Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, recently issued a new law in his capacity as Ruler of Dubai regarding the quality and safety of construction in the emirate. The law aims to ensure the safety, quality and sustainability of buildings in the emirate by maintaining structural integrity, ensuring regular maintenance and supporting the safe operation of all systems. Additionally, it strives to improve occupant comfort, reduce accidents, protect lives and property, and maintain Dubai’s urban image.
new building laws
- Ensuring high-quality, safe and sustainable buildings by protecting structural integrity
- Mandatory scheduled maintenance to support the safe operation of all building systems
- Improve occupant comfort while reducing accidents and ensuring the safety of life and property
- Preserving Dubai’s urban and architectural character
legal meaning
The provisions of the law apply to all buildings in Dubai, including those in private developments and free zones, whether constructed before or after the enactment of the law. Dubai Municipality will develop a digital management system, maintain a unified database and conduct regular assessments, responsible for ensuring construction safety and quality. The agency is also responsible for setting sustainability standards and implementing measures and procedures to protect buildings, life and property. It will oversee maintenance, investigate incidents, take corrective measures, promote modern technologies, regulate materials and manage the digital construction portal. Finally, a quality and safety certificate will only be issued after a comprehensive inspection and assessment of the structural and technical condition of the building by a licensed engineering office or company.
What should owners pay attention to?
By law, owners of buildings, including unit owners under the Dubai Shared Property Ownership Law No. (6) of 2019, are required to obtain a quality and safety certificate upon completion of the building, ensure that any defects discovered during inspections are corrected, and follow procedures prescribed by the relevant authorities. For buildings under 40 years old, the certificate is valid for 10 years, and for buildings over 40 years old, the certificate is valid for 5 years. The certificate can be renewed for a similar period, the conditions and procedures for renewal being determined by a decision issued by the Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council (TEC). Law No. 10 sets out the rules for tenants to move out if a building is approved for demolition. Decree No. (26) of 2007 regulating the relationship between landlords and tenants in Dubai and its amendments shall apply. A tenant who vacates under this Act shall have priority to return to the building upon reconstruction or completion of maintenance and repairs at the same rental price agreed in the original lease, unless otherwise agreed between the parties. Those who violate the law or its decisions may face fines ranging from AED 100 to AED 1,000,000. Repeat violations within two years will result in double fines, up to a maximum of AED 2,000,000.
On the road to the “safest city in the world”
Influential people who have moved to Dubai from all over the world have dubbed Dubai “the safest city in the world,” a title that has spread widely. In an effort to improve the safety and protection of residents, Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed recently introduced another law. The legislation, known as Law No. (2) of 2026, creates a framework that protects residents, visitors and property, while supporting the city’s urban development and character. It details a set of rules designed to reduce accidents, prevent injuries and ensure high safety standards in public places and commercial activities.
Tensions in the Middle East
The measures, aimed at increasing security for residents, come as the UAE battles Iranian aggression. This resulted in the closure of the country’s airspace, one of the most important air travel corridors. Dubai also faces a growing problem of pets being abandoned by foreigners whose owners have fled the country due to security risks. While veterinarians are receiving an increasing number of inquiries about euthanizing pets, volunteers are finding dogs leashed on the streets and kittens being delivered to doorsteps. Throughout, the UAE authorities have been praised for their continued support in providing travelers with free hotels, food vouchers and pets in Dubai’s new AI-powered feeding station project ‘Ehsan Stations’.
