Dubai: In his capacity as the 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 on the quality and safety of buildings in the emirate of Dubai.
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, whether built before or after its enactment.
The Law aims to ensure the quality, safety and sustainability of buildings in Dubai by maintaining structural integrity, ensuring regular maintenance and supporting the safe operation of all systems. It also seeks to enhance occupant comfort, reduce accidents, protect lives and property, and preserve the emirate’s urban identity.
According to the Law, Dubai Municipality is responsible for ensuring building safety and quality by developing a digital management system, maintaining a unified building database, conducting periodic assessments, setting standards for sustainability, and implementing measures and procedures to safeguard buildings, lives, and property. It also oversees maintenance, investigates incidents, applies corrective actions, promotes modern technologies, regulates materials, and manages the digital building portal.
According to the Law, Dubai Municipality is responsible for ensuring building safety and quality by developing a digital management system, maintaining a unified building database, conducting periodic assessments, setting standards for sustainability, and implementing measures and procedures to safeguard buildings, lives, and property. It also oversees maintenance, investigates incidents, applies corrective actions, promotes modern technologies, regulates materials, and manages the digital building portal.
According to the Law, in cases where a building is approved for demolition, the rules for vacating tenants set out in 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 have priority to return to the building after reconstruction or completion of maintenance and repairs, at the same rental value agreed in their original lease, unless otherwise agreed by both parties.
Violators of the Law or its decisions face fines from Dh100 to Dh1,000,000, with repeat offences within two years subject to doubled fines up to Dh2,000,000.
Relevant Authorities may also suspend building permits, stop any transactions or approvals related to the building with government or private entities, including the Dubai Land Department, and halt lease certifications for units in the building until the violations are corrected. Imposing fines or administrative measures does not prevent holding the violator accountable under civil or criminal law, and engineering offices or contractors remain responsible for fulfilling their legal obligations.
The Law permits anyone subject to a decision, action, or measure under this Law to submit a written appeal to the Municipality’s Director General or relevant authority within 30 days from being notified. A committee will resolve the appeal within 30 days, and its decision is final.
The Law allows the competent authority to seek help from government bodies, including the police, who must assist promptly.
Building owners, contractors, and engineering offices must comply within one year from the Law’s effective date. The Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai may extend this deadline if necessary.
The Director General of the Dubai Municipality or relevant authority issues decisions 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 take effect 60 days after publication.
