist. Once all the engineers review the documents and drawings of your project, they will send a copy of their review to the Structural engineer, who will then prepare a feedback summary report. This report will then be forwarded to the permit admin, who will then send the letter of Trakhees Approval to your Engineering consultant in Dubai. If the feedback summary report suggests any changes, then you will be required to resubmit your documents after making the specified changes.
• Drawing Uploaded to Server: If your application and documents are as per the guidelines, the structural engineer, architect, quality engineer, and HVAC specialist will sign and stamp your drawings and will upload them to the server. The permit admin will then prepare the NOC for the building permit and will attach all the recommendations to the permit. Your Engineering consultant in Dubai will be notified if any payment has to be settled by your side. The structural engineer and the Sr. Manager Permits will sign the building permit.
• Permit Issuance: Once you have paid the additional fees (if any), the Director of Civil Engineering Department will sign the permit and your Engineering consultant in Dubai will receive a notification from the permit admin for collecting the CD. This CD will contain the building permit, signed drawings, and construction recommendations. It is important to comply with all the recommendations provided in the CD.
• Points to Remember: At this stage, you will have a building permit from Trakhees, but you still have to take care of certain things. They are as:

1. From the date of issuance, your building permit will be valid for 6 months.
2. You have to commence your construction work as per the recommendations provided by Trakhees.
3. You must also have approvals from Trakhees EHS, DEWA, Etisalat, and DU before commencing any work at the site.
4. All construction work should be as per the standards of the Civil Engineering Department of Trakhees.
5. After the completion of the construction work, the debris in the surrounding area should be cleaned within a week.
6. Last but not least, the Trakhees inspection reports and copies of approved drawings should always be available on the site.

Process To Get an Environmental Permit from Trakhees

Before discussing how to get an environmental permit, it should be noted that there are various types of environmental permits, and each of them has its specific applicability. They can be listed as:

• Harbor / Open Sea Discharge Permit: Applicable for projects disposing of treated wastewater to the open sea.

• Irrigation Permit: Applicable to projects using wastewater for irrigation purposes.
• Air Emission Permit: Applicable for projects using fuel-burning stacks with air pollution control equipment.
• Cutting and Relocation of Trees Permit: Applicable for projects that require tree cutting or relocation.
• Marine Mammal-related activity: This category includes a permit to operate a captive marine mammal facility, a permit to transport marine mammals, a permit to conduct scientific research on marine mammals, and a permit to import/export marine mammals. This permit applies to projects involving marine mammals.
• Aquatic Animals-related activity: This category includes a permit to operate an aquarium facility, a permit to transport aquatic animals, a permit to conduct scientific research on aquatic animals, and a permit to import/export aquatic animals. This permit applies to projects involving aquatic animals.
• NOC for Marine Area Management: Applicable for projects managing marine areas.
• Coral Translocation Permit: Applicable for projects performing coral translocation activity.
• NOC for Dredging and Reclamation: Applicable for projects performing dredging and reclamation activity.
• NOC for Conditional Environmental Activity: Applicable for projects performing activities related to environmental issues.
• Sand Transportation Permit: Applicable to those involving the shifting transportation of sand from one construction site to another.

Process to Get Environmental Approvals from Trakhees

The step-by-step procedure for getting environmental approval from Trakhees is as follows:

• Application Submission: Depending upon the type of permit you require for your project, a permit application form is to be submitted along with the documents mentioned on the form. After you fill up the form, it is to be submitted to the EHS Main Office Reception. You can also apply for should email. Remember to submit all the documents as mentioned in the form, or else your application will be rejected.
• Review of Application: The environmental department will review your application form and you will be notified in case of clarification from your side. You may also be required to submit some additional documents.
• Site Inspection: When your application is reviewed and everything is done, an officer from the environmental department will visit your site for an inspection. You will be notified of the inspection so that you can coordinate with the officer and agree upon the date & time of the visit.
• Permit Approval / Rejection: After considering all the facts, the environmental department will approve or reject your permit application. If it is approved, a permit will be issued to you.
• Payment: You are required to pay an amount towards your permit issuance, and each permit requires a specific amount of payment to be made. No permit will be issued unless you make the payment. Below is the required amount of payment to be made for each type of permit:

• Renewal: In the case of the Harbor Discharge Permit, Irrigation Permit, and Air Emission Permit, forty-five to sixty days before the permit expiry date, the environmental department will initiate the renewal process. This will be followed by a surprise site inspection, and the inspection reports will be released within five working days for Air Emission, seven working days for Irrigation, and eight working days for harbor water, from the date of inspection. You will then be required to apply along with the specified payment amount, and a renewed permit will be issued to you.

If you follow the procedure as per the given guidelines, it will be easy for you to get Trakhees Approval. Let us help you with your Dubai Approvals procedures, wherein our experts will help you anytime and anywhere so that you do not have to deal with the resubmission of your application. Not only that, but we also help you with DEWA approval, Dubai Municipality Approval, Jafza Approval, and approvals from many more authorities in Dubai. So, feel free to visit us and allow us to serve you for easy approvals.

Also, read How to get warehouse mezzanine approval in Dubai.

Dubai is one of the most favorite destinations for every person in the world. With new technologies and innovations being introduced now and then, Dubai proudly holds the title of “The City of the Future”. People from all around the globe come to Dubai to experience a better lifestyle, but moving to Dubai was not always that easy. As Dubai was emerging as an international hub, it was attracting people from everywhere, but the only problem was that foreigners were not allowed to buy properties. EMAAR made it possible for every person, irrespective of his/her citizenship, to own a property in Dubai. As most of the landmark locations in Dubai are masterpieces from EMAAR, so, let’s take a look at the 4 best engineering projects of EMAAR Dubai as of 2021:

• Burj Khalifa: Imagine you wake up in the morning and, when you look out of the window, only to see that you are much higher than the clouds. That single feeling can give you happiness and confidence for the entire day. The tallest building in the world as of 2021, Burj Khalifa, was inaugurated in January 2010. It is 829.8m tall with a total of 163 floors. Initially named Burj Dubai, Burj Khalifa was named after the ruler of Abu Dhabi, Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The construction of Burj Khalifa has created a milestone in the history of the world as it gives out a loud message of how human capabilities have no boundaries.

• Dubai Fountain: One of the landmarks of Downtown Dubai, Dubai Fountain is the second-largest choreographed fountain system in the world. EMAAR Dubai had organized a naming competition for the fountain, and the name “Dubai Fountain” was selected. It was inaugurated in May 2009 with a length of 902 ft and the capacity to shoot water up to 500 ft in the air. Located in the artificial Burj Khalifa Lake, it is equipped with 6600 lights and 25 colored projectors. When it is accompanied by musical beats, Dubai Fountain leaves you with a heart full of pleasure and amusement.

• The Dubai Mall: Dubai Mall is the largest mall in the world as of 2021, inaugurated in November 2008. It is the most visited building on the planet, with an average of 54 million visitors every year. With an internal floor area of 5.9 million sq. ft., it is packed with 1200 shops, 22 cinema screens, 250 luxury hotel rooms, 120 eateries, and over 14000 parking spaces. In short, it has an entire world present in itself.

• Dubai Marina: Dubai Marina is one of the top-notch projects of EMAAR. It is an artificial canal city currently under construction. The construction of the Marina has been divided into phases, with Phase 1 already completed. When the construction is completed, Dubai Marina will be the largest man-made marina in the world. It includes many landmark locations in itself, such as The Dubai Marina Towers, Jumeirah Beach Residence, The Walk, Al Sahab, Al Majara, Marina Promenade, Marina Quays, Dubai Marina Mall, etc.

EMAAR has not only utilized its innovative ideas to construct a luxurious Dubai, rather it has aalso lways piloted unique projects around the globe. Though based in the UAE, EMAAR has extended its reach by spreading across various countries like India – EMAAR India, Egypt – EMAAR MISR, Pakistan – EMAAR Pakistan, etc. Also, Emaar Community Management is the only organization outside the USA to become an Accredited Association Management Company, providing professional association and community management services.

If you are also planning to buy a property in Dubai and are confused with the approval processes from various authorities of Dubai, including EMAAR approval, we are here to help you. Dubai Approvals team will provide you step by step information for getting approvals for your projects without any hindrance.

How to get DM Approvals

Before commencing any work related to the planning and construction of a project under the Dubai Municipality or DM jurisdiction, it is important to first acquire approvals from the Dubai Municipality. DM Dubai provides various approvals for individual, commercial, and Government services, i.e., individuals, businesses, as well as Government bodies need to acquire a permit or approval before commencing any project work in Dubai.

Comprehensive Guide to Dubai Municipality (DM) Approvals 

Let’s discuss some of the approvals provided by DM and what procedure it requires for you to get a DM approval.

New Building Permit from DM:

The building department of DM provides approvals for new buildings. Any individual, business, or Government body with a proposed building plan can avail of this service and get DM approvals for their project. The approval can be acquired for either a Structural plan, or Architectural Plan, or both. The various types of projects that are covered under this service include single and multi-story buildings, industrial structures, villas, and floor ratio areas. Before commencing any physical on-site, it is important to get the primary DM approval to make sure the project work is as per the standards and guidelines of Dubai Municipality, otherwise, no physical work should be started. However, Dubai Municipality does not require you to get primary approval, instead, you can directly apply for final approval.

Process to Get a New Building Permit from the Dubai Municipality Department:

To make sure you get the approval easily, you must follow the given procedure:

• Following the approval from DM, you will get your permit from the DM website.
• When all the documents are successfully submitted, you will be required to pay certain fees. In the case of villas and multi-story buildings (up to 7 floors), an amount of 100 AED is to be paid. 150 AED is to be paid for multi-story buildings with more than 7 floors and 250 AED is to be paid for floor ratio area buildings. Once the payment is done, you will receive a payment voucher.
• Visit the DM website and apply for the New Building permit. You will be required to submit the structural and architectural drawings as per the type of service you are applying for.
• From the date of submission, within 3-5 working days, you will receive a reply from DM regarding the approval or rejection of your application.
• If the application is rejected, you should then check for the amendments in your application and then re-submit your application on the DM website. The entire process of approval or rejection takes up to 5 working days.

Approval for the issue or renewal of DM Plans

This service is provided by the Survey Department of DM and provides various sub-services like Land Boundary information, zoning regulations, approved number of floors, use of land, land area, setback area, owner of the title, etc. The most important benefit of this service is that it does not take a long duration of time, i.e., in case of renewal of villas, you can get the approval within 15 minutes, and the rest of the services take only 1 working day.

The process to get Dubai Municipality Approval for new or renewal of DM plans:

To ensure a smooth procedure for this approval, follow the given instructions:

• Once your application is reviewed, you will receive notifications regarding the approval or rejection from DM via SMS.
• Visit the Dubai Municipality website, call the customer care center of DM, visit Al Manara Center on Sheikh Zayed Road, or visit the Al Tawar Center in Deira, or Hatta Center, and submit the application form. You will have to submit your UAE identity proof.
• Once you apply, a DM plan to register the land will be issued to you. For this step, you will be required to submit a copy of the Land Department plan not more than 2 years old, and a delegation letter, if your land is within government projects.
• Now you will be required to pay the fees of 200 AED. You will receive a payment voucher that may be helpful for future queries.
• Apart from villas, all other services take 1 working day to complete.

There are several other approvals provided by the Dubai Municipality authority, which can be availed from the official website of DM or various DM-approved offline centers. The Dubai Municipality approvals process can be very easy, but understanding the nature of your project and then submitting the application for the service can be very complex. If you are also looking forward to getting DM Approval, then do not worry and leave all the difficulties and complexities to us. Our experts at Dubai Approvals Team will help you step by step so that you can get your Dubai Approvals on time without any hassle.

We also help you get approvals from various other authorities like Trakhees, DEWA, NAKHEEL, DSO, JAFZA, Food Control Department, EMAAR, RTA, TECOM, and DCCA, and Warehouse approvals. So, Contact Us, save your precious time, and start working on your dreams right away.

Dubai is one of the countries that has been recording immense development over the years. Many industries have been coming up yearly, creating a big job market for many Dubai people,e thus the growth of the economy of Dubai. With this immense economic growth, there arose a need to have a body that would oversee the management of infrastructure. The rapid growth of buildings and other infrastructure requires strict guidelines to ensure that quality is not compromised. For this reason, Trakhees regulations and standards were then created in 2009, with the main intent of guaranteeing the development of very sustainable and environmentally friendly structures.

Trakhees is in charge of various entities such as lands, port areas, Dubai World, and other areas within its mandate. Additionally, Trakhees is also responsible for the issuance of business licenses and approvals in the development of certain areas in Dubai. Trakhees is comprised of four sections that all ensure quality and efficiency are maintained in infrastructural development. These sections include the Environment, Health and Safety Department, Commercial Licensing Department, Civil Engineering Department, and Corporate Excellence Department.

If you wish to get Trakhees' Approval, you have to follow a few guidelines listed below:

Regulatory Requirements:

• No construction work should start without approval from the Civil Engineering Department of Trakhees.
• Approval from Nakheel Asset Management.
• Adherence to the rules of Dubai World Community Regulations.
• Day-care and nursery amenities should comply with the guidelines for Children's Care

General Guidelines:

• The owner of any premises is solely responsible for all waste management and disposal.
• The unleased area can never be used by the owner.
• Services offered should be in line with those detailed in the license given.
• Any modification work should not compromise the quality of the building.
• Salon facilities should adhere to the rules and guidelines of Beauty Salons Cosmetics as per EHS.

Facility Requirements:

• Workers should be provided with adequate lockers and changing rooms within the premises.
• Washroom facilities on the premises should be up to standard and both men and women should have separate washroom amenities.
• According to the type of business, there should be adequate space.
• Lighting standards should be adhered to as set by the authority.
• The premises should have well-structured means of ventilation, both artificial and natural, such that fresh air is never contaminated.
• Water is supplied by a supplier who is approved by the necessary body. Water is treated by a body approved by the Environment, Health and Safety Department.
• There must be adequate handwashing sites for workers on that premises.

Adherence to these rules is a must if you are looking forward to getting Trakhees' approval. Other than the mentioned rules, you must also observe the space area, various business facilities are accorded different floor coverings. Even after getting Trakhees' approval for your business, that’s not all; you still need to ensure that you continue complying with these rules day in and day out. Trakhees online will help you understand these rules and regulations in a better way.

Dubai Approvals Team can help you get Trakhees approval easily without any hassle. Contact us today to know more.

In the past couple of decades, Dubai has expanded its industrial and commercial market at a very rapid pace, allowing more opportunities for individuals and businesses. So, it becomes very important for Dubai authorities to manage and maintain a proper set of guidelines in order to maintain quality and safety in all the services. Trakhees has also set up various service codes, wherein every business has to follow certain rules and regulations in its operations.

Trakhees provides five types of licensing services, which include New Licenses, License Amendments, License Renewal, License Cancellation, and Commercial Permit. So, in short, if you want to acquire any type of licensing service,e be it requesting a new license or making changes in your old license, your destination should be Trakhees. \

Process for different licensing approvals of Trakhees

Let’s discuss the procedure for various licensing approvals of Trakhees:

Procedure for New License: 

This type of procedure is used to get a new license, and it applies to those parties who come under the jurisdiction of Trakhees. Here are the steps to apply for a new license:

For new licensing services, you should visit the Trakhees office.

• Trakhees CLD provides two types of licenses – Free Zone Licenses and Local Licenses.
• In the Trakhees office, you can request a Trade Name Reservation. For that, you need to submit the Name Reservation Form and passport Copy of the local owner. If you are not a local owner, then your visa copy along with the passport is required.
• The payment advice will be generated by the Trakhees-CLD. Make the payment, show the receipt and collect your Trade Name Certificate from the office.
• To get the initial approval for federal licenses, you need to visit the office and make a request for the initial approval.
• To do so, submit the Registration Licensing Application Form, the passport copy, and the Visa copy if you belong to some other nation. If you are a citizen of Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Somalia, Palestine, Morocco, Lebanon, Libya, Syria, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Christopher, and Nevis then the last six months bank statements are also required along with the Visa Copy.
• Make the payment and collect the Initial Approval Certificate from the office.
• To get initial approval for a free zone license, you need to submit the following documents: application for a license, trade name certificate, FZ/FZCO registration form, environment health & safety form, NOC copy from the employer in case of a non-local, passport copy + visa copy of all shareholders, personal information form, board resolution, and the specimen of signature of manager or owner.
• Trakhees will check & validate all these documents. If your application has been accepted then you need to make the payment.
• After completing the payment transaction, you can collect the initial approval certificate from the office.

Procedure for License Amendments: 

If you have to make certain changes to your existing license, then you have to follow the steps. It must be noted that the amendments that can be made are changing the Trade Name, changing or adding an Activity, changing in Address or Location, changing or appointing a Manager, increasing Capital, changing the Local Agent, adding or withdrawing a Partner, and changing Legal Type. Also, each type of amendment procedure takes a certain amount of time.

1. In the case of companies under Free-Zone Laws, an applicant has to visit the Trakhees-CLD office and submit the mentioned documents according to the nature of the amendment.

• For Trade Name Changes, an applicant has to submit a Board Resolution from the company, Application amendment form, Original Trade license, Original MOA, Original Share Certificate, and Amendment to the Memorandum of Association
• Concerning the change of the Trade Name and the Trade Name certificate.
• For changing or adding an Activity, an applicant has to submit an FZ License amendment form, the Original Trade license, the EHS activity form, and an Amendment to the Memorandum of Association concerning the change of activity.
• For a Change in Address or Location, an applicant has to submit an Original Trade License, FZ license amendment form, Request Letter, EHS approval, and Copy of the Lease agreement registered in Ejari.
• For Changing or Appointing a Manager, an applicant has to submit a Board resolution from the company, an FZ license amendment form, a copy of the new manager’s passport along with NOC if the manager is a non-local, NS approval for a new manager, an Accommodation Agreement, Amendment to the Memorandum of Association duly authenticated by the Notary public, and Personal information for the manager.
• To increase the Capital, an applicant has to submit a Board resolution from the company, an FZ license amendment form, an Original Trade license, an Original share certificate, Confirmation from the bank, and an Amendment to the Memorandum of Association.

2. Once the applicant is done with all the document submissions, a submission reference number will be generated.

3. The Trakhees-CLD will check all the documents and if all the requirements are fulfilled correctly by the applicant, payment advice will be generated.

4. The applicant can submit the fees online and present the receipt to the front desk offices. The printed license will be available to collect by the applicant.

There are various other options for licenses from Trakhees Approval for companies under Federal Law, General Partnerships, and Simple Limited Partnerships. You can Contact Us and let our experts help you with all your license-related services.

You can see the requirement for Trakhess approval here

Read also: List of all the Approvals Provided by Dubai Municipality

With the rapid development in Dubai, it was important for the government to come up with an authority that would be responsible for supervising the infrastructure. In 2009, Trakhees – Department of Planning and Development was introduced in Dubai, and since the,n it has been providing various public services. Trakhees manages all the lands, complexes & areas owned by Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporations, Dubai World, in the areas defined by PCFC, and its jurisdiction. Trakhees is also responsible for providing business licenses in special development zones and areas.

Trakhees consists of four major departments which include the Corporate Excellence Department, Commercial Licensing Department, Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) Department, and Civil Engineering Department. Each of these departments is working through creativity and excellence so as to provide quality rich services.

Now, if you are looking forward to getting Trakhees approval, depending on your business (be it an eatery, hotel, any food-related activity, or any health-related activity), you have to fulfill certain requirements. To not missing out on any formality, these requirements are categorized.

Requirements to Get Trakhee's Approval
Let’s discuss the various requirements to obtain Trakhee's Approval:

Regulatory Requirements: 

• Following the rules of Dubai World Community Regulations, UAE Laws, and EHS rules.
• Following the rules of Dubai Municipality, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Environment and Water, ESMA, Dubai Police, and Dubai Customs.
• In the case of Daycare and Nursery services, it is important to comply with the rules and standards of Children's Day Care.
• In the case of salon services, it is important to comply with the rules and standards of Beauty Salon cosmetic procedures/therapies guidelines from DHA, CSS, and EHS.
• Approval from Nakheel Asset Management.
• No commencement of construction work without approval from the Civil Engineering Department of Trakhees.

General Conditions: 

• The owner of the business/property will be responsible for waste disposal generated from the premises.
• Under no circumstances should the unleased area be used by the owner.
• Services offered should be strictly as per those mentioned in the license.
• The contractor should ensure the modification works do not compromise the structural integrity.

Floor Area Requirements:

Other Area Requirements Set by Trakhees

Facility Requirements: 

Apart from area requirements, it is important to take care of facility requirements to ensure safety and standards. They are as:

• The water supply shall only be supplied from an approved source by the authority. It is also important to ensure the water is cleaned and treated by the approved EHS third-party servicing company.
• The lighting provided on the premises must be as per the standards set by the authority.
• Waste management should be up to the mark wherein it should have no adverse effect on the surroundings. Also, the drainage should be designed in a way that does not contaminate the usable water.
• The premises should have both natural and artificial means of ventilation. It is worth noting that, similar to water supply management, ventilation shall also be managed in such a manner that the incoming fresh air is not contaminated in any way.
• As per the nature of the business, the premises should provide an adequate amount of storage for storing goods.
• The premises must have an adequate number of handwashing stations.
• An adequate number of changing rooms and locker rooms should be provided for the employees working on the premises.
• Toilet facilities should be as per the standards. An adequate number of toilets should be provided on the premises. It is also important to provide separate toilets for men and women.

As mentioned above, you must comply with various rules and regulations so that you can get approvals from Trakhees. Even if you get the approval for your business, you still have to maintain quality and standard as per the rules and regulations of Trakhees so that you can retain your license. This is because all the authorities of Dubai are very strict when it comes to the safety and security of infrastructure and the environment. So, if you are also looking forward to getting Trakhees approval or any other authority of Dubai, you must comply with the rules and regulations set by the Government of Dubai.

Furthermore, you can also check our Dubai Approvals services and let our team help you with your approvals. Our experts will guide you step by step so that you can easily get your job done without any hindrance.

The Dubai Municipality has come a long way since its establishment on February 28^th, 1957, by the first decree. It provides Dubai Municipal Approval and other services to the population of Dubai and its work includes urban planning, construction supervision, environmental protection and improvement, public parks conservation, regulating and ensuring international quality standards compliance in aspects such as

• construction and building materials
• food & consumable items
• professional services in laboratory certification and accreditation.

Having begun with just 3 operating employees, it has grown into an organization having more than 15,000 staff working in 32 organizational units, making it a major driving force in the development of Dubai City. With a vision of “Developing a happy and sustainable city,” the DM Approval is also instrumental in maintaining the architectural heritage of the emirate through the revival and maintenance of many cultural landmarks.

The Dubai Municipality is currently composed of 34 departments under six sectors, namely:

• Communication & Community Sector
• Corporate Support Sector
• General Support Sector
• Environmental Health & Safety Control Sector
• Environment & Public Health Services Sector
• Engineering & Planning Sector

The services offered by these sectors are segregated into individual, government, and business-centric, with the focus of DM Approval quality control on areas such as Environment and waste, Financial and business, building and land planning, lab testing and accreditation, Public health and consumer safety, drainage and irrigation, veterinary, agriculture and public markets services.

An example of planning assistance by DM

The Dubai Municipality, or DM, has a planning division that allows streamlined submissions to be made from the user end and a legislative system in place to demarcate its jurisdiction. One example of planning assistance is guidelines for submission of a Masterplan for building plan proposals. Here, the applicant submits a draft proposal for preliminary assessment that covers ownership, on-site, and surrounding region description. Following this, a final assessment submission requires Non-Objection Certificates from the concerned local authorities (Dubai Police, Civil Aviation, Road Transport Authority, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, etc). Finally, the DM Approval provides a “sign-off sheet” to all service authorities for their approval of the master plan.

After completing all these procedures, a follow-up application needs to be filed online at www.dm.gov.ae which consists of paying the application fee as well. A tutorial for filing this online application is available here. 

Non-Compliance Crackdowns – Serious Quality Assurance

The year 2011 was a dramatic one for the DM. This was primarily due to the disconnection of utility services to many residential, industrial, and commercial buildings as a result of illegal modifications, partitions, and additions that were made. Warning notices were first sent, following which heavy fines were levied to discourage non-compliance. Repeated offenses meant that utility services to the offenders were cut off by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). Sometimes unauthorized changes to buildings also run the risk of a lack of fire exits or basic health requirements, and ambiance quality like lighting and ventilation. Once the corrective action was taken, the services were restored to these locations.

If you are looking for Dubai Municipality Approvals, you can Contact Us.

Also, read the Dubai Municipality (DM) approval process in Dubai.

Warehouses are required to abide by certain Building Regulations and Design Guidelines to get a license and Dubai Approvals for both establishments and any subsequent Fit-out modifications done to them. The relevant Dubai Approvals for warehouse mezzanines are demarcated by various jurisdictions under different Dubai authorities. Warehouses located in Al Quoz, Dubai Investment Parks, and Ras Al Khor come under the jurisdiction of the Dubai Municipality and Dubai Civil Defence whereas, the Jebel Ali Free Economic Zone - JAFZA is required to get a Trakhees Approval.

How to get warehouse mezzanine approval in Dubai?

Let’s have a look at the general guidelines:

• The locations for warehouses are required to be chosen as special areas usually set aside for industrial types of work. This is as per the Land Use and Classification and Regulations in the Emirates.
• Unless considered otherwise by the authority, warehouses are required to provide skylight openings of at least 5% of the floor area in order to provide natural ventilation and lighting.
• The net internal height of any storage area such as a depot or a workshop must be between 4 and 9 meters in height unless indicated otherwise by the authority.
• A maximum limit of 20% of the industrial area can be set aside to set up commercial activity. Outside of this area, commercial activity or goods display for trading cannot be carried out.
• Provisions for canteen, pantry, and changing rooms with lockers are required to be provided for employees. People with disabilities may be employed only when special provisions for them are incorporated into the design of the space.
• Kitchens and related cooking activities are not allowed on site.

Sanitary Provisions

•  Wash closets (WC) and Basins (WB) are required to be provided for male and female staff at the rate of 1 per 25 staff. If the staff number exceeds 100 then W’s and WB’s are to be provided at the rate of 1 per 40 urinals.
• Toilet corridors need to have a minimum width of 1.2 meters with stall dimensions of 0.9X x 1.25 meters.
• Vending equipment, waste receptacles, and dispensers need to be 1 meter above the floor level with the waste receptacles embedded into the walls out of the way of people.
• Common toilets for both sexes are prohibited and doors to male and female washrooms are to be separated well. Self-closing doors are to be provided wherever possible.

Parking provisions

1 parking space per 50 square meters of office space to be provided. For vehicles such as buses, parking space provided depends on the operations carried out and the number of workers. Parking provision for visitors is 10% of the space provided for the staff.

• Construction of perimeter fencing must be on the property and must not exceed 2.4 meters in height.
• The minimum width of all warehouse doors is 3 meters.

Mezzanine floor constraints

A mezzanine floor is simply an intermediate floor space provided above the warehouse floor. Its function may pertain to the space below or above it.

• 100% of the mezzanine floor can be used for car parking or as an extension of the building’s usage purpose.
• Balconies or terraces are not permitted to be built on mezzanine floors, and second mezzanines are not permitted when the first one is being detached and used independently.
• The internal height of the ground floor has to be a minimum of 3 meters. With the addition of a half mezzanine floor, it has to be between 2.4 – 4 meters. Finally, with the addition of a full mezzanine, the permitted internal height is between 2.6 – 3 meters.
• Mezzanine floors must be done so without disturbing the existing warehouse structures.

Fire safety provisions

• Smoke detectors are required to be fitted in every partitioned area within the building and tested by an EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety home)-Approved Fire contractor.
• Fire extinguishers of 9-pound water type and 5-pound capacity carbon dioxide type must be provided at strategic locations on the site.
• Sprinkler systems are to be provided where there is storage of fire-hazardous material, and the sprinkler piping system is to be tested and approved by the concerned Fire department.

Any Fit-out / Modifications that are made to existing warehouse structures require an inspection by the Trakhees authorities to obtain a Fit-out/Modification completion certificate.

Also, read Trakhees EHS approval in Dubai

Whether you're opening a retail store or building your dream home in Dubai, securing Dubai Municipality approval is the first and most crucial step. But here's the catch: not all approvals are created equal. Commercial and residential projects follow different rules, timelines, and documentation. If you're not sure where your project fits, you're not alone. Missteps can lead to costly delays, legal troubles, or even rejected plans. This guide has everything you need to know, so you can confidently proceed with the approval process, avoid common mistakes, and move your project forward without stress.

What Is Dubai Municipality Approval?
Dubai Municipality approval is an official permit given by the city’s regulatory authority to proceed with construction, renovation, or design projects. Whether it's a towering commercial skyscraper or a cozy villa, every property development must align with Dubai’s building codes and urban planning standards.
This approval make sure safety, compliance, and proper use of land. It covers everything from building permits in Dubai to interior layout approvals and structural modifications. Without this step, your project can't legally start. It’s the backbone of urban development, keeping Dubai’s skyline both stunning and structurally sound.

Overview: Commercial vs. Residential Properties
The first step in determining what kind of Dubai Municipality approval you need is identifying the type of property you’re working on. Here's how they differ:

1. Commercial Properties include offices, retail stores, warehouses, and restaurants. These spaces are used for business and income-generating activities.
2. Residential Properties are designed for living, like villas, apartments, and townhouses.

Dubai has strict zoning regulations, and using a property outside of its designated zone can halt your project. Each type comes with unique application procedures and documentation for Dubai Municipality approvals. Knowing your category early prevents costly rework and delays.

Dubai Municipality Approval Process for Commercial vs Residential

For Commercial Properties

Documents Needed: Architectural drawings, site plans, tenancy contract, trade license, and NOC from the building owner or management.

Approval Steps:

1. Hire a DM-registered engineering consultant.
2. Prepare and upload documents through the Dubai Municipality portal.
3. Await initial feedback or inspection.
4. Make revisions (if any) and receive final approval.

Timeline: 2–4 weeks, depending on complexity.

For Residential Properties,

Documents Needed: Floor plans, site plan, NOC from developer or owner’s association (for apartments).
Approval Steps:

1. Submit plans via a consultant or directly through the portal.
2. Follow up for site inspection if required.
3. Obtain an approval certificate to start construction or renovation.

Timeline: Typically 1–2 weeks.

Using a registered consultant simplifies the Dubai Municipality approval process, reducing errors and saving time.

Required Documents: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Here’s a helpful comparison to quickly understand what each property type needs:

Looking for a full document checklist? Check out our detailed guide on the required documents for Dubai Municipality approval.

Mistakes to Avoid When Applying

1. Avoiding these common errors can save you from frustrating rejections:
2. Submitting Incomplete Documents: Always double-check with a professional or the latest DM checklist.
3. Incorrect Building Use Classification: You can’t use a residential unit for commercial purposes without rezoning.
4. Skipping DM-Approved Consultants: Using unregistered professionals often results in automatic rejections.
5. Not Reviewing Regulations: Each area has unique guidelines, and what works in JLT may not apply in Al Quoz.

Proper planning is the secret to fast Dubai Municipality approval.

Getting your Dubai Municipality approval is not difficult if you know what to do. Whether you're launching a new store or renovating your home, understanding the key differences in process, cost, and documents for commercial vs. residential projects is essential.

Contact our team today to help you get any authority approvals in Dubai the right wayquickly, legally, and stress-free.