Dubai Ruler His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, has issued Law No. 18 of 2026 concerning Dubai Municipality, defining its objectives, responsibilities and powers to support sustainable development, improve quality of life and strengthen the emirate’s global competitiveness.
The Law applies to Dubai Municipality, established under the 1961 Order Establishing the Dubai Municipality Council, as a government department with legal personality and the capacity to undertake all activities and transactions necessary to achieve its objectives.
Under the new legislation, the Municipality will exercise its powers and responsibilities throughout the Emirate of Dubai, including special development zones and free zones such as the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). However, its jurisdiction will remain subject to the provisions of the Law, related decisions and other applicable legislation, unless a specific legislative provision exempts a particular zone.
The Law sets out a broad range of objectives for Dubai Municipality, with a focus on developing a future-ready city that promotes quality of life, happiness and wellbeing. These objectives will be pursued through an integrated and sustainable urban planning system that supports economic growth, protects Dubai’s urban heritage and responds to the needs of future cities.
Another key priority is enhancing the urban environment through the development of world-class public and recreational facilities and the expansion of green spaces across the emirate. These initiatives are intended to create a more sustainable and liveable city while improving the overall wellbeing of residents and visitors.
The Municipality will also be responsible for developing infrastructure and advancing integrated waste management systems to support sustainable development and ensure the efficient use of resources. The legislation further seeks to strengthen the building and construction sector through the adoption of advanced global technologies, while maintaining high standards of public health, safety and food safety in line with international best practices.
The Law also emphasises stronger private-sector partnerships and the creation of new economic opportunities. It seeks to promote proactive, integrated municipal services that respond to community expectations and contribute to improved living standards. Building strategic relationships with government entities, cities and comparable institutions worldwide is another stated objective.
In addition to defining the Municipality’s mandate and powers, the legislation grants it oversight and inspection responsibilities, including the authority to verify compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Subject to existing legislation, Dubai Municipality may outsource any of its functions or powers to public or private entities through formal agreements. Such agreements must specify the respective rights and obligations of the Municipality and the contracted entity, together with the conditions, requirements and standards governing the outsourced activities.
The Law also establishes the framework for Dubai Municipality’s executive structure, comprising the Director General, executive directors and administrative and technical employees.
It sets out the procedures for appointing the Director General and defines the office-holder’s responsibilities and powers. The Director General will be appointed through a decree issued by the Ruler of Dubai and will be directly accountable to the Executive Council of Dubai for carrying out the duties assigned under the legislation.
The new legislation further specifies the Municipality’s financial resources and establishes rules governing its accounts and financial year in accordance with government accounting principles, standards and practices.
It also places a duty on individuals and government entities to cooperate fully with Dubai Municipality and its affiliated entities. They must meet the Municipality’s requirements and provide any data, information, documents, statistics and reports considered necessary for carrying out its functions and achieving its objectives under the Law, related decisions and applicable Dubai legislation.
Law No. 18 of 2026 replaces the 1961 Order Establishing the Dubai Municipality Council. Any provisions in other legislation that conflict with the new Law will stand repealed to the extent of the inconsistency.
Existing legislation, regulations, local orders, decisions and bylaws governing Dubai Municipality, including those issued under the 1961 Order, will remain in force provided they do not conflict with the new Law or other applicable legislation in Dubai. They will continue to apply until replaced by new legislation, regulations, decisions or bylaws.
The Law will be published in the Official Gazette and will come into force on the date of its publication.
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