Dubai Issues New Law to Regulate Public Land Allocation

Dubai has enacted a landmark land management law to optimize the allocation and use of government-owned land by public institutions. Issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Law No. (6) of 2025 aims to align urban development with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.

The new legislation focuses on improving how land is distributed to federal and local public entities, ensuring its use is both strategic and efficient. It establishes a clear framework to assess need, determine appropriate plot sizes and locations, and manage land inventories across the emirate.

Dubai Municipality has been designated as the lead authority for overseeing this process. Under the law, the Municipality will evaluate land requests, issue site maps, and coordinate with the Dubai Land Department to maintain accurate land records. It also has the power to reclaim land, reassign locations, or enforce removal of existing structures if allocation conditions are breached.

The law introduces strict criteria for approving land requests, emphasizing urgency and strategic value in areas such as economic development, security, public services, and social welfare. All future allocations must meet these benchmarks to be approved.

Additionally, the Chairman of the Executive Council will issue further decisions required to implement the law. Any existing legislation that contradicts Law No. (6) will be annulled, and the new rules will come into effect 30 days after being published in the Official Gazette.

This legal update is expected to enhance transparency, optimize land use, and support Dubai’s long-term development agenda.