DDA approval for fit-outs
In the zones regulated by the Dubai Development Authority, fit-out and modification works need a DDA permit. We apply for it ourselves, together with the other approvals the work depends on.
We apply for approvals ourselves · Free site visit · One project manager
What the Dubai Development Authority is
According to its website, the Dubai Development Authority (DDA) was established pursuant to Law No. 1 of 2000 and its amendments, and regulates development activities within the zones under its jurisdiction. Its construction services include permits and NOCs, architectural, structural and MEP design reviews against approved master plans, rules and codes, inspections on projects, and completion certificates. DDA describes its aim as making sure projects follow safety and quality standards and align with codes, guidelines, regulations and best practices.
The DDA fit-out permit
What DDA says it covers
DDA describes its fit-out permit as the service that enables the contractor to obtain a permit to start fit-out works for any part of a building, office or retail space, and then submit for completion. The requester named on the service page is the contractor.
The service page also links the permit to other approvals. DDA lists an NOC from the building owner among the required documents, and states that a Dubai Civil Defence completion certificate is required before the fit-out completion certificate can be obtained. So a DDA fit-out usually involves the building owner and DCD as well.
Fit-out permit or building modification?
DDA draws a line between fit-out works and changes to the building itself. According to its fit-out permit page:
- Structural elements, change of use or additional floor areaDDA states that adding structural elements, changing the use or adding gross floor area needs a building modification request rather than a fit-out permit.
- CoringDDA states that coring of less than 200 mm must have no impact on structural elements such as tendons and should be at least 1 m from a column.
How we handle DDA approval
Project Study
A free site visit to confirm the property is in a DDA zone and to define exactly what will change.
Plan
We decide with you whether the work is a fit-out or a building modification, prepare the drawings and apply for the DDA permit ourselves, along with the building owner NOC and DCD approval where they are needed.
Visualization
The design is agreed in 3D, so the drawings submitted match what you have chosen.
Execution
Work follows the permit and is handed over for completion, with one project manager as your contact.
Fees, documents and timelines
DDA publishes its own fees, document lists and processing times for each service, and these can change. We do not quote them here. After the site visit we tell you which DDA service your project needs and what we will need from you.
Questions and answers
What is DDA?
How do I know if my property is in a DDA zone?
Who applies for a DDA fit-out permit?
Do I need a building owner NOC?
Is Civil Defence approval also needed?
What if I want to remove a wall or add a mezzanine?
Guides and ideas
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