Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport has mandated that owners of commercial buildings and villas older than 30 years obtain a building occupancy certificate. This certificate confirms the buildings' readiness for occupancy and their compliance with approved safety and public health requirements.
The department initially granted a deadline of September 16th, which was later extended to November 30th, to allow building owners additional time to complete the necessary procedures and submit applications through the electronic municipal licensing system.
The occupancy certificate is a regulatory document issued by the relevant Municipality and granted to the building owner. It confirms the building's suitability for occupancy and use according to approved requirements. Occupation or use is prohibited without a valid certificate, which is valid for up to five years, depending on the building type and nature of occupancy.
The Municipality clarified that certain buildings older than 30 years are subject to the occupancy certificate requirements. This certificate is issued after verifying the building's readiness for use and its adherence to approved safety, construction quality, and regulatory standards.
The statement clarified that the buildings covered are those over 30 years old, including commercial and residential buildings, commercial and investment villas, and buildings with a technical report approved by the Urban Planning and Licensing Centre indicating structural defects affecting public safety.
Currently, privately owned residential villas, public housing, industrial and government buildings, and public facilities are exempt from this procedure.
Owners, investors, or managers of commercial buildings or investment villas over 30 years old are urged to begin the process of obtaining an occupancy certificate within the specified timeframe and to engage a classified consulting firm to complete the required procedures.