Photo Credit: WAM
Dubai, UAE — February 2026 — Ajman’s Municipality and Planning Department has launched an automated mechanism for issuing residential villa building permits for UAE nationals.
The system, operated through specially authorized five-star-rated engineering offices, aims to accelerate construction procedures, enhance customer experience, and improve the quality of engineering outputs.
This initiative supports Ajman Vision 2030, which seeks to create a modern environment that boosts the Emirate’s attractiveness and quality of life, according to the Emirates News Agency.
Under the new mechanism, approved five-star engineering offices are empowered to directly authorize architectural and structural plans without needing a prior review by MPDA engineers. Post-audit reviews will be maintained to ensure all projects comply with local building codes and technical requirements.
Mohammed Ahmed bin Omair Al Muhairi, executive director of MPDA’s Infrastructure Development Sector, stated the initiative is designed to improve the citizen journey and significantly reduce the time required to obtain building permits.
MPDA has selected eight five-star engineering offices for the first phase, based on their strong professional records and adherence to technical standards. These offices will serve as role models, encouraging performance improvement across the sector and potential participation in future expansion phases of the automated system.
Al Muhairi explained that the initiative rests on four strategic pillars: smart transformation and streamlined procedures; enhanced service quality and customer satisfaction; improved technical performance and engineering output; and strengthened partnership with the private engineering sector to support sustainable urban development.
Echoing this sentiment, Ahmed Sultan Al Nuaimi, acting director of the Buildings Department, said the move reflects ongoing efforts to build a smart, responsive city. He emphasized that it strengthens public-private partnerships based on trust and shared responsibility to ensure high-quality services.
Al Nuaimi confirmed that the initial phase focuses on five-star engineering offices, citizens owning residential villas, and government entities supporting Ajman’s construction sector.
