Dubai Government Approvals manages TECOM approvals for tenants, landlords and contractors working in TECOM business communities. We prepare the drawings, coordinate the NOCs, submit the fit out permit to the Dubai Development Authority (DDA), and follow the project through to the fit out completion certificate.
Many clients search for a “TECOM approval” when they start an office or retail fit out in Dubai Internet City or Dubai Media City. In practice, the permit is issued by DDA. TECOM business districts are under the jurisdiction of DDA, which handles planning, development and the enforcement of building regulations in these areas.
Which Projects Need TECOM Approval
You will need a DDA fit out permit before starting interior works in any part of a building in a TECOM community. This includes offices, retail units and other tenant spaces in areas such as:
- Dubai Internet City
- Dubai Media City
- Dubai Knowledge Park
- Dubai Studio City and Dubai Production City
- Dubai Outsource City
- Dubai International Academic City
- Dubai Science Park
- Dubai Design District
Typical projects include new office fit outs, partition and ceiling changes, retail shop fit outs, MEP alterations and refurbishment of existing units.
If your works add structural elements, change the use of the space or add gross floor area, a fit out permit is not enough. DDA requires a separate Building Modification request for these works.
TECOM Fit Out Approval Process Step by Step
- Appoint the contractor. The DDA fit out permit is applied for by the contractor, so the tenant first issues a contractor appointment letter.
- Prepare the drawings. Proposed drawings are prepared in line with DDA requirements, together with the approved stamped drawings of the building.
- Collect the NOCs. NOCs are obtained from the relevant authorities as listed in the DDA NOC matrix. Fire and life safety works are coordinated with Dubai Civil Defence.
- Submit on the DDA portal. The contractor creates a fit out project on the DDA Zoning e-Services portal, selects the Fit Out Permit application and uploads the documents.
- Pay the fees and receive the permit. After payment, DDA reviews the application and issues the permit or comments.
- Carry out the works. Works proceed as per the approved drawings.
- Obtain the Civil Defence completion. A Dubai Civil Defence completion certificate is required before DDA issues the fit out completion certificate.
- Apply for the fit out completion certificate. The contractor applies on the DDA portal under the same fit out project.
Documents Required for the DDA Fit Out Permit
According to DDA, the fit out permit application needs:
- Contractor appointment letter from the tenant
- Copy of the Ejari
- NOCs from the relevant authorities as per the DDA NOC matrix
- Approved stamped drawings and proposed drawings, as per DDA Circular No. 400
- Fit out permit request form, if applying at the DDA customer service centre
If the building does not yet have a completion certificate, DDA also requires NOCs from the main contractor, the main consultant and the plot owner.
For the fit out completion certificate, DDA lists an NOC from the tenant, the tenant licence for the unit and the Dubai Civil Defence completion certificate.
Checks Before You Submit
- Confirm the scope is a fit out and not a building modification. If DDA decides a submission needs a Building Modification request, the fit out fees are not refunded.
- Check any coring. DDA notes that coring under 200 mm must not affect structural elements such as tendons and must be at least 1 m away from a column.
- Make sure the Ejari and tenant details match the unit on the drawings.
- Check whether the building has its completion certificate, as extra NOCs may be needed.
- Coordinate the fire alarm, sprinkler and emergency lighting layouts with Civil Defence requirements early to avoid delays at completion stage.
- Check your lease and building management rules. Many landlords and building managers have their own fit out approval before works start.
How Dubai Government Approvals Helps
Our engineers handle the full TECOM fit out approval for you:
- Review of your layout and scope to confirm the right DDA application
- Authority ready architectural and MEP drawings
- NOC coordination, including Dubai Civil Defence
- Submission on the DDA portal and follow up on comments
- Support through inspections, the Civil Defence completion and the DDA fit out completion certificate
One team prepares one set of drawings for the landlord, DDA and Civil Defence. This keeps comments aligned and saves time on resubmissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who issues TECOM fit out approvals?
The fit out permit in TECOM business communities is issued by the Dubai Development Authority. TECOM business districts fall under DDA jurisdiction.
Who applies for the DDA fit out permit?
The contractor applies, based on an appointment letter from the tenant. The application is made through the DDA Zoning e-Services portal or at the DDA customer service centre.
How much does a DDA fit out permit cost?
DDA lists the fee as AED 0.90 per square foot, with a minimum of AED 200 and a maximum of AED 10,000. An extra AED 10 Knowledge Dirham and AED 10 Innovation Dirham apply per transaction. Drawing preparation and other authority fees are separate.
How long is the fit out permit valid?
DDA states that an approved fit out permit is valid for 6 months.
Do I need Civil Defence approval for a fit out in TECOM areas?
Yes. DDA requires a Dubai Civil Defence completion certificate before it issues the fit out completion certificate.
Can I add a mezzanine or change the use of my unit under a fit out permit?
No. Adding structural elements, changing the use or adding gross floor area needs a separate Building Modification request with DDA.
Related approval guides
Planning a fit out in Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City or another TECOM community? Contact Dubai Government Approvals for a quick review of your scope and a clear quote.