Demystifying Dubai Municipality's Preliminary Approval: Requirements and Procedures

To ensure the safety of buildings and structures, Dubai Municipality has established a set of procedures and steps for issuing permits and certificates that comply with quality standards and approved specifications. The Dubai Municipality approval services provide specific standards and regulations for permits and licenses for new buildings, additions, and adjustments, enabling clients, contractors, and engineering consultants in Dubai to process preliminary approval requests and execute their proposed construction projects or modifications. This ensures compliance of approved preliminary drawings with building standards and requirements before finalizing the detailed drawings.

Prerequisites of Dubai Municipality Preliminary Approval

This DM approval service, particularly Preliminary Approval on New Building, Additions, or Adjustment, applies to all types of construction projects in Dubai, including public buildings, multi-storey buildings, industrial buildings, floor area ratio buildings, and private villas. However, the preliminary approval of a new building, proposed modifications, and additions is not mandatory and does not entitle the contractor to commence any on-site construction work. Clients can apply directly for a building permit. The required drawings are submitted in order, with the approved ones first, followed by the proposed ones marking the modifications as follows:

Modification location in yellow on the approved drawings.
Modification location in red on the proposed drawings.
Requested demolition works in green on the approved drawing.

Required Documents

Architectural drawings.

Service fees

The fees apply for every submission of the application.

Required Documents

Architectural drawings.

New Building

Authority fees are set by each authority and are revised from time to time, so we confirm the current fees in our quotation.
Authority fees are set by each authority and are revised from time to time, so we confirm the current fees in our quotation.
Authority fees are set by each authority and are revised from time to time, so we confirm the current fees in our quotation.
Authority fees are set by each authority and are revised from time to time, so we confirm the current fees in our quotation.

New Building

Create an account or login to Dubai Building Permit System or BPS.
Apply for the service and upload the required documents.
Pay the due fees.
Acquire Dubai Municipality Approval, Rejection, or Consult for Revision response through the main website.
Timelines depend on the scope, the completeness of the submission and the authority review, so we confirm a realistic programme for each project.

The Dubai Government Approvals team provides services and assistance on document completion and submission of requirements for issuing Preliminary Approval on New Building, Additions, or Adjustment and other related prerequisites to acquire building permits under the Dubai Municipality approval services. Our team ensures a smooth acquisition process for gaining DM approval for residential or villa projects, industrial buildings, multi-storey buildings, and public buildings in Dubai.

Tell us about your project

Share the plot or unit location and a short description of the works. An engineer reviews it and replies with the approval route and a quotation.