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: 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 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: 4. Submission to the Authority You or your contractor upload the documents via: 5. Authority Review and Approval 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) ☕ Coffee Shop in JVC (Trakhees + Nakheel) 🏥 Medical Unit in DSO (IFZA) 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 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: 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.