Do I need separate approvals for each mall in a brand roll-out?
Yes. Each mall approves its own fit-out, and each unit needs its own DCD approval and final inspection.
The short answer
Yes. Each mall approves the fit-out for its own unit, each unit needs its own Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) approval and final inspection, and some malls also need an authority permit, such as DDA at Dubai Hills Mall or Trakhees in Nakheel malls and Atlantis. A standard store design can be reused, but each submission is adapted to the unit and the mall's requirements. Structural Solutions handles roll-outs mall by mall.
Need the stamp?
Upload your fit-out drawings and trade licence. We stamp them as consultant and initiate the mall, authority and DCD approvals on your behalf.
Request a mall fit-out stamp →What you need to know
- Consultant stamp: Drawings stamped by a consultant, not by the fit-out contractor.
- Drawings: Architectural partitions and ceilings, MEP and fire safety.
- DCD: Every commercial fit-out change, including partitions, ceilings and any decoration update, needs Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) approval, a DCD final inspection and a completion certificate before the unit opens.
- Who appoints us: The fit-out contractor, the tenant or the brand.
Documents for the submission
- Trade licence and tenancy contract (lease or Ejari)
- Unit plan and the mall or landlord fit-out requirements
- Fit-out drawings: partitions, ceilings and finishes
- MEP and fire safety drawings
- Fit-out contractor details
Who does what
Step by step
We confirm the route for your unit before you start.
| Step | Approval route | Guides |
|---|---|---|
| Drawings and stamp Structural Solutions (consultant) | Partition, ceiling, MEP and fire safety drawings, stamped as consultant. | Which drawings? |
| Mall approval The mall | Reviews and approves the stamped drawings. | Mall or authority? |
| Authority permit (some malls) Consultant → DDA or Trakhees | For example DDA for Dubai Hills Mall, Trakhees for Nakheel malls and Atlantis. | Dubai Hills Mall Nakheel malls |
| DCD approval Structural Solutions → DCD | Fire and life safety approval, submitted by us as consultant. | DCD for mall fit-outs |
| Final inspection DCD and the mall | Final inspection and completion certificate before opening. | What DCD checks |
Questions
Related questions
Can I reuse the same drawings?
The store design can be reused, but the drawings are adapted to each unit and mall.
Does each store need a final inspection?
Yes. Each unit needs a DCD final inspection before opening.
Do you handle several malls at once?
Yes, for brands and their fit-out contractors.
Do all malls need an authority permit?
No. It depends on the mall.
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