May 25, 2023

Key Fit-Out Requirements for Securing DDA Approval in Dubai

To acquire DDA approval for fit-out projects, it is crucial to adhere to the Fit-out Guidelines established by the Dubai Development Authority. These guidelines provide general information, procedures, technical requirements, and HSE regulations to assist building owners and tenants, designers, fit-out consultants, and fit-out contractors in effectively planning and designing overall fit-out works. Every fit-out consultant or contractor must comply with these guidelines and regulations, which are designed to ensure that the fit-out project is completed according to local statutory requirements and relevant international standards. The Fit-out Guidelines apply to all residential, industrial, institutional, or commercial establishments within the jurisdiction of the DDA Zoning Authority that undertake new fit-out works, fit-out additions, and fit-out modifications.

What is the fit-out process under DDA Dubai?

Fit-out activities can be initiated by the building owner or tenants in any of the following phases.

Building under Construction Phase

The fit-out design review during the construction phase is considered as Building Design Revision. The main consultant must submit the design revision form through the DDA Zoning Authority.

Issuance of Taking Over Certificate from Consultant to Contractor

Before the building completion certificate is issued, the main consultant and main contractor must provide an undertaking for any fit-out initiated during this stage. The owner must obtain an undertaking through the DDA Zoning Authority form under Undertaking for Fit-out Works. The building owner must appoint a Fit-out Coordinator and Facility Management Operator to collaborate with the DDA Zoning Authority and submit a Fit-Out Initiation Application along with the required documents and complete contact details. The DDA Zoning Authority will issue a Reference Number for the Fit-out Initiation, which should be referred for any further fit-out submittals, such as general or minor fit-out works.

Issuance of Building Completion Certificate from DDA Zoning Authority to the contractor

The building owner must appoint a Fit-out Coordinator & Facility Management Operator to collaborate with the Zoning Authority and submit a Fit-Out Initiation Application along with the required documents and complete contact details. The DDA Zoning Authority will issue a Reference Number for the Fit-out Initiation, which should be referred for any further fit-out submittals, such as general or minor fit-out works.

Building ready to be occupied

The Fit-out Coordinator must obtain As-built Drawings or building specifications from the client.
The client proposes fit-out requirements to the Fit-out Coordinator.

Fit out Permit Request for General Works:

The fit-out coordinator is responsible for submitting the proposed fit-out layout through the Fit-out Permit Request for General Works along with the required documents, including:

Appointment of Fit-Out Consultant or Fit-Out Contractor by the Tenant.
Acceptance Letter from Fit-Out Consultant or Fit-Out Contractor (Original on Letterhead).
Valid Professional License Copy of Fit-Out Consultant or Fit-Out Contractor.
Valid Trade License Copy of Tenant issued by the relevant authority.
NOC from Dubai Civil Defence.
NOC from DEWA, Ed & Wd, including Sub-Metering.
NOC from Telecom Operator (if applicable).
NOC from relevant authorities for Specialized Fit-Out Projects, such as Clinic, Laboratory, Institution, Restaurant, and others.
Dubai Municipality Environmental Authority approval for kitchens, Industrial use (if applicable).
Outline Program of Fit-out work.
Hoarding Layout (2 Sets if applicable).
Copy of the Lease Agreement.
Copy of the Fee.
Security cheque as per fee matrix.

The fit-out coordinator is responsible for submitting the proposed fit-out layout through the Fit-out Permit Request for General Works along with the required documents, including:

Two sets of existing as-built drawings.
Two sets of proposed architectural layouts, including plans, sections, internal views, reflected ceiling layouts, corridor width and height (if applicable), and fire and life safety schemes (if applicable).
Two sets of proposed structural layouts (if applicable).
Two sets of proposed MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) layouts, including HVAC and ventilation layouts, drainage layouts (if applicable), water supply layouts (if applicable), mechanical equipment schedules, power layouts indicating meter location, lighting layouts, load schedules, single line diagrams, existing DEWA-approved single line diagrams and load schedules, fire alarm and firefighting layouts certified by system integrator, LPG layouts (if applicable), grease interceptor for kitchen or restaurant (if applicable), and coordinated reflected ceiling plan (RCP) with final MEP fix layout.

For minor works

The fit-out coordinator should submit one set of proposed layouts in A3 size, an outline program of works, a copy of the fit-out contractor's valid professional license, a copy of the tenant's valid trade license issued by the relevant authority, a copy of the tenant's lease agreement, and a copy of the fee receipt (non-refundable as per the fee matrix)

For whom are these Fit-Out Guidelines intended?

These fit-out guidelines apply to developers, landlords, building owners, new tenants, fit-out coordinators, fit-out consultants, and fit-out contractors and sub-contractors responsible for creating the design and executing the fit-out works, as well as tenants undertaking minor upgrades or re-fits, or tenants shifting premises.