Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Issues Law To Streamline Government Land Allocation For Public Entities In Dubai

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in his role as the Ruler of Dubai, has enacted Law No. (6) of 2025. This law focuses on the allocation of government land plots to public entities within Dubai. The primary goal is to align these allocations with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, ensuring efficient use and distribution of government plots.

The law specifies conditions for allocating government land to both federal and local public entities. It aims to support these entities in delivering services, fulfilling duties, and establishing necessary facilities for their legal functions. This ensures that land allocation aligns with their operational needs.

Dubai Municipality plays a crucial role under this law by overseeing land allocation processes. In line with Law No. (16) of 2023 on Urban Planning in Dubai, the Municipality coordinates with local government bodies. Their tasks include receiving land requests from public entities and assessing the actual need for such land.

Additionally, Dubai Municipality is tasked with issuing site maps for allocated lands and maintaining a registry of relevant data. They also coordinate with the Land Department to ensure data alignment between both registries. This coordination helps streamline land management processes across different departments.

The law grants Dubai Municipality authority to reclaim government land allocated to public entities under specific conditions outlined in the regulations. If necessary conditions are met, they can change the location or require removal of constructions on these lands. This ensures flexibility in managing government plots effectively.

Criteria for allocating government land include urgent needs based on economic, security, social, and service factors. The availability of land and its proposed use's importance are also considered during allocation decisions. These criteria help prioritise allocations based on necessity and strategic importance.

Implementation and Legal Framework

The Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai will issue decisions needed to implement this law effectively. Any existing legislation that contradicts this new law will be annulled upon its enforcement. The law becomes effective 30 days after its publication in the Official Gazette, ensuring a clear timeline for implementation.

This legislative framework aims to optimise land use by aligning it with strategic urban planning goals while providing public entities with necessary resources to fulfil their mandates efficiently.

With inputs from WAM