LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS

Urban planning in Dubai, like in any other city, is subject to various legal considerations. Dubai,
being a city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has its own set of regulations and laws that govern urban
planning and development. Dubai's urban planning is guided by master plans that outline the long-term
vision for the city's development. The master plans are created by authorities such as the Dubai
Municipality and the Dubai Urban Planning Council.

Zoning regulations dictate how land in different areas can be used. These regulations specify the
permissible land uses, building heights, and density in different zones. Zoning codes are crucial for
maintaining a coherent and organized urban structure. Dubai has building codes and standards that
dictate the design, construction, and safety aspects of structures. Compliance with these codes is
mandatory for obtaining building permits.

After perusal of:

 Law No. (3) of 2003 Establishing the Executive Council of the Emirate of Dubai;
 Law No. (11) of 2003 Establishing Nature Reserves in the Emirate of Dubai;
 Law No. (17) of 2005 Establishing the Roads and Transport Authority and its
amendments;
 Law No. (2) of 2012 Establishing the Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects
Corporation;
 Law No. (10) of 2015 Concerning the Dubai Aviation City Corporation;
 Law No. (1) of 2016 Concerning the Financial Regulations of the Government
of Dubai, and its Implementing Bylaw and its amendments;
 Law No. (5) of 2021 Concerning the Dubai International Financial Centre;
 Decree No. (22) of 2009 Concerning Special Development Zones in the Emirate
of Dubai;
 Decree No. (34) of 2022 Establishing the Agencies Affiliated to the Dubai
Municipality and Determining their Functions;
 Decree No. (1) of 2023 Concerning Governance of the Councils/ Boards and
Committees Affiliated to the Government of Dubai;
 The Order of 1961 Establishing the Dubai Municipality;
 Regulation No. (10) of 2006 Concerning Applications for Exemption from
Compliance with Planning and Construction Regulations in the Emirate of
Dubai;
 Regulation No. (3) of 2007 Concerning Applications for Modifying the
Permitted Use of Land and
 Buildings in the Emirate of Dubai;
 Executive Council Resolution No. (18) of 2013 Approving Dubai Municipality
Fees for Planning
 Applications and Advertising Billboard Permits;
 Executive Council Resolution No. (18) of 2021 Forming the Supreme Urban
Planning Committee
 in the Emirate of Dubai;
  Local Order No. (2) of 1999 Concerning Classification and Regulation of Land
Use in the Emirate
 of Dubai and its amendments;
 Local Order No. (3) of 1999 Regulating Construction Works in the Emirate of
Dubai and its
 amendments;
 The legislation establishing and regulating Free Zones in the Emirate of Dubai;
and
 The Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan approved on 13 March 2021,

Law No. (16) of 2023 Concerning Urban Planning in the Emirate of Dubai

Scope of Application

The provisions of this Law apply to:

1. All areas within the Emirate, including Special Development Zones and Free
Zones, such as the Dubai International Financial Centre; and

2. All individuals and public and private entities performing development works
in the Emirate.

Objectives:

The Urban Planning Scheme for the Emirate aims to foster investment and
sustainable development, enhancing prosperity, quality of life, and community safety.
Key components include the establishment of effective governance, defining roles and
functions of involved entities, and promoting cooperation and data exchange. The
scheme emphasizes efficiency in preparing and implementing urban plans, with a
commitment to fairness, equality, transparency, and accountability. Regulation and
follow-up mechanisms ensure alignment with adopted plans, while environmental
preservation efforts focus on safeguarding biodiversity and natural resources.
Additionally, the scheme contributes to developing a comprehensive system for
Environmental Impact Assessment and Strategic Environmental Assessment,
emphasizing long-term environmental sustainability.

Dubai Aviation City

The regulations outlined in this law are applicable without undermining the
responsibilities of the entities overseeing the planning, design, implementation, and
construction of airports in Dubai Aviation City, as per the relevant legislation governing
these entities. In the process of formulating and endorsing their development plans,
these entities are obligated to ensure that the plans align with the Structure Plan.
Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan

Starting from the effective date of this Law, the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, officially
endorsed on 13 March 2021, will be recognized as the foundational Structure Plan for the
Emirate. The protocols and regulations governing the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan will be
overseen by the provisions outlined in this Law, along with any resolutions subsequently issued
and other existing legislation applicable within the Emirate. This alignment ensures a cohesive
and integrated approach to urban planning, incorporating the strategic vision outlined in the
Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan into the legal and regulatory framework governing the Emirate's
development. This comprehensive integration aims to facilitate efficient implementation,
fostering sustainable and harmonious growth in line with the outlined urban objectives.

The Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan delineates an inclusive strategy for sustainable
urban development in Dubai, with a central emphasis on improving the well-being and
satisfaction of individuals. Over the next two decades, it aims to strengthen Dubai's position as a
global destination for citizens, residents, and visitors. This strategic plan features a well-
organized structural framework, consolidating various urban development master plans across
the emirate. Moreover, it is synchronized with Dubai's key economic priorities and anticipates
the future requirements for a cohesive and forward-looking urban landscape.

Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan is the seventh development plan for the emirate since
1960. Between 1960 and 2020, the population of Dubai has multiplied 80 times from 40,000 in
1960 to 3.3 million while the urban and built area of the emirate increased 170-fold from 3.2
square km.

Objectives:

 upgrade Dubai’s urban areas: Deira and Bur Dubai, Downtown and Business Bay,
Dubai Marina and JBR, and two new centers - Expo 2020 Centre and Dubai
Silicon Oasis Centre
 improve the efficiency of resource utilisation
 develop vibrant, healthy, and inclusive communities and double green and
leisure areas to provide a healthy environment to residents and visitors
 provide sustainable and flexible means of mobility
 foster greater economic activity and attract foreign investments to new sectors
 enhance environmental sustainability
 safeguard the emirate’s cultural and urban heritage and strengthen citizens’
attachment to older neighborhoods
 develop a comprehensive legislation and plan a governance model to support
sustainable development and growth.

By 2040, Dubai will have achieved the following:

 green and recreational spaces will double in size

 nature reserves and rural natural areas will constitute 60 per cent of the
emirate’s total area
  several green corridors will be established to link the service areas, residential
areas, and workplaces,
 the movement of pedestrians, bicycles, and sustainable mobility means across
the city will be facilitated
 land area for hotels and tourist activities will increase by 134 per cent, and for
commercial activities, it will increase to 168 square kilometers
 land area for education and health facilities will increase by 25 per cent
 the length of public beaches will increase by 400 per cent.

Furthermore, the plan strives to create cohesive and sustainable housing

complexes tailored to meet the requirements of citizens. These integrated communities
will adhere to the highest planning standards, featuring green spaces, commercial
centers, and recreational facilities designed to enhance overall human well-being.