A Single-Window System for Building Permits Launched by Dubai Municipality

A unified electronic platform for building permits has been developed by the Dubai Building Permit Development Committee in a bid to attain Dubai’s ambitious aim to become the smartest city in the world. It includes the building permit services of all licensing authorities in Dubai in one system. The platform provides distinguished services to consultancy offices and contracting companies.

In an effort to raise the level of customer satisfaction, the committee, which was formed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, seeks to provide exceptional services in the field of building permits while speeding up the completion of services through the development of systems and requirements. It is chaired by the CEO of the Engineering and Planning Sector in Dubai Municipality, with members from government agencies participating in the licensing process.

Unified building permits platform and unified entry using digital identity

The single window is characterized by the ability to conduct building permit transactions with all licensing agencies through one system and through a unified entry using the digital identity, instead of using multiple systems as was previously used, which saves time and effort for consultants and contractors.

The window includes building licensing services of Dubai Municipality, Dubai Development Authority and Trakhees, and Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority, and is electronically linked with the Dubai Engineering Qualification System of Dubai Municipality. The requirements for applying to the Single Window are in line with the recently launched Dubai Building Code. It integrates with Building Information Modeling, GIS, and Automated Auditing of Blueprints.

In the unified platform, an electronic link was made, with all the entities supporting the building permits process, as well as the service providers such as the Civil Defense, RTA, DEWA, and telecommunications companies (Etisalat / Du), which shortens the time and effort of the customers, who are now able to complete all building permits, execution and service delivery operations from one location.

Only three steps for construction:

Dubai Municipality worked on reducing and integrating the steps for building permits in line with the requirements of global competitiveness. It has unified the application process, reduced documents and simplified procedures, in addition to working to reduce the time for completing transactions, and discussing projects electronically. The construction process was shortened to three pivotal steps:

  1. Request for a building permit
  2. Unified inspection
  3. Execution and delivery of services