In a strategic move to bolster Dubai’s long-term urban development, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, has enacted Law No. (6) of 2025, introducing a new framework for the equitable allocation of government-owned land to public entities.
The newly issued law is a key pillar in the ongoing execution of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which aims to transform Dubai into one of the world’s most liveable cities through thoughtful infrastructure expansion, sustainable planning, and resource optimization.
Supporting Efficient Land Use for Public Services
Law No. (6) of 2025 ensures that the distribution of government land is strategic, transparent, and needs-based, aligning with Dubai’s broader infrastructure and urban growth objectives. It establishes clear criteria for how land is allocated to both federal and local public entities, ensuring they have the resources necessary to build facilities, deliver essential services, and meet their legal obligations effectively.
The law also mandates that land be allocated in accordance with the economic, social, security, and service priorities of Dubai, emphasizing urgency and the public benefit of proposed projects.
Dubai Municipality to Oversee Land Allocation
Under this law, Dubai Municipality has been granted a central role in managing and overseeing the allocation process. In alignment with Law No. (16) of 2023 on Urban Planning, the Municipality will:
- Receive and assess land requests from public entities
- Evaluate the actual need and determine suitable plot locations and sizes
- Issue official site maps and maintain a centralized land data registry
- Collaborate with the Dubai Land Department to ensure consistency across land records
Additionally, the Municipality now has the authority to reclaim allocated land, change its location, or request the removal of structures if any recovery conditions outlined in the law are met.
Legal Framework and Implementation
The law provides a robust legal foundation for land management, aiming to eliminate inefficiencies and prevent misuse of public land assets. To operationalize the legislation, the Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai will issue supporting decisions. Moreover, Law No. (6) of 2025 overrides any conflicting legislation and will come into effect 30 days after its publication in the Official Gazette.
A Step Toward Sustainable Growth
This initiative marks a significant step in Dubai’s journey toward sustainable development and smart governance. By ensuring land is allocated fairly and efficiently, the new law not only strengthens public institutions but also contributes to Dubai’s overarching vision of becoming a global model for urban planning and infrastructure innovation.
