How to get preliminary approval to execute a proposed construction project or modifications in Dubai?

Written By Gautham Krishna   | Updated on January 29, 2023




This service enables you to obtain a preliminary approval to execute a proposed construction project or modifications to ensure the conformity of the preliminary drawings with the approved building standards and requirements, before the completion of the final/detailed works.

Documents Required

  • Architectural drawings.

How to get preliminary approval to execute a proposed construction project or modifications in Dubai?

  • Login to Dubai Building Permit System.

  • Apply for the service and upload the required documents.

  • Pay the due fees.

  • Receive Dubai Municipality's reply through the website (Approved/Rejected/Consult for Revision).

Fees Required

The fees apply for every submission of application:

  • New Building:

    • Private villas, investment villas, multi-storey buildings up to 7 floors: AED 100

    • Multi-storey buildings exceeding 7 floors: AED 150

    • Floor area ratio buildings: AED 250.

  • Modifications/Additions:  100 AED for all types of buildings.

Time Required

  • 3 working days

Terms and Conditions

  • The preliminary approval does not entitle the contractor to start any on-site construction work.

  • The preliminary approval is not mandatory and you can apply directly for the building permit.

  • Drawings are submitted in order; the approved ones first then the proposed ones marking the modifications as follows:

    • Modification location in yellow (on the approved drawing)

    • Modification location in red (on the proposed drawing)

    • Requested demolition works in green (on the approved drawing).

  • The preliminary approval of proposed modifications and additions does not entitle the contractor to start the work.

  • The preliminary approval of proposed modifications and additions is not mandatory, and you can apply directly for the building permit.

FAQs

What are some common queries related to Dubai Municipality?
You can find a list of common Dubai Municipality queries and their answer in the link below.
Dubai Municipality queries and its answers
Where can I get my queries related to Dubai Municipality answered for free?
Tesz is a free-to-use platform for citizens to ask government-related queries. Questions are sent to a community of experts, departments and citizens to answer. You can ask the queries here.
Ask Question
If there is a technical issue in the submission, what should we do?
You can send a general message in Dubai BPS system to (IT-Related system issue category).
Is it possible to submit structure & sewage & mechanical drawing in Preliminary approval?
It is not possible to submit structure & sewage & mechanical drawing, only architectural plans and roads are sufficient in Preliminary approval.