Dubai sets five-day deadline for mosque construction permits

Dubai Municipality and the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) have introduced a fast-track system to speed up mosque construction approvals, with permits now set to be issued within a maximum of five days, WAM reported.

The initiative aims to simplify approval procedures, reduce processing times and improve services related to mosque construction and maintenance.

How quickly will Dubai issue mosque construction permits?

Under the new system, permits will be issued within five days. Dubai Municipality and IACAD will review mosque designs and assess technical requirements at an early stage to prevent delays during the approval process.

The authorities have also simplified construction requirements to focus on the essential operational needs of mosques and their associated facilities.

Do mosque maintenance works require construction permits?

Not all maintenance work will require a construction permit. Under the new arrangement, maintenance activities that do not involve specialised structural changes will be covered by a self-maintenance service, subject to applicable regulations.

The collaboration also covers modifications and extensions to existing mosques, with the aim of making maintenance and development procedures more efficient.

How will the initiative support mosque development?

Dubai Municipality will coordinate with IACAD to assess land availability in areas with high numbers of worshippers, helping identify locations where additional mosque capacity may be needed.

The municipality will also provide landscaping support within mosque premises, ensuring that improvements complement surrounding roads and public spaces and maintain a consistent design approach across the emirate. Its other initiatives include a stray animal feeding station project.

What did Dubai Municipality say?

Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director-General of Dubai Municipality, said the partnership reflects Dubai's approach to government integration by creating a clearer and faster process for construction approvals.

He said simplified requirements and expanded digital services through the unified Dubai Building Platform would help accelerate project delivery and improve service quality.

The initiative will also support the development of infrastructure for religious facilities in line with Dubai's urban growth, he added.

What did IACAD say?

Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Director-General of IACAD, said cooperation between government entities was essential to delivering services that respond to community needs.

He said the partnership would better align mosque planning, construction and maintenance with urban development and the requirements of residential communities.

The streamlined procedures are expected to accelerate projects, improve mosque services and ensure religious facilities are better equipped to serve worshippers, he added.