Interior designers typically focus on “how a space looks”…
But Dubai Municipality (DM) focuses on “how a space performs in an emergency.”
The difference between these two perspectives is the main reason why the majority of drawings are rejected, a challenge that highlights the importance of understanding how interior designers can prepare Dubai Municipality-compliant drawings from the start.
Obtaining DM approval for drawings is not about creating visually appealing plans; it requires strict compliance with the Dubai Building Code, meeting safety and Civil Defense standards, selecting the correct permit type from the start, whether Self-Decor or Fit-Out, and ensuring early coordination with MEP consultants while accurately documenting finishing materials according to fire and emission requirements.
This article explains how to gather regulatory guidelines, identify the correct internal decoration license, prepare coordinated architectural and safety plans with MEP and DCD, and follow the DM drawing submission process, with practical tips to secure approval on the first attempt
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Table of Contents
How Interior Designers Can Prepare DM-Compliant Drawings
Interior designers can prepare drawings that comply with dm requirements by reviewing regulations such as the Dubai Building Code and then identifying the appropriate license type for their project, whether it is an installation permit (Fit-Out) or a change of use permit.
Following this, the designer develops the general design plan while strictly considering safety and Civil Defense requirements, including defining exit routes and specifying the locations of fire-fighting and alarm equipment. Early coordination with an MEP consultant is vital to ensure the correct integration of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems into the design.
Furthermore, all finishing materials must be documented in a schedule detailing the level of fire resistance and emissions for each material, as stipulated by the DM technical guides. Once the detailed plans are finalized, they are organized within an approved sheet containing the project data, then signed by a licensed engineer before being uploaded via the DM PORTAL to secure the necessary official permission to commence fit-out work. This entire procedure falls under the comprehensive Dubai Municipality approval process.
1- Gathering Preliminary Information and Regulatory Requirements
The interior designer must fully grasp the requirements set by Dubai Municipality before initiating the design process. This involves consulting regulatory publications such as the Dubai Building Code and the Civil Fire Regulations (CFR) rules, in addition to the procedures for obtaining a Dubai municipality building permit via the official DM website.
Understanding the regulatory frameworks from the outset is essential for creating a design compatible with DM standards. It also helps determine whether the project requires the submission of a Building Information Model (BIM), a comprehensive 3D model containing detailed project information, such as plumbing specifications.
2- Determining the Required Interior Decoration License: Self-Decor or Fit-Out?
The type of interior decoration dubai municipality license required varies depending on the nature and scope of the project. If the facility only needs simple decorative work, such as installing false ceilings that do not affect the basic structure, and the area is less than 100𝑚2, the required license is the Self-Decor Permit.
However, decoration projects that include internal layout alterations or façade modifications spanning more than 100 𝑚2 demand a formal FITOUT APPROVAL.
3- Preparing Interior Design Drawings Compliant with Dubai Municipality
To prepare interior design drawings compliant with Dubai Municipality, a plan detailing the distribution of internal spaces, such as furniture placement and exit routes, must be prepared. Coordination with an MEP consultant, such as DAEM CONTRACTING, is essential to seamlessly integrate electromechanical systems into the plan.
The DM also mandates the creation of a schedule clearly listing all materials used for finishing, and the consolidation of all plans into a single sheet that includes the project data (project name, location, license number, design date, and the signature of the dm license for the architect engineer), for submission via the DM PORTAL.
Practical Tips to Ensure Dubai Municipality Approval for Drawings on the First Submission
To increase the chances of receiving dm approvals on the first submission, the interior designer must review the Dubai Building Code to ensure the design is compliant with safety requirements from the very beginning. They must also coordinate with all structural and electromechanical consultants to avoid any conflicts between the architectural plans and the technical systems.
Consolidating all plans into one organized sheet and including all decorative finishing materials significantly increases the likelihood of DM accepting the plans. Successful project execution often depends on securing this crucial DM license.
Here is a checklist of what must be reviewed before submitting drawings to Dubai Municipality:
✓ Review the Dubai Building Code to ensure compliance.
✓ Determine the correct permit type (Self-Decor / Fit-Out).
✓ Prepare the general plan with exit routes and locations for fire-fighting devices.
✓ Coordinate the plan with MEP consultants and the DCD.
✓ Prepare finishing material schedules detailing fire resistance and emission levels.
✓ Standardize all plans on an officially approved sheet containing the project data.
✓ Ensure the plans are signed by a licensed engineer like DAEMUAE.
✓ Upload the file via the DM electronic portal to obtain official municipality approval.
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Compliant Drawings… A Project Without Obstacles
Ultimately, the difference between a beautiful design and a design accepted by Dubai Municipality lies in the plans’ adherence to safety rules and the building code, rather than just their visual aesthetics.
Understanding How Interior Designers Can Prepare Dubai Municipality-Compliant Drawings from the Start transforms the approval journey from a series of notes and delays into a smooth process that meets all requirements from the outset.
Therefore, if you require architectural and execution drawings ready for approval with minimal revisions, contact DAEM Contracting LLC can shorten your path and provide the necessary support. Submitting the plans is followed by a rigorous dm inspection and the final Dubai municipality registration upon completion. The ultimate goal is always swift dm approvals.
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