Does a mall fit-out need an authority permit, or only mall approval?
It depends on the mall. Dubai Outlet Mall needs the mall approval and DCD; Dubai Hills Mall adds DDA; Nakheel malls and Atlantis add Trakhees.
The short answer
It depends on the mall. At Dubai Outlet Mall, the fit-out needs the mall approval of consultant-stamped drawings plus Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) approval. At Dubai Hills Mall, the mall community management approves first, then DDA, then DCD. In Nakheel malls, Nakheel community management approves, then Trakhees, then DCD, and retail units inside Atlantis and Jumeirah Beach Hotel follow the same Trakhees route. Structural Solutions confirms the route for your mall and handles each step.
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
Is DCD always needed?
Yes. Every commercial fit-out change needs DCD approval.
Who applies for the authority permit?
We do, as consultant.
What about other malls?
Send us the mall name and we confirm the route.
Can works start after the mall approval?
Only once every required approval for that mall is in place.
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