Fit-out Approvals in Dubai: Which Authority and What to Submit
Who issues fit-out permits in Dubai: landlord NOC, Dubai Municipality or the free zone authority (Trakhees, DMCC, DIFC, DDA), Civil Defence and DEWA.
Which authority approves a fit-out in Dubai depends on the location: landlord first, then Dubai Municipality or the free zone authority, and Civil Defence.
Short answer: in Dubai, the authority that approves a fit-out depends on where the space is. Mainland buildings are usually under Dubai Municipality; free zones such as Jebel Ali Free Zone, DMCC, DIFC and the Dubai Development Authority areas have their own authorities. Civil Defence covers fire and life safety, and the landlord, mall or master developer must approve first.
This is general guidance. Requirements change and vary by building, so confirm them with your landlord and the authority before you start.
Step 1: the landlord, mall or master developer
Almost every fit-out starts with the landlord's approval. Malls and large buildings issue a fit-out guide (design criteria, contractor rules, working hours, deposits) and review your drawings before any authority submission. Communities and master developers may issue a no-objection certificate (NOC).
Step 2: the authority for your area
Which authority issues the fit-out permit depends on location:
| Where the space is | Usual permit authority |
|---|---|
| Most mainland Dubai buildings | Dubai Municipality |
| Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) and other Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation areas | Trakhees |
| JLT and other DMCC areas | DMCC |
| DIFC | DIFC Authority |
| Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Design District and other DDA areas | Dubai Development Authority |
| Dubai Silicon Oasis | Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority |
The landlord will usually tell you which authority applies.
Step 3: Civil Defence
Dubai Civil Defence covers fire and life safety: fire alarm and sprinkler changes, emergency lighting, exits, and fire-rated materials. Changes to these systems are designed and installed by approved specialists and inspected before the space opens.
Other approvals you may need
- DEWA for changes to the power supply or load
- Food safety approval from Dubai Municipality (or the free zone authority) for restaurants, cafes and food kiosks, usually starting with the kitchen layout before fit-out
- Signage permits for external signs
- Health authority approval for clinics and other healthcare spaces
What a submission usually includes
- Drawings: layout, ceiling, finishes, sections and joinery details
- MEP and fire and life safety drawings where systems change
- Material data, including fire ratings for public areas
- The landlord's or developer's NOC
- Trade licence and lease or tenancy documents
Inspections and completion
Most authorities inspect during or at the end of the works, and the space can open only once the completion or fit-out certificate is issued. Build the inspections into the programme from the start.
Planning tips
- Ask the landlord for the fit-out guide before design starts
- Design to the guide, so the first submission needs fewer comments
- Allow time for comments and resubmission
- Order long-lead items only after the drawings are approved
How Prastara helps
We prepare the drawings and documents that landlords, malls and authorities ask for, and coordinate the submissions and inspections within the fit-out programme. Permits are issued by the landlord and authorities. See turnkey fit-out or send drawings.