Dubai introduces new online platform for building permits, control services

Dubai Municipality has launched a new online system for building permits and control services.

The system is aligned with the updated Dubai Building Code and will streamline procedures for customers.

The new system aims to provide smart and integrated services and solutions while enabling automated checks using building information modelling (BIM), which is a digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a building or infrastructure.

Dawoud Al Hajri, director general of Dubai Municipality, said: “We are pleased to launch the new online platform, which provides advanced digital features for building permits and control services. With the implementation of new technology, our main objective is to enhance the customer experience, while reducing time and costs, and improving the overall quality of the services offered.”

Mariam Al Muhairi, acting CEO of the Buildings Regulation and Permits Agency at Dubai Municipality said: “The new system incorporates a range of features aimed at improving the customer experience and service quality. These features include streamlining procedures and reducing the number of application documents required, making it easier for customers to input data and track application updates.

“It further offers proactive services for customers and the possibility of automated usage of certain services. It also includes automated checking services for consultants to ensure that charts comply with the Dubai Building Code and facilitates the automatic acquisition of data from charts and designs.”

Key features and services

• The new system facilitates user registration through digital ID and instant recognition.
• It enables smart inspection through various applications and tools while managing building activities.
• It offers a comprehensive database and detailed maps of the buildings that comply with Dubai’s digital twinning concept.
• It assists entities in offering smart services and is electronically connected with the ‘Dubai Engineering Qualification’ system and other relevant authorities involved in permit and control procedures.
• The first set of services on the new system will include the following permits: new building permit (initial and final submission), licensing site preparation processes and drilling, permanent fence permit, self-decoration, self-maintenance, cancellation of transaction, and extending the validity of approved charts.
• It will also include a number of monitoring services for construction activities: renewal of license, periodic inspection, night work permit, and the ability to change the consultant contractor.

Dubai Municipality intends to roll out the remaining services in different phases throughout the year.

It will also conduct training workshops for consultants and contractors to brief them on the required standards, such as the BIM, which will contribute to enhancing their capacities and their ability to use the new system.

In other news, Dubai Municipality has opened three new beaches for night swimming in Jumeirah 2, Jumeirah 3 and Umm Suqeim 1, expanding its beach tourism offerings. The 800-metre-long night-swimming beaches feature lighting systems and electronic screens, which enable residents and tourists to swim around the clock, The beaches have qualified lifeguards outfitted with state-of-the-art rescue and emergency instruments to ensure the highest safety benchmarks. Night swimming timelines at the beaches will be from sunset to sunrise, Dubai Municipality said.

Image credit: Dubai Media Office