Dubai, UAE — Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has issued a law (No. 16 of 2023) to regulate urban planning in Dubai.
The law seeks to create an integrated and effective urban planning system that promotes investment, sustainable development, prosperity, and an improved quality of life for citizens, WAM reported.
One of the primary objectives of the law is to ensure the security and safety of Dubai’s community while enhancing governance in the urban planning sector. It defines the responsibilities of relevant authorities and promotes cooperation, coordination, and integration among them.
By improving the efficiency of preparing and implementing plans, strategies, and policies related to urban planning, the law aims to achieve principles such as justice, equality, transparency, and accountability.
Additionally, the law will regulate and monitor urban planning activities, ensuring their alignment with approved plans, strategies, and policies.
It emphasizes the preservation of the environment, biodiversity, and natural resources of the emirate and contributes to the establishment of an environmental impact assessment and strategic environmental assessment system.
To oversee the implementation of this law, a ‘Supreme Committee for Urban Planning’ will be formed, comprising representatives from relevant authorities responsible for urban planning in Dubai.
The committee’s tasks include setting the general policy for urban planning in Dubai and defining the objectives of urban development within the framework of approved goals and strategies. The existing Supreme Committee for Urban Planning, established by Executive Council Resolution No. (18) of 2021, will continue to perform its duties until it is re-formed according to the provisions of this law.
The ‘Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan’ is designated as the approved structural plan for the emirate of Dubai, effective from the start date of this law. Dubai Municipality is granted sole responsibility for regulating the urban planning sector and is authorized to coordinate with relevant entities and authorities overseeing special development zones and free zones if necessary.
The law makes it clear that no development works can be carried out in Dubai without obtaining the necessary permits. It is the responsibility of every individual to comply with the applicable legislation and permit conditions when undertaking development works.
Furthermore, any provisions in other legislation that contradict this law will be nullified. Existing regulations, rules, and systems related to urban planning will continue to apply as long as they do not conflict with the provisions of this law, until new regulations, rules, and systems are issued to replace them.
Law No. (16) of 2023 will be published in the Official Gazette and will come into effect after a period of ninety days from its date of issuance.