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Dubai Ruler Issues Law Expanding Dubai Municipality Mandate Across Free Zones

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has enacted Law No. (18) of 2026 concerning Dubai Municipality. The law establishes the municipality's regulatory jurisdiction across the entire emirate, including free zones and special development zones, unless explicitly exempted. It also broadens its oversight of urban planning, infrastructure, waste management, and the commercial construction sector.

Published Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM)
Issuing authority
Ruler of Dubai
Jurisdiction
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Publication date
November 12, 2026
Stage
Final rule
Official document
Law No. (18) of 2026
Official source
www.wam.ae
Illustration: A modern architectural construction site in Dubai with cranes and commercial buildings under a clear daytime sky, editorial news photogr
Illustration

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, enacted Law No. (18) of 2026 concerning the Dubai Municipality on November 12, 2026, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM).

The new legislation outlines an updated governance framework, statutory mandate, and operational objectives for Dubai Municipality aimed at advancing sustainable urban development and economic competitiveness.

Under the law, Dubai Municipality exercises its regulatory powers and mandate across all areas of Dubai, including special development zones and free zones such as the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), unless specific legislation explicitly provides an exemption.

The statutory scope of Dubai Municipality covers managing urban planning, developing public and recreational infrastructure, and overseeing integrated waste management. Additionally, the legislation formally broadens the authority's regulatory control over Dubai's building, engineering, and commercial construction sectors.

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