Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has issued comprehensive legislation aimed at strengthening the safety, quality and sustainability of buildings across the emirate.
The new law applies to all buildings throughout Dubai, including those located in private development zones and free zones such as the Dubai International Financial Centre, regardless of whether the structures were built before or after the law’s enactment.
Officials say the move reflects Dubai’s ongoing efforts to maintain high standards of construction and protect residents, tenants and investors in one of the world’s fastest-growing urban environments.
Mandatory Quality and Safety Certificates
Under the legislation, all buildings must obtain a Quality and Safety Certificate issued after a comprehensive inspection by a licensed engineering office. The certificate will only be granted after evaluating the building’s structural and technical condition in accordance with the law’s provisions.
For buildings less than 40 years old, the certificate will remain valid for 10 years from the date of the building’s completion certificate. For buildings 40 years old or older, the certificate will be valid for five years. Certificates can be renewed for similar periods, with conditions and procedures determined by the chairman of the executive council of Dubai.
Dubai Municipality will play a central role in enforcing the new law, developing a digital system to manage building safety and quality requirements, maintaining a unified database of buildings, and carrying out regular inspections and assessments.
Building Owner Responsibilities
The legislation places significant responsibility on building owners to maintain safe and compliant properties. Owners must obtain a Quality and Safety Certificate once construction is complete, address any defects identified during inspections, and comply with procedures set by the relevant authority.
Building owners must hire a licensed engineering office to assess their properties and prepare a technical report. They are also required to carry out regular maintenance for buildings less than 20 years old and fix any issues that could threaten structural safety or endanger lives, property or neighboring buildings.
The law also addresses situations where buildings are approved for demolition. Tenants who vacate a building under these circumstances will have priority to return once reconstruction, maintenance or repair work is completed, at the same rental value stated in their original lease agreement unless both parties agree to different terms.
Strict Penalties for Non-Compliance
The law introduces strict penalties for individuals or entities that violate its provisions. Violators may face fines ranging from Dh100 to Dh1 million. Repeat violations committed within two years could lead to fines being doubled, with penalties reaching up to Dh2 million.
Authorities may also impose administrative measures, including suspending building permits or halting transactions and approvals related to the property, including procedures involving government and private entities such as the Dubai Land Department. Lease certification for units in the affected building may also be suspended until violations are resolved.
Individuals affected by decisions or actions taken under the law have the right to appeal. Those subject to a decision may submit a written appeal to the municipality’s director general or the relevant authority within 30 days of notification. A dedicated committee will review the appeal and issue a decision within 30 days.
One-Year Compliance Period
Building owners, contractors and engineering offices will have one year from the law’s effective date to comply with its provisions. The chairman of the executive council of Dubai may extend this deadline if necessary.
The law will be published in the Official Gazette and will take effect 60 days after publication.
The new building safety law follows Dubai’s recent regulatory push to formalize key sectors. Earlier this week, authorities introduced comprehensive shared housing regulations with similar penalty structures, while mandatory registration for tenancy contracts also came into effect in February 2026.
The legislation underscores Dubai’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property while preserving the architectural and urban identity of the emirate as it continues to attract record levels of real estate investment and population growth.
