His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, has issued a groundbreaking law regulating urban planning in Dubai, as the Ruler of the emirate. The law marks a significant step towards developing an integrated and effective urban planning system that encourages investment, sustainable development, and improved quality of life for citizens.
The new law, in accordance with a report from the Wam news agency, seeks to enhance the governance of the urban planning sector and define the responsibilities of related authorities. It aims to foster cooperation, coordination, and integration among these entities, ensuring the security and safety of Dubai's community.
Moreover, the law intends to bolster the efficiency of preparing and implementing urban plans, strategies, and policies. By monitoring and gauging their results, it strives to achieve principles of justice, equality, transparency, and accountability.
A central focus of the law is to regulate and monitor urban planning activities while ensuring their alignment with adopted plans, strategies, and policies. The legislation also places emphasis on preserving the environment, biodiversity, and natural resources of the emirate. In line with these goals, it contributes to the establishment of an environmental impact assessment and strategic environmental assessment system in Dubai.
A significant provision of the law includes the formation of a 'Supreme Committee for Urban Planning,' comprising representatives from relevant authorities responsible for urban planning in Dubai. Appointed through a resolution issued by the Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, the committee is tasked with setting the general policy for urban planning in Dubai and defining objectives for urban development within the framework of approved goals and strategies.
The Supreme Committee for Urban Planning, initially established by Executive Council Resolution No 18 of 2021, will continue to exercise its tasks and responsibilities until the Supreme Committee is re-formed by a resolution issued by the Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, as specified by this new law.
The law designates the 'Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan' as the approved structural plan for the emirate, effective from its start date. Under this legislation, Dubai Municipality is solely responsible for regulating the urban planning sector in the emirate. The law also grants the municipality the authority to coordinate with relevant entities overseeing special development zones and free zones if necessary, enabling it to carry out the tasks and responsibilities specified by the law.
One of the key prohibitions under the law is that no person shall carry out or allow any development works in Dubai without obtaining related permits. Compliance with applicable legislation and permit conditions is mandatory for anyone executing development works in the emirate.
With the issuance of this forward-looking law, Dubai moves closer to achieving its vision of sustainable development, prosperity, and an enhanced urban landscape. By establishing a comprehensive framework for urban planning and development, the emirate sets itself on a path towards a more resilient and vibrant future.
