Dubai warns engineering firms against exaggerated designs for citizens' villas

The Dubai Municipality issued warnings to several engineering consultancy firms concerning practices that included exaggerated structural designs for villas owned by citizens.

These designs contravene the requirements of the Dubai Building Code, leading to an unjustified increase in construction costs without proven engineering necessity.

This measure follows the issuance of previous circulars by Dubai Municipality to all consulting offices in the emirate, urging them to adhere to the Dubai Building Code, comply with regulatory requirements, and adhere to approved engineering standards.

It is in line with the municipality's commitment to regulating the construction sector, enhancing its competitiveness and monitoring non-abiding activities and practices, in order to ensure quality implementation, reduce financial burdens on owners and preserve the rights of all stakeholders.

Mariam Al Muhairi, an engineer and the CEO of the Building Regulation and Permits Agency at Dubai Municipality, said: 'Consulting offices' compliance with the Dubai Building Code is a professional and ethical responsibility before it is a regulatory obligation. The aim is to strike a balance between construction quality and low costs.

"We are committed to monitoring and overseeing the practices of consulting offices and contractors to ensure compliance with approved engineering requirements and standards, and to prevent the excessive use of building materials, such as steel, and the imposition of unnecessary additional costs on citizens. This will improve construction efficiency, reduce costs without compromising safety or quality, and guarantee the implementation of the highest standards to create a safe and sustainable built environment,” Mariam Al Muhairi.

Dubai Municipality has urged engineering consulting firms to avoid repeating these practices in order to prevent a negative impact on their annual evaluations, which could potentially lead to disciplinary action in accordance with applicable regulations and systems.

Earlier, the DM announced the suspension of two engineering consulting offices and the prevention of the aforementioned establishments from licensing any new projects for a period of six months. This decision was made after the municipality conducted a thorough monitoring process of practices that conflicted with approved regulations, requirements, and professional ethics, which had the potential to negatively affect the interests of owners and developers.

Dubai Municipality is committed to regulating the construction sector and enhancing compliance with the Dubai Building Code's requirements and standards. This will make the sector more competitive, reduce waste and unnecessary costs, and support an attractive business environment, while achieving the highest quality standards.