DDA & DCM Approval, Ultimate NOC Success Guide for Dubai
DCM Approval and Infrastructure NOC are your first essential steps when planning infrastructure, utility, or structural work in a community managed by Dubai Community Management (DCM). With the latest update from DCM and the introduction of the DDA Portal as the centralized submission platform (effective 25 March 2024), the approval process has become more streamlined—but only if you understand how to navigate it properly.
This guide is designed to help investors, consultants, and contractors get fast-track approvals by understanding the types of NOCs, how to apply through the DDA portal, which communities fall under DCM, and how Structural Solutions can help you through every step.
Table of Contents
What Changed in 2024?
Starting 25 March 2024, all infrastructure NOC submissions for DCM-managed master communities must go through the DDA Portal. This move enhances efficiency and consolidates all technical requests in one digital hub.
DCM emphasized this system will allow:
- Faster responses to NOC submissions
- Better tracking and feedback via “Connect with Us” feature
- Consolidation of requests like infrastructure designs, inspections, and site access into one platform
Important Note: While DCM and DDA handle most infrastructure-related NOCs, any requests related to design review or modification, additional power requirements, or changes in planning parameters—such as:
- Additional Gross Floor Area (GFA)
- Height adjustments
- Land use changes
- Plot merger or demerger
will continue to be handled directly by:
- DHRE for Meraas & DHRE master communities
- DHAM for TECOM developments
Applicants must coordinate separately with these authorities for such planning and architectural-level changes.
Types of Infrastructure NOC Requests on DDA Portal
Based on DCM’s latest communication and internal documentation, here are the key requests now available on the portal:
- Request for Site Services Information
- Request for Design Review of Sewerage Connection
- Request for Inspection of Sewerage Connection
- Gate Level & Building Access Confirmation
- Shoring NOC – Infrastructure
- Road Closure / Diversion NOC
- Right-of-Way (ROW) Work NOC
- Infrastructure Design Review (Roads & Utilities)
- Infrastructure Work Completion Certification
These requests ensure that any project complies with utility access, traffic diversion rules, shoring safety, and infrastructure design standards.
Which Master Communities Fall Under DCM?
Your project may fall under DCM approval scope if it’s within any of the following residential, industrial, or mixed-use communities:
TECOM & Free Zones:
- Dubai Internet City
- Dubai Media City
- Dubai Knowledge Park
- Dubai Studio City
- Dubai Science Park
- Dubai Production City
- Dubai Outsource City
- Dubai Design District
- Tecom Sites A, B (Sufouh Gardens), C (Barsha Heights), D
Residential Communities:
- Arjan, Majan, Mudon, Serena, Al Waha
- Liwan, The Villa, Villanova, Dubailand Residence Complex
- Business Bay, Jaddaf Waterfront
- Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), City Walk, Bluewaters
- Al Khawaneej Phases 1 & 2, Al Satwa 1 & 2, Jumeirah Garden City
- Nad Al Shiba, Nad Al Hamar, Um Amaraa (Wasl District), Al Warsan Industrial/Residential
- Jebel Ali Hills, Jebel Ali Industrial, La Mer, Pearl Jumeirah
- Dubai Harbour, Cherrywoods, Madinat Jumeirah Living
If you’re unsure whether your community falls under DCM, reach out to Structural Solutions—we’ll verify your plot for you.
How to Submit Infrastructure NOC Requests via the DDA Portal
Here’s a simplified version of how to handle the application process efficiently:
Step 1: Create/Access Your DDA Portal Account
- Login at https://portal.dda.gov.ae
- Set up access as a consultant, contractor, or owner representative
Step 2: Select the Relevant Community and Request Type
- Choose from the predefined list of requests (e.g. Right of Way Work, Road Closure, Design Review)
Step 3: Upload Required Documentation
Typical requirements include:
- Proposed Infrastructure Drawings (AutoCAD & PDF)
- Title Deed / Site Ownership Documents
- Emirates ID / Passport Copy
- Affection Plan & Plot Demarcation
- Method Statement & Risk Assessment
- Shoring or Excavation Drawings (if applicable)
Step 4: Pay Applicable Fees
- Each NOC type has a fee range (often AED 500–2000 depending on request type)
Step 5: Track & Communicate via “Connect with Us”
- Use the DDA portal’s messaging tool to clarify or respond to review comments
- Download the NOC once approved
Common Issues That Delay Approvals
From Reddit threads to real-case experiences, these are the top mistakes that can delay your DDA/DCM NOC:
- Submitting without updated affection plan
- Uploading CAD drawings without proper layers or scales
- No consultant/engineer stamp on design drawings
- Omitting method statements for ROW or Shoring works
- No structural calculations for design reviews
Timelines to Expect
- Document Preparation: 2–3 working days
- Initial Review: 5–7 working days
- Resubmissions (if any): 3–5 working days
- Final NOC: Within 10–15 working days overall
At Structural Solutions, we aim to reduce this to 7–10 days by submitting complete and compliant packages from Day 1.
Structural Solutions’ Role in Your DDA/DCM NOC Application
We offer full consultancy and support services, including:
- Review of project scope & site requirements
- Preparing compliant design drawings (CAD + PDF)
- Drafting method statements, risk assessments, and planning layouts
- Uploading and tracking submissions via DDA portal
- Handling technical clarifications
You don’t need a full-time consultant—just hire us on-demand.
Real Case Example: Road Diversion Permit in Arjan
Our client needed to close a secondary road to install a water pipeline. Their in-house team attempted submission but were rejected twice. Once Structural Solutions took over:
- We restructured the site plan with proper detour and signage
- Uploaded method statement signed by safety officer
- Got approval within 6 working days
FAQs
Q: Is the DDA portal mandatory for all requests now?
Yes, from March 25, 2024, all DCM community infrastructure NOCs must be submitted via DDA portal.
Q: Can I submit a request without a licensed consultant?
No. Most submissions, especially involving infrastructure design, require licensed professionals.
Q: Can I apply for multiple requests simultaneously?
Yes. The portal allows batch submissions but each requires documentation and fees.
Q: Who manages approvals in Meraas or DHRE sites?
For such areas, DHRE or DHAM (for TECOM) manages changes like GFA, height, or land use.
📞 Need Help with Your Infrastructure NOC?
Whether it’s for road closures, site access, or infrastructure design reviews—Structural Solutions has your back. We’ve successfully managed approvals in:
- Arjan, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Bluewaters, La Mer
- Internet City, Barsha Heights, Dubai Studio City, and more
👉 Let us deal with the DDA portal so you don’t have to.
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