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Guide to Building Permits and Licenses in the UAE by Emirate
Published 5 Apr 2024
In the UAE building permits and approvals are essential for construction projects. The construction industry has not stopped gaining momentum there, e.g. various municipalities in the country issue 600-800 building permits monthly, according to data released by the Planning and Statistics Authority (PSA). [?]
Each emirate sets the range of permits the construction company must obtain. They depends on:
Each emirate sets the range of permits the construction company must obtain. They depends on:
Object type
Type of work planned at the site
Navigating the process of obtaining building permits and licenses in the UAE can be quite intricate and involves several crucial steps. It's essential to understand and adhere to the legal requirements set forth by the authorities.
The information provided in this blog article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. For any legal concerns or advice, please consult with a qualified attorney.
Contents
Construction Permits and Approvals in Dubai
The specific permit requirements may vary depending on the location of the construction site (Dubai Municipality, free zones, etc.). The overall process involves sequential approvals to ensure compliance with Dubai's stringent building codes and safety standards. Here, we will talk about the most important building permits of this emirate.
Mobilization Permit
Mobilization Permit allows you to transfer physical and manpower resources to the construction site until the completion of the contract.
Mobilization Permit is an essential initial construction permit in Dubai that allows contractors to start preparatory site work before obtaining further permits for the actual construction activities. It is one of the first steps in the comprehensive construction permitting process required for any new build, significant alteration, or change of use project.
Required Documents:
Building Permit Application
Appointment letter duly signed by the owner, consultant, and/or the contractor
Fees:
Mobilization Permit requires AED 5,000
An additional fee of AED 10 for “Knowledge Dirham” and AED 10 for “Innovation Dirham” is applicable per transaction.
This service process may take up to 2 working days for a completed application.
This service process may take up to 2 working days for a completed application.
Excavation Permit
This permit is essential for ensuring that excavation activities are conducted safely, in compliance with regulations, and with proper planning.
Excavation Permit is an official authorization that allows individuals or contractors to excavate the ground for various purposes, such as constructing the foundation or basement of buildings and creating a level area to work.
Required Documents:
Building Permit Application (in case of applying through customer service center)
Appointment letter signed by owner, consultant and contractor
Geotechnical design calculations (slope stability) for open Excavation
Geotechnical Model (software)
Excavation design drawings (as per Circular No.400)
NOC from relevant authorities (if applicable)
Excavation Design Review Checklist
NOC from Neighbor/Plot Owner (if Excavation in Neighbor plot)
Fees:
Issuance or Renewal of Excavation Permit: AED 5,000
This service process may take up to 3 working days for a completed application.
Shoring Permit
In UAE construction, a Shoring Permit allows for the temporary support of structures during construction activities, particularly when excavations are involved.
This permit is essential for ensuring the safety and stability of adjacent structures, preventing collapses, and maintaining the integrity of the construction site.
Required Documents:
Building Permit Application
Appointment Letter duly signed by the owner, consultant, and/or the contractor
Geotechnical Design Calculations
Geotechnical Model - software design
Shoring Design Drawings as per Circular No.400
No Objection Certificates from relevant authorities
Shoring Design Review Checklist
No Objection Certificates from the neighbor or plot owner if the excavation anchors in the neighbor’s plot
Peer Review of the Geotechnical Third Party Report for more than 3 basements/or special projects near the water bodies
Fees:
Shoring Permit: AED 0.05 on Total Built-Up-Area (ft2)
Renewal of Shoring Permit: (AED 0.03 per ft2 on Total Built-Up-Area) x (No. of months requested for renewal) (Maximum AED 6,000 per month) [?]
Paid Fee will be deducted in the Final Building Permit.
Piling Permit
The permit allows the piling works to transfer the load of the structure to a required depth in deep foundations.
Piling Permit is a critical construction permit in Dubai that allows contractors to proceed with the installation of piles, which form the foundation of a building or structure. It is part of the comprehensive permitting process required for any major construction project in the emirate.
Required Documents:
Building Permit Application
Appointment Letter duly signed by the owner, consultant, and/or the contractor
Geotechnical Design Calculations
Geotechnical Model - software design
Piling Design Drawings as per Circular No.400
Piling Design Review Checklist
Peer Review of the Geotechnical Third Party Report for building as per DM Circular No. 237
Fees:
The piling Permit requires AED 0.1 on Total Built-Up-Area per square foot
Renewal of Piling Permit: (AED 0.03 per ft2 on Total Built-Up-Area) x (No. of months requested for renewal) (Maximum AED 6,000 per month) [?]
The approved permit is valid for 4 years. This service process may take up to 3 working days for a completed application.
Sub-Structure Permit
Sub-Structure Permit allows contractors to proceed with the substructure or foundation work for a building project, after obtaining the necessary approvals for the structural design.
It is one of the sequential permits required before the Final Building Permit can be issued.