The new legislation applies universally across Dubai, covering structures in private development zones and free zones such as the Dubai International Financial Centre, regardless of construction date. Officials describe the measure as part of Dubai’s commitment to maintaining high construction standards and protecting residents, tenants, and investors.
Mandatory Quality and Safety Certificates
Under the law, all buildings must obtain a Quality and Safety Certificate following comprehensive inspection by a licensed engineering office. The certificate validity depends on building age: 10 years for structures under 40 years old, and five years for those aged 40 years or older.
Dubai Municipality will lead implementation through a digital system managing safety requirements, maintaining a unified building database, and conducting regular inspections. The authority will establish sustainability standards, monitor maintenance practices, and regulate building materials across the emirate.
Owner Obligations and Enforcement
Building owners bear significant responsibility under the legislation. Owners of buildings less than 20 years old must perform regular maintenance and address any structural defects or safety risks. They must allow authority inspections and ensure repair work proceeds when required, even after certification.
The law introduces strict penalties for non-compliance. Violators face fines between Dh100 and Dh1 million, with repeat violations within two years potentially incurring doubled penalties up to Dh2 million. Administrative measures may include suspended building permits, halted property transactions, or suspended lease certifications until violations are resolved.
Tenant Protections and Compliance Timeline
Buildings approved for demolition must follow tenant eviction rules under Law No. 26 of 2007. Displaced tenants receive priority to return after reconstruction at their original rental rates unless alternative terms are agreed.
Building owners, contractors, and engineering offices have one year from the law’s effective date to comply. The chairman of Dubai’s Executive Council may extend this deadline if necessary. The law takes effect 60 days after publication in the Official Gazette.
The legislation arrives as Dubai’s property market recorded Dh60.6 billion in February 2026 transactions, reinforcing the emirate’s focus on quality standards amid continued market expansion.