APPROVALS
FIT-OUT APPROVALS GUIDE DUBAI 2026
Every interior fit-out project in Dubai requires authority approvals before work can begin. Whether you are fitting out an office in DIFC, a restaurant in Dubai Marina, a clinic in Business Bay, or renovating a villa in Jumeirah — the right permits protect you from fines, project stoppages, and legal complications.
At Dufit Interiors, we have managed approvals for over 200 projects across Dubai over 13+ years. This guide covers the complete approval process based on our first-hand experience with every major authority.
THE FIVE CORE APPROVALS
Most commercial fit-out projects in Dubai require approvals from multiple authorities. Here are the five you will encounter most frequently:
■ DUBAI MUNICIPALITY (DM) — The primary authority for building permits and fit-out approvals in most Dubai areas. Reviews architectural layouts, MEP drawings, structural modifications, and building code compliance. All interior works involving partitions, ceilings, flooring, or MEP changes require DM approval.
■ DUBAI CIVIL DEFENSE (DCD) — Mandatory for fire safety compliance. Reviews fire alarm systems, sprinkler layouts, emergency exits, fire-rated materials, and evacuation plans. No fit-out project can proceed without DCD clearance. Inspections occur during and after construction.
■ DEWA (Dubai Electricity & Water Authority) — Required for any electrical load changes, new AC units, water supply modifications, or drainage works. DEWA approval ensures your space has adequate electrical capacity and compliant plumbing connections.
■ DHA (Dubai Health Authority) — Required only for healthcare facilities: clinics, hospitals, pharmacies, dental practices, laboratories, and medical centres. DHA ensures compliance with healthcare-specific regulations including room dimensions, ventilation standards, infection control, medical gas systems, and radiation shielding.
■ BUILDING MANAGEMENT / LANDLORD NOC — Before approaching any government authority, you need a No Objection Certificate from the building management or landlord. This confirms your proposed works are permitted under your lease terms and building regulations.
ZONE-SPECIFIC AUTHORITIES
Dubai is divided into multiple jurisdictions. Your project location determines which primary authority you deal with:
■ Dubai Municipality — Most areas of Dubai including Business Bay, Downtown, Al Barsha, Deira, Bur Dubai, JBR, and residential communities
■ Trakhees (DWC Authority) — Jebel Ali, JAFZA, Dubai World Central, Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Islands, Jumeirah Park, Discovery Gardens
■ DDA (Dubai Development Authority) — TECOM free zones: Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai Studio City, Dubai Design District (d3)
■ DIFC Authority — Dubai International Financial Centre — has its own building regulations and approval process
■ Concordia (DMCC) — JLT (Jumeirah Lakes Towers) and DMCC free zone
■ Nakheel — Nakheel-developed communities including Dragon Mart, Ibn Battuta, and select retail destinations
■ DSO Authority — Dubai Silicon Oasis
STEP-BY-STEP APPROVAL PROCESS
Step 1: Obtain Landlord / Building Management NOC — Submit your proposed scope of work to the building management. They will issue an NOC outlining any restrictions (working hours, noise limits, material transport routes, deposit requirements). Timeline: 3–7 working days.
Step 2: Prepare Technical Drawings — Your contractor or consultant prepares architectural layouts, MEP drawings (electrical, plumbing, AC, fire alarm), and any structural drawings. These must be prepared by a licensed engineer and comply with the relevant authority’s standards.
Step 3: Submit to Primary Authority — Submit drawings and documents through the authority’s online portal. Dubai Municipality uses the DM online system. Each zone authority has its own submission process. Required documents typically include: trade license, tenancy contract, NOC from landlord, architectural and MEP drawings, and the contractor’s registration card.
Step 4: Authority Review & Comments — The authority reviews your submission for code compliance. If comments are raised, your contractor revises the drawings and resubmits. This is where having an experienced contractor saves significant time — fewer comments means faster approval. Timeline: 5–10 working days per review cycle.
Step 5: Civil Defense Approval — Submit fire safety drawings to DCD. This runs parallel to or immediately after the primary authority approval. DCD reviews fire alarm layout, sprinkler design, emergency lighting, exit signage, and fire-rated materials. Timeline: 5–7 working days.
Step 6: DEWA Approval — Apply for electrical and water connection approvals if your project involves load changes. DEWA inspects and approves before new connections are activated. Timeline: 3–5 working days.
Step 7: Fit-Out Permit Issued — Once all approvals are in hand, you receive the fit-out permit. Only now can construction legally begin on site.
Step 8: Construction & Inspections — During construction, authorities may conduct interim inspections. DCD typically inspects fire safety installations before ceiling closure.
Step 9: Completion Certificate — After construction is finished, the authority conducts a final inspection. If everything matches the approved drawings, a completion certificate is issued. This is required for your trade license activation and building handover.
DOCUMENTS YOU WILL NEED
■ Valid trade license (or application in progress)
■ Tenancy contract or title deed
■ NOC from building management / landlord
■ Architectural layout drawings (by licensed engineer)
■ MEP drawings — electrical, plumbing, HVAC, fire alarm
■ Contractor registration card (DM-registered)
■ Insurance certificate (contractor’s all-risk insurance)
■ For restaurants: kitchen layout, ventilation plan, grease trap details, food safety compliance
■ For healthcare: DHA facility licence application, medical equipment specifications, infection control plan
TYPICAL TIMELINES
■ Standard office fit-out: 2–3 weeks for all approvals
■ Restaurant / F&B: 3–4 weeks (additional food safety review)
■ Healthcare / clinic: 4–6 weeks (DHA adds additional review layers)
■ Retail in mall: 2–3 weeks (mall management handles some authority coordination)
■ Villa renovation: 1–3 weeks (depends on scope — structural changes take longer)
These timelines assume clean submissions with minimal comments. First-time submissions with errors or missing documents can double or triple these timeframes.
COMMON MISTAKES THAT CAUSE DELAYS
Based on our experience with 200+ projects, these are the most frequent causes of approval delays: submitting incomplete drawings that omit MEP details, not obtaining the landlord NOC before authority submission, incorrect fire-rated material specifications for DCD, kitchen ventilation layouts that do not meet DM food safety requirements, underestimating electrical load requirements for DEWA, and using an unlicensed or unregistered contractor.
SECTOR-SPECIFIC APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS
Offices: Standard DM + DCD + DEWA approvals. DIFC and JLT offices go through their respective zone authorities. Most straightforward approval process. Learn more about our office fit-out services.
Restaurants & F&B: Requires additional food safety compliance from DM Food Department. Kitchen layout, grease traps, ventilation exhaust, and food preparation flow are all reviewed. This is the most common area where approvals are delayed. See our restaurant fit-out services.
Healthcare & Clinics: DHA facility licensing adds a significant layer. Room dimensions, ventilation rates, medical waste disposal, radiation shielding (for imaging), and infection control measures must all comply with DHA standards. Explore our healthcare fit-out services.
Retail: If located in a mall, the mall management often coordinates authority approvals on behalf of tenants. Standalone retail requires standard DM + DCD process. Visit our retail fit-out page.
Hotels & Hospitality: Live operational hotel fit-outs require phased approval and careful coordination to avoid disrupting ongoing operations. View our hospitality fit-out services.
HOW DUFIT HANDLES APPROVALS
Dufit Interiors manages the complete approval process as part of every turnkey project. Our in-house engineering team prepares all technical drawings. We submit to all relevant authorities, handle comments and revisions, coordinate inspections, and obtain the completion certificate. With established relationships across Dubai Municipality, Civil Defense, DEWA, DHA, Trakhees, DIFC, and Concordia, we know each authority’s requirements and common comment areas — which means fewer revision cycles and faster approvals for your project.
For a deeper look at our capabilities, read our guide on choosing the right fit-out contractor in Dubai or explore our frequently asked questions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need approval for a small office renovation?
Any modification involving partitions, MEP, flooring, or ceiling changes requires authority approval. Cosmetic updates like painting or replacing furniture typically only need building management permission.
Can I start work before getting the permit?
No. Starting work without approval is illegal and can result in fines, project stoppage, and complications with your trade license. Always wait for the permit.
How much do fit-out approvals cost?
Authority fees vary by project type and size. Budget approximately AED 5,000–15,000 for standard commercial fit-outs. Healthcare and large-scale projects may incur higher fees. Your contractor should include a clear breakdown in their quotation.
What if my application is rejected?
Rejections are rare if drawings are properly prepared. Comments requiring revisions are common and are a normal part of the process. An experienced contractor addresses comments quickly and resubmits within 2–3 working days.