Business

Sheikh Mohammed issues new law on building quality and safety in Dubai: All you need to know

Published

2 months ago

March 10, 2026

Spread the love

In his capacity as Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, has issued Law No. (3) of 2026 regulating the quality and safety of buildings in Dubai.

The law applies to all buildings across the emirate, including those located in private development zones and free zones such as the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), regardless of whether they were constructed before or after the law’s enactment.

Ensuring safer and sustainable buildings

The new legislation aims to enhance the quality, safety, and sustainability of buildings in Dubai by ensuring structural integrity, regular maintenance, and the safe operation of building systems. It also seeks to improve occupant comfort, reduce accidents, protect lives and property, and preserve Dubai’s urban landscape.

Role of Dubai Municipality

Under the law, Dubai Municipality will oversee the implementation of building safety standards. Its responsibilities include developing a digital building management system, maintaining a unified database of buildings, and carrying out periodic assessments to ensure compliance.

The municipality will also set sustainability standards, regulate building materials, promote the use of modern technologies in construction and maintenance, investigate building-related incidents, and implement measures to safeguard lives and property.

Mandatory Quality and Safety Certificate

A key provision of the law is the requirement for buildings to obtain a Quality and Safety Certificate, which will only be issued after a licensed engineering office conducts a comprehensive inspection and technical assessment of the building’s structural and technical condition.

The law also defines the responsibilities of authorities supervising construction activities in Dubai, including Dubai Municipality and regulators overseeing private developments and free zones.

Responsibilities of building owners

Building owners, including unit owners governed by Law No. (6) of 2019 on Joint Property Ownership in Dubai, must obtain the Quality and Safety Certificate after construction is completed and address any defects identified during inspections.

Owners are also required to:

Hire a licensed engineering firm to assess the building and prepare a technical report
Carry out regular maintenance for buildings under 20 years old
Repair defects that may threaten structural safety, residents, or surrounding properties
Allow authorities to conduct inspections and perform necessary repairs

Maintenance must continue even after the building obtains its safety certificate.

Certificate validity

The Quality and Safety Certificate will remain valid for 10 years for buildings less than 40 years old from the date of completion, and five years for buildings that are 40 years or older.

Certificates may be renewed for similar periods, according to procedures to be determined by a decision from the Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai.

Rules for demolition and tenant rights

If a building is approved for demolition, the provisions outlined in Law No. (26) of 2007 regulating landlord–tenant relations in Dubai will apply.

Tenants who vacate the building under such circumstances will have priority to return after reconstruction or major maintenance, at the same rental value stated in their original lease, unless otherwise agreed by both parties.

Penalties for violations

Violations of the law or related decisions may result in fines ranging from Dh100 to Dh1 million. Repeat offences within two years may lead to fines doubling to a maximum of Dh2 million.

Authorities may also impose administrative measures such as suspending building permits, halting government or private transactions related to the building, and stopping lease certification procedures until violations are resolved.

Appeals and enforcement

Anyone subject to a decision or administrative action under the law may submit a written appeal within 30 days to the Director General of Dubai Municipality or the relevant authority. A designated committee will review the appeal and issue a final decision within 30 days.

Authorities may also seek assistance from government entities, including the police, to enforce the law when required.

Implementation timeline

Building owners, contractors, and engineering offices must comply with the law within one year of its effective date, although the Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai may extend the deadline if necessary.

The law will be published in the Official Gazette and will come into effect 60 days after publication, with any conflicting provisions in other laws annulled.

Related Topics:BuildingSafety Dubai DubaiLaw dubaimunicipality dubainews Dubairealestate Sheikhmohammed UAEnews

Michael Gomes

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

Announcements

New Dubai rule makes investor visas easier for property buyers

Published

1 day ago

April 30, 2026

Michael Gomes

Spread the love

Dubai has made it easier for property buyers to secure residency, after the Dubai Land Department (DLD) introduced new rules removing the minimum property value requirement for a two-year real estate investor visa.

Previously, investors needed to own property worth at least Dh750,000 to qualify. Under the updated system, buyers can now apply for the visa regardless of property value, as long as they are the sole owner.

For many UAE expats and first-time buyers, the move significantly lowers the barrier to entry, making it possible to invest in more affordable properties while still securing residency benefits.

Officials say the change is part of Dubai’s wider push to expand its investor base, boost property demand, and strengthen its position as a global real estate hub.

There are still some conditions for jointly owned properties. According to DLD’s Cube Centre, if two investors share ownership equally, each person’s stake must be at least Dh400,000 to qualify for the visa.

What it means for expats

For expats looking to put down roots in Dubai, the update creates more flexibility and accessibility, especially for those entering the market at lower price points. It also opens the door for a wider range of investors to benefit from property-linked residency.

The move is expected to increase market activity, encourage long-term investment, and support sustainable growth across Dubai’s real estate sector.

Business

Tourists in UAE can now get instant bank accounts: Here’s how

Published

1 day ago

April 30, 2026

Michael Gomes

Spread the love

Tourists visiting the UAE can now open a bank account within minutes, thanks to a new digital initiative led by the Central Bank of the UAE in partnership with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank.

The service, called ‘Tourist Identity’, allows visitors to set up a fully digital bank account upon arrival, using a secure identity issued at entry and powered by biometric and facial recognition technology.

By linking the system to ADCB’s mobile app, travellers can open an account instantly, receive a digital debit card, and start making payments without paperwork or traditional documents.

For many visitors, especially business travellers, long-stay tourists, and frequent visitors, the move removes a key hurdle: access to local banking. Instead of relying on cash, users can pay digitally, manage expenses easily, and connect directly to the UAE’s financial system from day one.

Officials say the system is designed to deliver a secure and seamless experience, using advanced biometrics and AI to enable access to services without the need for physical documents.

What it means for visitors

For tourists, the new service means faster, safer, and more convenient access to money, making everyday transactions, from shopping to transport, simpler during their stay in the UAE.

The rollout also strengthens the country’s position as a tech-driven global destination, where travel and financial services are increasingly integrated into a seamless digital experience.

Business

Rupee hits record low: Should UAE residents send money now or wait?

Published

1 day ago

April 30, 2026

Michael Gomes

Spread the love

The Indian rupee has fallen to a record low, offering UAE-based expats one of the most favourable exchange rates in recent months for sending money home.

The Indian rupee was trading at around Rs25.93 per dirham, according to XE, while weakening to 95.25 against the US dollar.

For Indian residents in the UAE, the shift means more rupees per dirham, making it an attractive time to remit funds for expenses such as school fees, family support, or loan payments back home.

A Dh1,000 transfer could fetch around Rs25,930 (before fees), prompting increased activity at exchange houses, where customers often wait for such rate movements to make larger transfers.

The Reserve Bank of India has taken steps to stabilise the currency, including dollar sales through state-run banks, though the impact has been limited as global pressures persist.

What it means for expats

For UAE-based expats, the current exchange rate makes this a strong window to send money, especially for large transfers like school fees, property payments, or savings.

If you’ve been waiting for a better rate, this could be a good time to act. However, currencies can remain volatile, and small gains can be offset by exchange house fees. Some residents prefer to split transfers (send part now, part later) to balance risk.