The Dubai Development Authority Fit-out Guideline comprises general information, procedures, technical requirements, and HSE regulations established to assist building owners and tenants, designers, fit-out consultants, and fit-out contractors to effectively plan and design overall fit-out works.

Significantly, every fit-out consultant or fit-out contractor abides by the guidelines and regulations that give them the responsibility for ensuring that the design and completion of the fit-out project are made as per local statutory requirements and relevant international standards.

This fit-out guideline applies to all residential, industrial, institutional, or commercial establishments within the jurisdiction of the DDA Dubai Zoning Authority that undertake new fit-out works, fit-out additions, and fit-out modifications.

How is the Fit-out Process under DDA Dubai?

A. The building owner or tenants can start their fit-out activities in any of these phases:

Building under Construction Phase.

The fit-out design review to be incorporated during the construction phase will be considered as a Building Design Revision.

The main consultant shall submit through the DDA Zoning Authority under the Design Revision Form.

Issuance of Taking Over Certificate from Consultant to Contractor.

Before the issuance of the building completion certificate, every initiation of Fit-out during this stage requires an undertaking from the main consultant and main construction contractor. The owner shall obtain an undertaking through the DDA Zoning Authority form under Undertaking for Fit-out Works.

The building owner shall appoint a Fit-out Coordinator and Facility Management Operator to collaborate with the DDA Zoning Authority.

The building owner shall submit a Fit Out Initiation Application along with the required documents, such as an Undertaking for Fit-out works, and complete contact details.

The DDA Zoning Authority shall then issue a Reference Number for the Fit-out Initiation, which should be referred to for any further fit-out submittals, such as general or minor fit-out works.

Issuance of the Building Completion Certificate from the DDA Zoning Authority to the contractor.

The building owner shall appoint a Fit-out Coordinator & Facility Management Operator to collaborate with the Zoning Authority.

The building owner shall submit a Fit Out Initiation Application along with the required documents and complete contact details.

The DDA Zoning Authority shall then issue a Reference Number for the Fit-out Initiation, which should be referred to for any further fit-out submittals, such as general or minor fit-out works.

The building is ready to be occupied.

B. The Fit-out Coordinator shall obtain As-built Drawings or building specifications from the client.

C. The client proposes fit-out requirements to the Fit-out Coordinator.

What are the DDA Fit-out Permit Requirements?

A. Fit-out Permit Request for the General Works

The fit-out coordinator is responsible for submitting the proposed fit-out layout through the Fit-out Permit Request for General Works, along with the required documents such as follows.

General Documents

Fit-Out Consultant‘s or Fit-Out Contractor’s Appointment By The Tenant.
Fit-Out Consultant’s or Fit-Out Contractor’s Acceptance Letter (Original On Letterhead)
A copy of the Fit-Out Consultant’s or Fit-Out Contractor’s Valid Professional License
A copy of the Tenant’s Valid Trade License issued by the relevant authority.
NOC from Dubai Civil Defence.
NOC from DEWA, Ed & Wd, including the Sub-Metering.
NOC from Telecom Operator, if applicable.
NOC from the relevant authorities for Specialized Fit-Out Projects, such as Clinic, Laboratory, Institution, Restaurant, and others.
Dubai Municipality Environmental Authority approval for kitchens, Industrial use, if applicable.
Outline Program of Fit-out Work.
Hoarding Layout 2 Sets, if applicable.
A copy of the Lease Agreement.
A copy of the Fee Receipt, as per the Fee Matrix.
Security Cheque, as per the Fee Matrix.

Drawing Layouts

The layout of the drawings should be submitted in A1 size for hard copies and in DWG format for soft copies.

1. 2 Sets of existing As-Built drawings

2. 2 Sets of Proposed Architectural Layout

Plan

Section

Internal Views

Reflected Ceiling Layouts

Corridor Width and Height, if any.

Fire and Life Safety Schemes, if any.

3. 2 Sets of Proposed Structural Layout, if applicable.

4. 2 Sets of Proposed MEP Layout.

HVAC and Ventilation Layout.

Drainage Layout, if applicable.

Water Supply Layout, if applicable.

Mechanical Equipment Schedule

Power Layout indicating the Meter Location.

Power Layout

Lighting Layout

Load Schedule

Single Line Diagram

Existing DEWA-approved Single Line Diagram and Load Schedule

Fire Alarm and Fire Fighting Layout certified by System Integrator

LPG Layout, if any.

Grease Interceptor for kitchen or restaurant, if applicable.

Coordinated Reflected Ceiling Plan - RCP with Final MEP Fix Layout.

B. Fit-out Permit Request for the Minor Works

Fit-out Coordinator shall submit the proposed fit-out layout through the Fit-out Permit Request for Minor Works, along with the required documents as follows:

1 Set of Proposed Layouts in A3 size.
Outline Program of Works
A copy of the Fit-Out Contractor’s Valid Professional License.
A copy of the Tenant’s Valid Trade License issued by the relevant authority
A copy of the Tenant’s Lease Agreement
A copy of the Fee Receipt Non-Refundable as per the Fee Matrix.

Who is this Fit-out Guideline for?

All of the developers, landlords, building owners, and new tenants.
Every fit-out coordinator, fit-out consultant, and fit-out contractor and sub-contractor responsible for creating the design and executing the fit-out works.
Tenants who are undertaking minor upgrades or re-fits.
Tenants who are shifting premises.

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