In his capacity as the Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister, has enacted Law No. (6) of 2025 regarding the allocation of government land plots to public entities within Dubai. This legislation is vital for enhancing the city’s infrastructure and supports the broader vision outlined in the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.
The primary aim of the law is to align land allocation with the strategic goals set forth in the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. It seeks to streamline the distribution of land, ensure the efficient use of government plots, and provide public entities with the necessary land to fulfill their mandates effectively.
The law establishes the criteria under which government land plots are allocated to both federal and local public entities. This effort is designed to guarantee that land is distributed in a manner that enables these entities to deliver essential services, meet their obligations, and develop the facilities required to perform their legal functions.
Dubai Municipality’s role in land management
The law delineates the responsibilities of Dubai Municipality in managing land allocation, adhering to Law No. (16) of 2023 concerning Urban Planning in Dubai, and collaborating with local government entities. Among these responsibilities are receiving land allocation requests from public entities, evaluating the actual need for the land, and determining the appropriate locations and sizes of the requested plots.
Dubai Municipality is also tasked with issuing site maps for the allocated government land, maintaining a comprehensive registry of land data, and coordinating with the Land Department to ensure consistency across both registries.
Law No. (6) of 2025 empowers Dubai Municipality to reclaim government land allotted to public entities, modify its location, or mandate the removal of any constructions if any conditions for land recovery specified in the law and regulations are fulfilled. The law clearly outlines the specific scenarios in which the Municipality can reclaim allocated land.
Criteria for land allocation
The law stipulates criteria for the distribution of government land, emphasizing the urgent need for land based on economic, security, social, and service considerations. It also evaluates the availability of land and the significance of its intended use.
The Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai will issue the necessary decisions to implement this law. Furthermore, the new law nullifies any other legislation that may conflict with its provisions. It will take effect 30 days following its publication in the Official Gazette.
