Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has issued Law No. (3) of 2026 on the Quality and Safety of Buildings, introducing a comprehensive legal framework to enhance structural integrity, safety standards, and regulatory oversight across Dubai.
The law applies to all buildings within the emirate, including those located in free zones such as the Dubai International Financial Centre, as well as jointly owned properties governed under Dubai’s real estate regulatory framework.
Entry into Force
The law is set to enter into force following its publication in the Official Gazette, with a transition period provided to enable compliance with its provisions.
Strengthened Maintenance and Inspection Obligations
Under the law, building owners are required to conduct periodic inspections and maintenance to ensure structural integrity and operational safety. The framework places particular emphasis on ongoing monitoring requirements, including for buildings within specified age categories, to ensure continued compliance with safety standards.
Owners must appoint licensed engineering offices to carry out technical assessments and prepare reports necessary for regulatory certification.
Mandatory Quality and Safety Certification
A central feature of the law is the requirement for all buildings to obtain a Quality and Safety Certificate, issued following inspection by accredited engineering firms.
The certificate will be valid for:
- 10 years for buildings under 40 years old
- 5 years for buildings aged 40 years and above
Buildings that do not meet prescribed standards must undertake corrective measures prior to certification or renewal.
Expanded Responsibilities of Stakeholders
The law defines clear obligations for building owners, property managers, and engineering offices. These include ensuring ongoing maintenance, rectifying structural defects, and complying with inspection and reporting requirements imposed by the competent authorities.
Stakeholders are also required to facilitate regulatory inspections and ensure that building systems remain compliant throughout the lifecycle of the asset.
Centralised Digital Oversight Framework
Dubai Municipality will establish a centralised digital building management system and unified database to monitor inspection records, certification status, and safety compliance across the emirate.
This framework is intended to enhance regulatory oversight, improve transparency, and support the effective enforcement of building safety standards.
Enforcement Measures and Administrative Penalties
The law introduces a graduated penalty regime for violations. Administrative fines may range from AED 100 to AED 1,000,000, depending on the nature and severity of the breach, with increased penalties applicable in cases of repeated violations.
In addition to financial penalties, authorities may impose administrative measures including the suspension of building permits, real estate transactions, approvals, and lease certification procedures until violations are rectified.
Tenant Protection Provisions
The law includes provisions addressing tenant rights in circumstances where buildings are subject to enforcement actions, including demolition on safety grounds. Such rights are to be exercised in accordance with applicable landlord-tenant legislation in Dubai.
Appeals and Legal Recourse
Affected parties may submit an appeal within 30 days of notification of a decision. Appeals will be reviewed by a committee designated by the competent authority, in accordance with the procedures established under the law.
Compliance Period
The legislation provides a one-year compliance period for building owners, developers, and engineering offices to align with its requirements. Extensions may be granted by the competent authority where necessary.
The enactment of Law No. (3) of 2026 reinforces Dubai’s regulatory framework governing building safety, establishing clear compliance obligations and enforcement mechanisms while supporting the emirate’s commitment to maintaining high standards across its built environment.