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The provisions of the Law apply to all buildings across Dubai, including those in private development zones and free zones such as the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), whether constructed before or after the Law’s enactment.
The Law aims to ensure the quality, safety, and sustainability of buildings in Dubai by preserving structural integrity, ensuring regular maintenance, and supporting the safe operation of all building systems. It also seeks to enhance occupant comfort, reduce accidents, protect lives and property, and preserve the emirate’s urban identity.
Under the Law, Dubai Municipality is responsible for ensuring building safety and quality. This includes developing a digital management system, maintaining a unified database of buildings, conducting periodic assessments, setting sustainability standards, and implementing measures and procedures to safeguard buildings, lives, and property.
The Municipality also oversees maintenance, investigates incidents, applies corrective measures, promotes modern technologies, regulates building materials, and manages the digital building portal.
The Law defines the roles of authorities overseeing construction in Dubai, including Dubai Municipality and authorities supervising private development zones and free zones such as the DIFC.
It also stipulates that a Quality and Safety Certificate may only be issued after a licensed engineering office or firm conducts a comprehensive inspection and assessment of the building’s structural and technical condition, in accordance with the Law and its procedures.
According to the Law, building owners — including unit owners under Law No. (6) of 2019 on Joint Property Ownership in Dubai — must obtain a Quality and Safety Certificate after the building’s completion. Owners are also required to correct any defects identified during inspections and follow procedures set by the relevant authority.
Building owners must appoint a licensed engineering office to assess the building and prepare a technical report required for issuing the certificate. They must conduct periodic maintenance for buildings less than 20 years old and address any defects that threaten structural safety, lives, property, or surrounding buildings.
Owners must allow inspections by authorities, facilitate repair works, and continue maintenance even after obtaining the certificate. The Law also outlines the responsibilities of building management and engineering offices and establishes procedures for inspections to ensure compliance with certification requirements.
The Quality and Safety Certificate is valid for 10 years for buildings less than 40 years old from the date of their completion certificate, and five years for buildings that are 40 years old or more.
The certificate may be renewed for similar periods, with renewal conditions and procedures determined by a decision issued by the Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai (TEC).
If a building is approved for demolition, the provisions governing tenant eviction under Law No. (26) of 2007 on Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in Dubai and its amendments apply.
Tenants who vacate under this Law will have priority to return to the building after reconstruction or completion of maintenance and repairs at the same rental value stated in their original lease, unless both parties agree otherwise.
Violations of the Law or its implementing decisions are subject to fines ranging from AED100 to AED1,000,000. Repeat violations within two years may lead to doubled fines of up to AED2,000,000.
Authorities may also suspend building permits, halt transactions or approvals related to the building with government or private entities — including the Dubai Land Department — and stop lease certification for units in the building until violations are corrected.
The imposition of fines or administrative penalties does not prevent holding violators accountable under civil or criminal law. Engineering offices and contractors also remain responsible for fulfilling their legal obligations.
Individuals subject to a decision, action, or measure under the Law may submit a written appeal to the Director General of Dubai Municipality or the relevant authority within 30 days of notification. A committee will decide on the appeal within 30 days, and its decision will be final.
The Law also authorises the competent authority to seek assistance from government entities, including the police, who are required to provide prompt support.
Building owners, contractors, and engineering offices must comply with the Law within one year from its effective date. The Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai may extend this deadline if necessary.
The Director General of Dubai Municipality or the relevant authority will issue decisions necessary to implement the Law, except those reserved for the Chairman of TEC.
Any provisions in other laws that conflict with this Law are annulled. The Law will be published in the Official Gazette and will come into effect 60 days after publication.
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