The Quality and Safety Certificate for buildings is required for existing buildings in Dubai that are at least 20 years old from the date of their Completion Certificate. The responsibility falls on the building owner, legitimate possessor, or the Jointly Owned Property Management Entity (JOPME) under Law No. (6) of 2019.
Q&A
Who Needs a Quality and Safety Certificate for buildings in Dubai?
Who must hold the Dubai Quality & Safety Certificate for buildings under Law No. 3 of 2026? Buildings over 20 years old qualify. Fines reach AED 1M. Contact us today.
By Jamsheed Khalid — Senior Fit-Out Consultant
Back to Dubai Building Quality and Safety Certificate (Law No. 3 of 2026)At a glance
Under Dubai Law No. (3) of 2026, the Quality and Safety Certificate for buildings is required for existing buildings in Dubai that were completed at least 20 years ago. Owners, legitimate possessors, or the management entity for jointly owned properties must obtain it from Dubai Municipality. The certificate is valid for 10 years for buildings under 40 years old and 5 years for buildings 40 years or older.
Who Must Obtain the Quality and Safety Certificate for buildings?
Under Dubai Law No. (3) of 2026 on Quality and Safety of Buildings, the Quality and Safety Certificate for buildings is mandatory for existing buildings in Dubai that have reached 20 years of age from the date of their Completion Certificate. This requirement applies to all buildings in the emirate, including those in free zones, unless explicitly exempted by the law or its implementing regulations.
Every effort has been made to produce an accurate and complete English version of this legislation. However, for the purpose of its interpretation and application, reference must be made to the original Arabic text. In case of conflict, the Arabic text will prevail.
The certificate is required for the owner of the building, the legitimate possessor, or the Jointly Owned Property Management Entity (JOPME) as defined under Dubai Law No. (6) of 2019. The responsible party must submit a Technical Report prepared by a Dubai Municipality-registered engineering firm to demonstrate the building's structural integrity and safety compliance.
Key Eligibility Criteria and Triggers
The primary trigger is the building's age. If the Completion Certificate was issued 20 years or more ago, the building falls under the scope of Law No. (3) of 2026. The age also determines the certificate's validity period: buildings under 40 years old receive a 10-year certificate, while those 40 years or older receive a 5-year certificate.
| Building Age | Certificate Validity | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
| 20 to 39 years | 10 years | Owner / Possessor / JOPME |
| 40 years or more | 5 years | Owner / Possessor / JOPME |
The law applies to all buildings in Dubai, including free zones. However, certain categories may be exempted by the Executive Council Chairman resolution. Always verify your specific obligations with the Dubai Municipality or consult an approval expert.
Process and Timeline for Compliance
The Quality and Safety Certificate for buildings is not a one-time formality; it is a recurring obligation with validity tied to the building's age. Plan ahead to avoid penalties.
Required Documents for the Technical Report
To obtain the Quality and Safety Certificate for buildings, you must submit a comprehensive Technical Report covering structural integrity, exterior cladding, electrical and mechanical installations, windows, doors, security barriers, Civil Defence compliance, and CCTV/SIRA compliance. The following documents are typically required:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Quality and Safety Certificate Technical Report | Covers all safety aspects; prepared by DM-registered engineering firm |
| Completion Certificate | Confirms building age (20+ years trigger) |
| Engineering Firm Classification | Must match building height category per DM thresholds |
| Laboratory Test Results | From UAE-licensed, EIAC-accredited labs where testing is required |
| Ownership or Possession Proof | Owner, legitimate possessor, or JOPME under Law No. (6) of 2019 |
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to obtain the Quality and Safety Certificate for buildings can result in fines ranging from AED 100 to AED 1,000,000 per violation (see our Law 3 of 2026 fines guide for a full breakdown). For repeat violations within 2 years, the fine doubles, capped at AED 2,000,000. Exact per-violation amounts will be set by a follow-up Executive Council Chairman resolution.
| Violation Type | Fine Range |
|---|---|
| Any violation (first offense) | AED 100 – AED 1,000,000 |
| Repeat violation within 2 years | Up to AED 2,000,000 |
How We Can Help
Navigating the Quality and Safety Certificate process can be complex. At Wasleen Approvals, we specialize in Dubai Municipality approvals, including the Quality and Safety Certificate for buildings and the related Completion Certificate. Our experts ensure your Technical Report meets all requirements and deadlines, and can guide you through the certificate cost in Dubai.
Contact us today to assess your building's eligibility and start the certification process smoothly. We provide end-to-end support from document preparation to submission and follow-up.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Law No. (3) of 2026 applies to all buildings in the emirate of Dubai, including those in free zones, unless specific exemptions are provided by the Executive Council Chairman resolution. It is advisable to verify your obligations with Dubai Municipality or consult an expert.
For buildings under 40 years old, the certificate is valid for 10 years. For buildings aged 40 years or more, the validity is reduced to 5 years. The age is calculated from the date of the Completion Certificate.
Non-compliance can result in fines ranging from AED 100 to AED 1,000,000 per violation. If the violation is repeated within 2 years, the fine is doubled, capped at AED 2,000,000. Exact per-violation amounts are pending the Executive Council Chairman resolution.
You need a Technical Report prepared by a DM-registered engineering firm, the building's Completion Certificate, proof of ownership or possession, and laboratory test results from a UAE-licensed, EIAC-accredited lab if required. The engineering firm must be classified according to the building's height.
Yes, the law allows for voluntary demolition as an alternative. You must pay a refundable security deposit of AED 50,000 and complete the demolition within a grace period of up to 1 year. The deposit is refunded if the demolition is completed within that time.
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