Fit-Out Approvals in Dubai Explained – DM, DDA, Trakhees, and Free Zones
Introduction: Before You Fit-Out, Get Approved
In Dubai, whether you’re opening a café in Jumeirah, renovating an office in Business Bay, or upgrading a clinic in Dubai Silicon Oasis—you can’t just start interior works without getting fit-out approvals first.
From Dubai Municipality (DM) to Dubai Development Authority (DDA), Trakhees, and Free Zone Authorities, each jurisdiction has its own requirements, portals, and drawing standards. Missing a single step can result in penalties, delays, or stop-work notices.
At Structural Solutions, we help you navigate this process quickly and affordably through our freelance structural engineering services. We prepare all the technical documents—drawings, structural calculations, authority formats—so you can focus on execution, not paperwork.
What Is a Fit-Out Approval?
A fit-out approval is an official permit required to begin renovation or modification works in any commercial or residential unit in Dubai. This includes:
- Offices
- Shops and retail units
- Restaurants and cafes
- Medical clinics
- Warehouses and industrial spaces
- Residential apartments or villas
The approval ensures that your fit-out:
✅ Meets health and safety regulations
✅ Does not compromise the building structure
✅ Is compliant with fire, MEP, and access rules
✅ Is coordinated with the building’s master developer
Table of Contents
Who Issues Fit-Out Approvals in Dubai?
Depending on your location, your fit-out permit will come from one of the following:
| Authority | Covers |
| Dubai Municipality (DM) | Most of old Dubai, Deira, Bur Dubai, Karama, Satwa, Al Quoz |
| Dubai Development Authority (DDA) | Business Bay, Internet City, Media City, Design District, Tecom areas |
| Trakhees | JAFZA, Palm Jumeirah, Ibn Battuta, Al Furjan, Nakheel Freehold areas |
| Free Zones (IFZA, DSO, DMCC, etc.) | Zones like Silicon Oasis, JLT, DIFC, etc. |
| Community Developers (Nakheel, EMAAR, Meydan) | May require parallel approvals before final permit |
Knowing which entity governs your project location is step one—we help you determine this immediately.
Types of Works That Require Fit-Out Approval
| Fit-Out Activity | Approval Needed? |
| Installing partitions (gypsum/glass) | ✅ Yes |
| HVAC duct rerouting or AC changes | ✅ Yes |
| Lighting, sockets, and DB work | ✅ Yes |
| Flooring and tiling works | ⚠️ Sometimes |
| False ceiling or access panels | ✅ Yes |
| Plumbing for kitchen or bathroom | ✅ Yes |
| Branding signs and external boards | ✅ Separate Permit |
| Structural slab openings or wall removal | ✅ With Calculations |
Even non-structural modifications can require formal approval, especially in towers or shared commercial buildings.
Fit-Out Approval Process in Dubai – Step by Step
Here’s a simplified process we follow when managing fit-out approvals for our clients:
1. Identify the Authority
We determine whether your property falls under DM, DDA, Trakhees, or a Free Zone based on your trade license and location.
2. Collect Base Drawings
We help gather the existing floor plans from the developer or building management.
3. Prepare Drawings & Structural Documents
We prepare:
- Proposed layout (architectural)
- Structural impact analysis (if needed)
- Ceiling, partition, and MEP layouts
- Demolition and construction plans
- Authority-format drawing sheets
4. Submission to the Authority
You or your contractor upload the documents via:
- Dubai BPS (DM)
- E-Engineer Portal (DDA)
- EHS Trakhees System
- Dedicated Free Zone Portals
5. Authority Review and Approval
- Review usually takes 3–7 working days depending on authority and completeness
- Revisions may be requested—we handle these on your behalf
Common Fit-Out Authority Requirements in Dubai
| Authority | Required Documents |
| DM | Trade license, floor plan, structural declaration, stamped drawings |
| DDA | Existing + proposed drawings, calculations if wall is affected, contractor details |
| Trakhees | Form F4, F6, structural engineer report, EHS drawing submission |
| DIFC/DMCC | Approval from building FM, structural documents, fire safety plan |
We ensure that all documents are formatted per the latest templates of each authority.
How Structural Solutions Makes It Easy
As a freelance engineering firm, we’re focused on delivering fast, cost-effective, and compliant support—without the overhead of large consultancies.
Here’s how we help:
| Service | Provided By Structural Solutions |
| Scope identification and authority check | ✅ |
| Preparation of fit-out drawings (AutoCAD) | ✅ |
| Structural calculations for wall/slab works | ✅ |
| Authority-compliant document formatting | ✅ |
| Stamping by licensed UAE engineer | ✅ |
| Revision and coordination with contractor | ✅ |
We also coordinate with licensed contractors, AORs, or lead consultants if required—especially for projects that require full submissions under their name.
Cost & Timeline
| Fit-Out Type | Typical Turnaround | Freelance Fee (Starting) |
| Basic non-structural shop fit-out | 3–5 working days | AED 2,000–2,500 |
| Office layout with partitions | 5–7 working days | AED 2,500–3,500 |
| Fit-out with slab opening or wall removal | 7–10 working days | AED 3,500–5,500 |
You pay only for what you need—no monthly retainers, no hidden fees.
Real-Life Fit-Out Projects We’ve Supported
🏢 Office in Business Bay (DDA)
- Wall reconfiguration and glass partitions
- Structural declaration + submission documents
- Approved within 4 working days
☕ Coffee Shop in JVC (Trakhees + Nakheel)
- New layout, AC, plumbing shifts
- Coordination with landlord + Trakhees
- Approved in 7 working days
🏥 Medical Unit in DSO (IFZA)
- Treatment rooms and reception upgrades
- Fit-out plans + fire compliance support
- Approval obtained before DHA licensing inspection
Why Clients Trust Structural Solutions
✅ Fast delivery without consultant delays
✅ Affordable for SMEs and contractors
✅ Compliant with all authority formats
✅ Handled dozens of submissions across all zones
✅ Support from experienced UAE-licensed engineers
And if needed, we collaborate with our partner Nirvana AEC to act as AOR (Architect of Record) for projects requiring full consultancy sign-off.
FAQs
Q: Can you help if my contractor has no consultant?
✅ Yes. We often work behind the scenes with contractors to prepare all structural documentation and submission packages.
Q: What if my location falls under two authorities (e.g., Nakheel + Trakhees)?
✅ No problem. We’ll advise which approvals are needed and in what order.
Q: Do you visit the site?
✅ Optional. For most fit-out works, we can complete documentation based on photos and existing plans. Site visits are available on request.
Conclusion: Don’t Let Paperwork Delay Your Fit-Out
In Dubai, fit-out projects can move fast—but only if the approvals are in place. Avoid delays, violations, and rejected submissions by working with a structural team that knows the system inside out.
At Structural Solutions, we:
- Handle structural drawings and fit-out documentation
- Coordinate submissions with authorities
- Work freelance (no need to hire a full consultant)
- Deliver within 3–7 working days
Whether you’re a contractor, business owner, or interior designer, we’ll make sure your next fit-out project is ready to go—legally, safely, and quickly.
📩 Start your fit-out approval now – Send us your location and scope.
🌐 www.structuralsolutions.ae
📧 info@structuralsolutions.ae
📞 Call or WhatsApp: 055 339 4451
Structural Solutions – Dubai’s Trusted Partner for Fast, Freelance Fit-Out Approvals.
