Regional planning hub
Planning in Dubai
Dubai's planning system is split between Dubai Municipality (DM) and special zones administered by Trakhees (DDA, JAFZA, DSO). Atlasly normalises rules across zones into a single capacity study.
Use this overview to plan your research. Verify current requirements and site-specific conditions against the relevant primary sources. Read our data sources, coverage and limits guide.
Framework
Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, Dubai Building Code, sector-specific regulations from DDA, JAFZA, DSO, DAFZA, and Dubai South.
Key policies
- Plot ratio (FAR): Each plot has a defined FAR in the affection plan. Atlasly reads FAR per plot and back-calculates the maximum GFA.
- Height limits: Set by sector, view corridors, and aviation safeguarding. Atlasly applies aviation safeguarding from DCA cone data.
- Setbacks and side yards: Regulated per use class. Atlasly's massing engine respects sector-specific setbacks.
- Parking standards: Use-based standards from DM, often relaxed in metro-served areas. Atlasly auto-applies parking standards.
Process
- Affection plan: Plot-specific planning rights. Atlasly extracts FAR, height, and use from the affection plan automatically.
- Concept approval: Submitted via DM e-services or relevant Trakhees portal.
- Building permit: Issued post detailed design and code compliance review.
Questions
Who regulates Downtown Dubai?
Emaar handles internal review and DM approves the building permit.
Are there freehold restrictions?
Foreign freehold ownership is permitted only in designated freehold areas. Atlasly flags freehold status per plot.
Explore a site in Dubai (DM and Trakhees)
Start with the site location and inspect the available evidence. Confirm the applicable local policies and data coverage.
Open Atlas AIReview current plans and usage and source coverage for your project.