Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, has issued a new law governing Dubai Municipality, the Government of Dubai Media Office announced.
The law seeks to strengthen the Municipality’s role in supporting development, improving quality of life and enhancing Dubai’s competitiveness.
Under the legislation, Dubai Municipality, which was established pursuant to the 1961 Order Establishing the Dubai Municipality Council, will operate as a government department with legal personality and the capacity to undertake acts and activities required to achieve its objectives.
The law applies across the Emirate of Dubai, including development zones and free zones, such as the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
The Municipality will exercise its powers in accordance with the law, decisions issued under it and legislation in force, unless a provision exempts a zone from its jurisdiction.
Dubai Municipality Law sets out urban planning and development objectives
The law outlines Dubai Municipality’s objectives, including developing a city that supports quality of life, happiness and wellbeing through a system of urban planning.
The system will support economic growth, preserve Dubai’s urban heritage and address the requirements of cities of the future.
The Municipality will also work to enhance the urban environment by developing facilities for the public and recreation, as well as expanding green spaces across the emirate.
These measures are intended to contribute to the wellbeing of residents and improve quality of life in Dubai.
Infrastructure, waste management and construction among Dubai Municipality’s priorities
Under the law, Dubai Municipality will be responsible for developing infrastructure and advancing waste management across Dubai. The Municipality will work towards development goals while ensuring the management and use of resources.
The legislation also seeks to advance the building and construction sector through the adoption of technologies used around the world.
Dubai Municipality will be responsible for ensuring public health, safety and food safety in accordance with practices and standards recognised internationally.
These responsibilities are intended to reinforce Dubai’s position as a destination in which to live, work and visit. The law also places emphasis on partnerships with the private sector to create opportunities for economic activity.
Dubai Municipality will provide services that anticipate community needs, integrate functions and exceed community expectations, contributing to wellbeing and quality of life.
The Municipality will also establish partnerships and strengthen relationships with government entities, cities and institutions performing comparable functions around the world.
Dubai Municipality granted inspection and oversight powers
The legislation defines Dubai Municipality’s mandate and the powers it may exercise to achieve its objectives.
These include conducting inspections, carrying out oversight activities and verifying compliance with legislation in force across Dubai.
The law also allows Dubai Municipality to outsource any of its functions or powers to entities in the public or private sector, subject to legislation in force.
Such arrangements must be governed by an agreement specifying the rights and obligations of both the Municipality and the contracted entity.
The agreement must also establish the conditions, requirements and standards to be followed when carrying out the functions or exercising the powers covered by the outsourcing arrangement.
Dubai Municipality Director General to report to Executive Council
The law regulates the executive body of Dubai Municipality, which comprises the Director General, executive directors, and employees carrying out administrative and technical functions.
It sets out the procedures for appointing the Director General and defines the functions and powers attached to the position. Under the law, the Director General will be appointed through a decree issued by the Ruler of Dubai.
The Director General will be directly accountable to The Executive Council of Dubai for carrying out the responsibilities assigned under the legislation.
The law also defines Dubai Municipality’s sources of funding and regulates its accounts and financial year in accordance with government accounting principles, standards and practices.
Government entities and individuals required to cooperate with Dubai Municipality
The law requires all persons and government entities to cooperate fully with Dubai Municipality and its affiliated entities.
They must fulfil the Municipality’s requirements and provide data, information, documents, statistics and reports requested by the Municipality or its affiliated entities.
This obligation applies to information and records deemed necessary by the Municipality and its affiliated entities to achieve their objectives and carry out their functions under the law, decisions issued pursuant to it and legislation in force in Dubai.
Law No. (18) of 2026 supersedes the 1961 Order Establishing the Dubai Municipality Council. The legislation also repeals provisions in other laws that conflict with it, but only to the extent of the conflict.
However, legislation, regulations, local orders, decisions and bylaws currently in force at Dubai Municipality will continue to apply, provided they do not conflict with the law or other legislation in force in Dubai.
This includes legislation issued pursuant to the 1961 Order Establishing the Dubai Municipality Council. These provisions will remain in effect until legislation, regulations, decisions and bylaws replacing them are issued.
Law No. (18) of 2026 will be published in the Official Gazette and will take effect from the date of its publication.
