Sheikh Mohammed announces major urban planning law for Dubai

Image: Dubai Media Office/Archive

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, issued a law regulating urban planning in Dubai, as per state news agency WAM.

The Law No. (16) of 2023 seeks to develop an integrated and effective urban planning system that encourages investment, and sustainable development. It also aims to ensure the security and safety of the emirate’s community, enhance governance of the urban planning sector, define the responsibilities of related authorities, and improve cooperation, coordination, and integration among them.

.@HHShkMohd issues Law No. (16) of 2023 regulating urban planning in Dubai. The Law seeks to develop an integrated and effective urban planning system that encourages investment, sustainable development, prosperity and improves the quality of life for citizens.

“Archived Photo”… pic.twitter.com/PznhNtKbd1

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) July 18, 2023

Supreme Committee for Urban Planning

According to the law, a ‘Supreme Committee for Urban Planning’ will be formed which will comprise of representatives of relevant authorities responsible for urban planning in Dubai. These appointments will be made through a resolution issued by the chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, reported WAM.

The law defines the tasks and responsibilities of the Supreme Committee, including setting the general policy for urban planning in Dubai and defining the objectives of urban development within the framework of the approved goals and strategies.

The Supreme Committee for Urban Planning, established by Executive Council Resolution No. (18) of 2021, will continue to exercise its tasks and responsibilities until the Supreme Committee is re-formed by a resolution issued by the Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai in accordance with the provisions of this law.

Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan

The new law assigns Dubai Municipality with the sole responsibility of regulating the urban planning sector in Dubai. The law also grants Dubai Municipality the authority to coordinate with relevant entities that oversee special development zones and free zones.

This law will be published in the Official Gazette and will be effective (90) ninety days from its date of issuance. Effective from the start date of this law, the ‘Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan’ will be considered the approved structural plan for the emirate of Dubai.

Compliance

As per the law, it is prohibited for any person to carry out or allow any development works in Dubai without obtaining related permits.

Every person must ensure compliance with applicable legislations in the emirate while executing development works and with the conditions of permits issued to them.

Any provision in any other legislation that contradicts the provisions of this law shall be annulled. The regulations, rules, and systems in place regarding urban planning prior to the implementation of this law shall continue to apply to the extent that they do not contradict its provisions until new regulations, rules, and systems are issued to replace them.