Dubai To Launch New Contractor Rating System By 2026; Suspends Two Firms
The new standards are part of Dubai's broader efforts to transform its construction and urban development sector into one that is more intelligent, sustainable, and globally competitive.
Set to take effect in early 2026, the updated system will incorporate a wider range of performance indicators and assessment criteria. These changes are intended to enable more precise evaluations of technical capacity, project execution quality, regulatory compliance, and sustainability practices.
In a related development, Dubai Municipality also announced that the Licensing and Professional Practice Registration Committee has issued a six-month suspension to two engineering consultancy offices. The firms are barred from obtaining permits for any new projects during the suspension period.
The disciplinary action followed investigations that uncovered professional practices in violation of approved regulations and ethical standards—conduct the Municipality warned could endanger the interests of property owners and developers. The names of the suspended firms were not disclosed.
As part of its updated evaluation system, the Municipality will introduce new performance criteria for contractors and engineering consultancy offices. The revised framework will assess factors such as: Financial solvency
Emiratisation rates
Participation in corporate social responsibility initiatives
Timely project delivery
Adoption of innovative, tech-driven project designs and execution methods
Integration of detailed feedback from property owners
Eng. Maryam Al Muhairi, CEO of the Buildings Regulation and Permits Agency at Dubai Municipality, stated that the enhanced system is part of the municipality's broader effort to raise construction quality, support innovation, and elevate global competitiveness in the sector. It also seeks to improve proactive services and strengthen the business environment for engineering professionals and consultancy firms in Dubai.
'The evaluation system for contractors and consultancy offices serves as a key driver for improving performance and quality,' Al Muhairi said.
'It reflects our commitment to providing property owners and developers with transparent data on consultants and contractors, enabling informed decision-making when selecting firms for their projects.'
Stakeholders will also be able to participate in performance evaluations via electronic surveys through the municipality's 'Build in Dubai' (BID) platform, further promoting transparency and trust.
Al Muhairi added that the development of the new standards will involve close collaboration with contracting firms and consultancies. The municipality will host regular meetings and engagement sessions to gather feedback and suggestions before the new system is formally rolled out.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Insider
3 days ago
- Gulf Insider
Dubai To Launch New Contractor Rating System By 2026; Suspends Two Firms
Dubai Municipality has announced a comprehensive update to its Contractor and Engineering Consultancy Rating System, aiming to implement a more accurate and integrated framework for evaluating the performance of construction firms and engineering offices across the emirate. The new standards are part of Dubai's broader efforts to transform its construction and urban development sector into one that is more intelligent, sustainable, and globally competitive. Set to take effect in early 2026, the updated system will incorporate a wider range of performance indicators and assessment criteria. These changes are intended to enable more precise evaluations of technical capacity, project execution quality, regulatory compliance, and sustainability practices. In a related development, Dubai Municipality also announced that the Licensing and Professional Practice Registration Committee has issued a six-month suspension to two engineering consultancy offices. The firms are barred from obtaining permits for any new projects during the suspension period. The disciplinary action followed investigations that uncovered professional practices in violation of approved regulations and ethical standards—conduct the Municipality warned could endanger the interests of property owners and developers. The names of the suspended firms were not disclosed. As part of its updated evaluation system, the Municipality will introduce new performance criteria for contractors and engineering consultancy offices. The revised framework will assess factors such as: Financial solvency Emiratisation rates Participation in corporate social responsibility initiatives Timely project delivery Adoption of innovative, tech-driven project designs and execution methods Integration of detailed feedback from property owners Eng. Maryam Al Muhairi, CEO of the Buildings Regulation and Permits Agency at Dubai Municipality, stated that the enhanced system is part of the municipality's broader effort to raise construction quality, support innovation, and elevate global competitiveness in the sector. It also seeks to improve proactive services and strengthen the business environment for engineering professionals and consultancy firms in Dubai. 'The evaluation system for contractors and consultancy offices serves as a key driver for improving performance and quality,' Al Muhairi said. 'It reflects our commitment to providing property owners and developers with transparent data on consultants and contractors, enabling informed decision-making when selecting firms for their projects.' Stakeholders will also be able to participate in performance evaluations via electronic surveys through the municipality's 'Build in Dubai' (BID) platform, further promoting transparency and trust. Al Muhairi added that the development of the new standards will involve close collaboration with contracting firms and consultancies. The municipality will host regular meetings and engagement sessions to gather feedback and suggestions before the new system is formally rolled out.
Gulf Insider
6 days ago
- Gulf Insider
Illegal Partitioned Rooms, Bed Spaces In Dubai: Safety Risks And The Search For Sustainable Housing Solutions
Crackdown on illegal partitioned rooms and bed spaces is underway, targeting serious safety risks—from fire hazards to blocked emergency exits—in crowded residential buildings, particularly in areas like Deira. Recently, Dubai Municipality, alongside the Dubai Land Department and Civil Defense, has launched intensified inspections across key residential hotspots like Deira, Al Riqqa, Satwa, Al Barsha, and Al Raffa. Their target? Illegal partitioned rooms and bed spaces that pose serious safety risks—from fire hazards to blocked emergency exits—in crowded residential buildings. Partitioned rooms might seem like a quick fix for affordable housing, especially for lower-income residents, but in Dubai, they're a big no-no without official approval. Authorities are taking a firm stand against these unauthorized modifications, emphasizing that safety cannot be compromised for convenience or cost savings. Scroll through Facebook ads for just a few minutes, and you'll find a shadow housing market thriving in plain sight. Partitioned rooms are being rented out for as much as Dh1,400 a month—often just a slice of someone else's living space, separated by thin walls or curtains. In Satwa, a loft bed squeezed above a cupboard in a makeshift room can go for Dh600. It's barely enough space to stand, let alone live. In Deira, partitions can be found for Dh650, sometimes higher if they come 'all in'—meaning free Wi-Fi, DEWA, and maybe a balcony shared with several others. For those chasing affordability, a 'fully closed' partition can go as low as Dh800 in some areas, or Dh700 for a single-person slot. The price varies by location and perks, but the bottom line remains: these setups are often cramped, poorly ventilated, and unregulated. Yet for many low-income workers, these hidden corners of the city are the only option. The question is—how long can this patchwork system go on before safety, dignity, and affordability collide? But the problem isn't confined to old Dubai's jam-packed neighborhoods—it's creeping into the city's most upscale corners. Take Dubai Marina's Jumeirah Beach Residences, for example. A British tenant, living in Dubai since 2008, who requested anonymity, blew the whistle on a four-bedroom apartment in Sadaf illegally converted into a seven-bedroom bunker, crammed with up to 60 people sleeping in bunk beds. Some are renting beds at a bargain Dh100 each, openly advertised on Facebook as a 'holiday home' — without a single permit. This isn't just rule-breaking; it's blatant exploitation and a disaster looming on the horizon. With no proper air conditioning, zero privacy, and fire exits blocked by makeshift bedrooms in utility spaces, the risk isn't hypothetical—it's a disaster waiting to happen. The consequences could be catastrophic. As Dubai cracks down on illegal partitions, the conversation around affordable and safe housing for low-income workers is reaching a boiling point. The challenge goes beyond enforcement—it calls for bold, creative solutions that balance dignity, safety, and economic realities. Some experts suggest government-backed subsidized housing schemes tailored for workers earning less than Dh2,000 a month. Imagine safe, regulated homes within the city that don't cost a fortune but meet strict safety standards—a real alternative to cramped, unsafe rooms. Developers could also play a key role – Builders can include affordable, purpose-built accommodations in their projects, creating a long-term fix rather than a quick patch. Meanwhile, flexible shared housing models—legal co-living spaces with privacy and safety—could offer a modern, community-driven solution that respects workers' needs and budgets. For those who can't afford Dubai rents, relocating to more affordable cities on the outskirts is an option—but the long commute poses a significant challenge. Some have proposed transport subsidies or dedicated shuttle services to ease the burden on workers' time and finances. As Dubai continues to grow and transform, safe and affordable housing for its workforce is no longer optional—it's urgent. The crackdown on illegal partitions exposes a deeper crisis that needs real solutions. With smart enforcement, bold innovation, and public awareness, Dubai can build safe, inclusive, dignified homes for everyone who powers the city's success.
Gulf Insider
21-05-2025
- Gulf Insider
UAE Tells Firms to Hire Emiratis by June 30 or Face Fines
The UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has called on private sector companies with 50 or more employees to meet Emiratisation targets for the first half of 2025 and achieve a growth of 1 per cent or more in the number of UAE citizens employed in skilled jobs out of their total skilled workforce by June 30. Starting from July 1, the Ministry will begin verifying the extent to which companies have complied with the set targets, as well as other related requirements, which include registering the Emirati nationals they employ with a social security fund and consistently paying the required contributions. Compliance with these conditions allows companies to avoid financial contributions, which will be imposed on establishments that violate these terms. Farida Al Ali, MoHRE's Assistant Under-Secretary of National Talents, said: 'The impressive performance we have seen in the labour market, coupled with the UAE's rapid economic growth, serve to enhance private sector companies' ability to meet their Emiratisation targets. 'This progress goes hand in hand with a well-established partnership approach between the Ministry and the Nafis programme, supporting the achievement of Emiratisation policies and targets across the private sector.' Al Ali praised the private sector's engagement with Emiratisation policies and its commitment to meeting the required targets, which has had a positive impact on this national priority. The number of Emiratis working in the private sector has reached an unprecedented milestone of over 136,000 UAE citizens employed across 28,000 companies by the end of April 2025, she revealed, asserting her confidence in these companies' ability to continue meeting their targets, particularly by taking advantage of the Nafis platform, which hosts a large pool of qualified Emirati candidates suited for the targeted jobs. Furthermore, she noted that the Ministry will continue to offer incentives and benefits to companies that achieve exceptional Emiratisation results, which include membership in the Emiratisation Partners Club. Benefits for members of the Club include financial discounts of up to 80 percent on MoHRE service fees and priority in the government procurement system, which enhances their business growth opportunities. The Ministry has developed a highly efficient digital field inspection system to detect fraudulent practices, such as engaging in 'Fake Emiratisation' schemes or attempting to circumvent Emiratisation targets. Between mid-2022 and April 2025, the system successfully flagged around 2,200 establishments found to be in violation of Emiratisation policies and decisions, and legal actions have been taken against them. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation provides various channels to report practices that violate Emiratisation policies in the private sector, including a call centre that can be reached at 600590000, in addition to the Ministry's smart application and official website. Also read: UAE Air Taxi Trials to Begin This Year
