Dubai Municipality's new law replaces the 1961 Order, covers free zones such as DIFC and keeps existing bylaws in force until they are replaced.
Law No. (18) of 2026 on Dubai Municipality, issued on Thursday, replaces the 1961 Order and applies across the emirate, including free zones, from the date it is published in the Official Gazette.
The Law was issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister, in his capacity as Ruler of Dubai, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM).
For residents, builders and businesses, the practical point is that existing municipality rules do not lapse. Legislation, regulations, local orders, decisions and bylaws already in force continue to apply, unless they conflict with the new Law or other Dubai legislation, until replacements are issued.
Dubai Municipality will exercise its mandate and powers across the whole emirate, including special development zones and free zones such as the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
That applies unless a specific legislative provision exempts a zone from the Municipality’s jurisdiction, the Dubai Media Office said.
The Law treats the Municipality as a government department with legal personality. It can undertake the acts and activities needed to achieve its objectives.
The objectives cover integrated and sustainable urban planning, public and recreational facilities, more green spaces, infrastructure and integrated waste management.
They also include advancing the building and construction sector through globally advanced technologies, and ensuring public health and safety and food safety in line with international best practice.
Further objectives are stronger partnerships with the private sector and with government entities, cities and peer institutions worldwide.
The Law defines the Municipality’s mandate and powers, including its authority to carry out oversight and inspection and to verify compliance with applicable legislation.
It also allows the Municipality to outsource any of its functions or powers to a public or private entity.
That must be done under an agreement setting out the rights and obligations of both sides, along with the conditions, requirements and standards for carrying out the work.
All persons and government entities must cooperate fully with the Municipality and its affiliated entities.
That includes providing any data, information, documents, statistics and reports the Municipality requests and considers necessary for its functions.
The Law regulates the Municipality’s executive body, made up of the Director General, executive directors and administrative and technical employees.
The Director General will be appointed by a decree issued by the Ruler of Dubai and will be directly accountable to the Executive Council of Dubai.
The Law also defines the Municipality’s financial resources and regulates its accounts and financial year in line with government accounting principles, standards and practices.
The 1961 Order Establishing the Dubai Municipality Council is cited among the legal bases of existing municipality rules. Executive Council Resolution No. (18) of 2013, issued on June 26, 2013, set planning application and billboard permit fees and cites the Order in its preamble.
Under that schedule, an unlit advertisement on a light pole costs AED 6,000 per pole per year, and a lit one AED 12,000. The Dubai Media Office and WAM did not mention any fee change in their accounts of the new Law.
The Law takes effect on its publication in the Official Gazette. Current municipality rules stay in force until new legislation, regulations, decisions and bylaws replace them.
