Engineering Office Responsibilities Under Law 3 of 2026 Dubai

Law No. (3) of 2026 on the Quality and Safety of Buildings in Dubai places specific duties on engineering offices, particularly those registered with Dubai Municipality. These responsibilities center on the preparation and submission of the Quality and Safety Certificate Technical Report, a comprehensive document that assesses a building's structural integrity and safety systems. Engineering offices must ensure the report is accurate, complete, and submitted within the statutory 6-month window from initial approval.

The technical report is not a mere formality; it is the foundation of the Quality and Safety Certificate for buildings, which is mandatory for buildings that have reached 20 years of age from their Completion Certificate date. Engineering offices must follow strict guidelines, including using approved laboratories and adhering to the no-subcontracting rule. Failure to meet these obligations can result in fines ranging from AED 100 to AED 1,000,000, with the cap rising to AED 2,000,000 for repeat violations within 2 years.

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.

Engineering offices must perform the following duties to comply with Law 3 of 2026:

1. Prepare and certify the Quality and Safety Certificate Technical Report, covering structural integrity, exterior cladding, electrical/mechanical installations, windows/doors/security barriers, Civil Defence compliance, and CCTV/SIRA compliance.
2. Ensure the report is based on inspections and laboratory tests conducted by UAE-licensed, EIAC-accredited technical laboratories where required.
3. Submit the technical report to Dubai Municipality within 6 months of initial approval; extensions of up to 2 years may be granted on request.
4. Maintain the required engineering firm classification matching the building's height category per Dubai Municipality thresholds.
5. Certify the building's condition accurately, bearing liability for the correctness of the certification.

For more detail, see our guide on How to Choose a Licensed Engineering Office in Dubai.

A critical requirement under Law 3 of 2026 is that the engineering office must prepare the technical report itself; subcontracting the preparation of the report to another entity is strictly prohibited. This rule ensures accountability and quality, as the certifying firm retains full responsibility for the report's content. The prohibition underscores the engineer's certification liability, meaning the firm cannot outsource its duty to a third party.

For more detail, see our guide on Contractor Responsibilities Under Law 3 of 2026 Dubai.

The law sets clear deadlines for the submission of the technical report:

Engineering offices must plan their inspections and report preparation to meet the 6-month deadline, or formally request an extension before the initial window expires. Missing deadlines can lead to fines and delays in obtaining the Quality and Safety Certificate for buildings.

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

Engineering offices and the engineers who sign the technical report bear significant liability. They must ensure that all information in the report is accurate and based on thorough inspections and reliable test results. If a report is found to be false or misleading, the firm may face fines and potential suspension of its registration. This liability reinforces the importance of using accredited laboratories and following Dubai Municipality guidelines.

Navigating the requirements of Law 3 of 2026 can be complex. At Wasleen Approvals, we assist engineering offices and building owners in understanding and fulfilling their obligations. From preparing technical reports to managing submissions and extensions, our experts ensure compliance with Dubai Municipality regulations. For more information, see our detailed guide on the dubai building quality safety certificate.

Our team stays updated on the latest regulations, including the pending Executive Council resolution on certificate fees and per-violation fine amounts. We help you avoid costly penalties and streamline the certification process. Contact us today to ensure your engineering office meets all legal requirements under Law 3 of 2026.

Violations of Law 3 of 2026, including failure to submit the technical report on time or subcontracting its preparation, can result in fines. The statutory range is AED 100 to AED 1,000,000 per violation, with a doubled cap of AED 2,000,000 for repeat violations within 2 years. Specific amounts are pending the Executive Council Chairman resolution, so engineering offices should monitor updates.

Law 3 of 2026 came into force 60 days after publication in the Official Gazette, and building owners were given 1 year from the effective date to comply, extendable by the competent authority. The Quality and Safety Certificate for buildings is required for buildings that have been completed at least 20 years ago. Engineering offices should prepare for a surge in technical report requests as the compliance deadline approaches.

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