Building Safety Certificate Compliance Checklist in Dubai

Dubai's Law No. (3) of 2026 on Quality and Safety of Buildings mandates that existing buildings completed at least 20 years ago must obtain a Quality and Safety Certificate for buildings. Failure to comply can lead to fines ranging from AED 100 to AED 1,000,000 per violation, with repeat violations within 2 years doubling the fine up to AED 2,000,000. This checklist provides a step-by-step roadmap to ensure your building meets all legal requirements and avoids costly penalties.

The law applies to buildings that have stood for two decades or more, making compliance a pressing concern for many property owners in Dubai. A comprehensive checklist helps you track every required action, from verifying the building's age to submitting the technical report and obtaining the certificate. By following this guide, you can navigate the process efficiently and stay ahead of the compliance deadline.

For help obtaining your certificate, Wasleen Approvals manages the full Dubai Building Quality Safety Certificate process — from Technical Report preparation to submission and follow-up until approval.

Check the Building Age

The first step is to verify whether your building is subject to the law. The Quality and Safety Certificate for buildings is mandatory for buildings whose Completion Certificate is at least 20 years old. This age also determines the certificate's validity period: 10 years for buildings under 40 years, and 5 years for buildings 40 years or older.

1. Obtain the Completion Certificate date from Dubai Municipality or your records.
2. Calculate the building's age from the Completion Certificate date.
3. If the building is 20 years or older, proceed with compliance; if not, no certificate is required yet.

For more detail, see our guide on Documents Required for Quality and Safety Certificate for buildings in Dubai.

The law came into force 60 days after its publication in the Official Gazette, and building owners have 1 year from the effective date to comply (this period is extendable). Missing this deadline exposes you to fines, so it's essential to act promptly. The technical report must be submitted within 6 months of initial approval, with a possible extension of up to 2 years.

For more detail, see our guide on How to Get a Building Safety Certificate in Dubai (Step-by-Step).

A complete document set is the backbone of a successful application. Missing paperwork can delay your submission and increase costs. Ensure you have the following documents ready, as outlined in the law.

• Quality and Safety Certificate Technical Report – prepared by a DM-registered Engineering Firm
• Completion Certificate – to prove the building's age
• Engineering Firm classification – must match the building's height category
• Laboratory test results – from a UAE-licensed, EIAC-accredited laboratory if testing is required
• Ownership or possession proof – owner, legitimate possessor, or Jointly Owned Property Management Entity under Law No. (6) of 2019

For more detail, see our guide on Building Inspection Process Under Law 3 of 2026 in Dubai.

The technical report must be prepared by an engineering firm registered with Dubai Municipality (DM). The firm's classification must align with your building's height category. Choosing an experienced firm ensures that the report covers all required aspects, including structural integrity, exterior cladding, electrical/mechanical installations, windows/doors/security barriers, Civil Defence compliance, and CCTV/SIRA compliance.

An accurate technical report is the cornerstone of your compliance application – a minor omission can lead to rejection and delays.

Once the report is ready, submit it within 6 months of initial approval. If you need more time, you can request an extension of up to 2 years. The report must be comprehensive and include laboratory test results from an EIAC-accredited lab if required. After approval, occupants have 3 months to vacate the building if necessary.

After the technical report is approved, the Dubai Municipality will issue the Quality and Safety Certificate for buildings. The certificate is valid for 10 years for buildings under 40 years old, and 5 years for buildings 40 years or older. The fees for the certificate are set by the Executive Council Chairman resolution, so they are not fixed in the law itself.

If you fail to obtain the certificate, you may face fines from AED 100 to AED 1,000,000 per violation. Repeat violations within 2 years double the fine, up to a maximum of AED 2,000,000. To avoid these penalties, ensure you complete all steps before the compliance deadline.

If the building cannot be brought into compliance, the owner may opt for demolition. This requires a refundable security deposit of AED 50,000, and the building must be demolished within a grace period of up to 1 year. This option can be a practical alternative to extensive repairs.

If you receive a violation notice, you have 30 days to file a grievance or appeal. The law provides a clear mechanism for challenging decisions, but it's crucial to act within the window. Understanding your rights and obligations helps you avoid unnecessary penalties.

1. Verify building age (Completion Certificate date ≥ 20 years).
2. Confirm compliance deadline and extensions.
3. Gather all required documents.
4. Hire a DM-registered engineering firm with correct classification.
5. Submit technical report within 6 months (extendable up to 2 years).
6. Obtain Quality and Safety Certificate for buildings.
7. Plan for certificate renewal (10 or 5 years).
8. Consider demolition option if needed (deposit AED 50,000).
9. File appeal within 30 days if necessary.

Following this checklist ensures that you meet all legal requirements under Law No. (3) of 2026. For expert guidance and to streamline the process, consider consulting professionals who specialize in Dubai building compliance. Our team at Wasleen Approvals can assist you with the entire certification process.

You may also need these related Dubai approvals:

• Dubai Building Quality and Safety Certificate (Law No. 3 of 2026)
• Dubai Municipality Building Permit
• Dubai Civil Defense Approval
• Dubai Municipality NOC