Guide · Updated 2026-10-22
Dubai Municipality, DDA or Trakhees: Which Authority Approves Your Project?
Before any fit-out, modification or new build in Dubai, the first question is which authority regulates the plot. Most of mainland Dubai falls under Dubai Municipality, but large parts of the city are regulated by the Dubai Development Authority (DDA) or by Trakhees. Submitting to the wrong one wastes weeks. This guide explains who covers what and how to check your own plot.
The three building authorities
Dubai Municipality (DM) issues building permits and controls construction across most of mainland Dubai. Its building permit services, including new building permits and fit-out (self-decoration) permits, are handled online.
Dubai Development Authority (DDA) handles planning and development control, building permits and NOCs within its jurisdiction. This includes the TECOM-developed communities such as Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai Academic City, Dubai Studio City, Dubai Production City, Dubai Outsource City, Dubai Science Park and Dubai Design District, plus several other zones.
Trakhees is the planning and development department of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC). It covers building regulation and permits, licensing and environment, health and safety in areas owned by PCFC, Dubai World or their entities, such as Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), Dubai Maritime City and projects of Nakheel and Limitless, and other areas set by law.
How to check which one applies
- Look at the affection plan (site plan) for the plotThe authority that issued it is normally the one that regulates the plot.
- Check the trade licence or leaseA JAFZA licence points to Trakhees; a licence issued for Dubai Internet City, Media City or another TECOM community points to DDA.
- Ask the building management or master developerThey deal with the same authority for every unit in the building.
If you are still unsure, send us the affection plan and we will confirm the right authority before anything is drawn.
Side by side
| Dubai Municipality | DDA | Trakhees | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical areas | Most of mainland Dubai | TECOM-developed communities and other DDA zones | JAFZA, Dubai Maritime City and other PCFC areas |
| Fit-out permit | DM building permit services | DDA Fit-Out Permit (estimated 2 working days) | Trakhees building permits |
| Who applies | Registered consultant or contractor | The contractor, appointed by the tenant | Registered consultant or contractor |
| Electricity | DEWA | DEWA in most areas | DEWA in most areas |
| Fire and life safety | Dubai Civil Defence | Dubai Civil Defence (DCD completion certificate needed for DDA fit-out completion) | Fire approvals as required by Trakhees for the area |
Sources: Dubai Development Authority, About DDA, Dubai Development Authority, Fit-Out Permit, PCFC, About Trakhees and Dubai Media Office, Dubai Municipality launches new online system for building permits (26 May 2023).
What every authority will ask for
The forms differ, but most fit-out submissions need:
- Approved base-build drawings and the proposed fit-out drawings
- A landlord or building owner NOC
- The tenancy contract or Ejari, where it applies
- NOCs from other authorities that the project affects, such as DEWA and Civil Defence
DDA, for example, asks for the contractor appointment letter, a copy of the Ejari, the building owner NOC and approved and proposed drawings for its fit-out permit.
Don't forget DEWA
Changing authority does not change the electricity provider. In most DDA and Trakhees areas DEWA still supplies power, so a new meter, separate meter or load increase still needs a DEWA approval alongside the building permit. Plan both at the start. As a DEWA approved contractor in Dubai, we can handle the DEWA approval alongside your building permit. See How to get a new or separate DEWA meter and How to increase your electricity load with DEWA.
Frequently asked questions
Is DDA the same as Dubai Municipality?
No. DDA is a separate authority that handles planning, building permits and licensing in its own zones, including the TECOM-developed communities.
Is JAFZA under Dubai Municipality?
No. Jebel Ali Free Zone is regulated by Trakhees, the planning and development department of PCFC.
Do I still need DEWA approval in a free zone?
In most cases yes. DEWA supplies electricity in most DDA and Trakhees areas, so meter and load changes need a DEWA approval as well as the building permit.
What happens if I apply to the wrong authority?
The application is rejected or returned, and you lose the time spent preparing drawings in the wrong format. Checking the affection plan first avoids this.