Trakhees Approval in Dubai: Your Ultimate Guide to Compliance and Construction Success

Navigating the regulatory landscape in Dubai is a critical part of any construction or fit-out project. Whether you’re building a new commercial space, renovating a villa, or fitting out a retail unit, securing the right approvals is not just necessary—it’s mandatory. One of the most essential and often complex regulatory requirements for projects in certain parts of Dubai is Trakhees Approval.
At Ace Star Contracting, we provide expert end-to-end support for obtaining Trakhees Approval for all types of construction, interior fit-out, and engineering projects. In this guide, we’ll break down what Trakhees Approval is, why it’s important, who needs it, and how our team ensures smooth and timely compliance for your project.

What Is Trakhees Approval?

Trakhees is the regulatory arm of the Department of Planning and Development (Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation) in Dubai. It oversees compliance, health and safety, design regulations, and permitting within select areas including:

  • Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
  • Dubai Waterfront
  • Nakheel developments (like Jumeirah Village, Discovery Gardens, The Gardens, and International City)
  • Palm Jumeirah
  • Dubai Maritime City
  • Dragon Mart
  • PCFC-controlled zones

Trakhees Approval is a mandatory process that ensures your construction or fit-out project complies with the planning, architectural, structural, and safety standards set by the authority.

Why Is Trakhees Approval Important?

Failing to obtain Trakhees Approval can result in severe penalties, including project delays, fines, and even demolition orders. More importantly, Trakhees ensures that projects meet Dubai’s high safety, environmental, and structural standards.
Key Benefits of Securing Trakhees Approval:

  • Ensures legal compliance with UAE construction codes
  • Safeguards structural and fire safety
  • Enables DEWA and other utility connections.
  • Required for official project commencement and handover
  • Avoids fines, stoppages, or legal disputes.
  • Ensures your design is aligned with master development plans

With Ace Star Contracting, you don’t have to worry about missed regulations or procedural delays—we take care of the process from start to finish.

Who Needs Trakhees Approval?

Any of the following projects within Trakhees-controlled zones require prior approval:

  • Commercial or retail interior fit-outs
  • New construction or extensions of buildings
  • Structural modifications to existing properties
  • MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) works
  • Swimming pool construction
  • Renovation or refurbishments
  • Temporary structures (e.g., kiosks or exhibition booths)
  • Signage installations
  • Change of use (e.g., converting a villa to a clinic)

Whether you are a tenant, developer, or contractor, obtaining Trakhees Approval is a necessary step before commencing any site work.

Who Can Apply for Trakhees Approval?

Only registered and licensed contractors or consultants can submit applications for Trakhees Approval. Ace Star Contracting is fully qualified and experienced in navigating the approval process, ensuring that our clients face zero hassle and no compliance risks.
We represent our clients before Trakhees and liaise directly with their planning, architectural, and civil engineering departments to ensure timely approval.

Required Documents for Trakhees Approval

To apply for Trakhees Approval, several documents must be prepared and submitted in accordance with project scope and type. These may include:

  • Valid trade license of the tenant and contractor
  • Project drawings: architectural, structural, electrical, plumbing, HVAC
  • Fire and life safety layout
  • Site plan with accurate coordinates
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the landlord or master developer
  • BOQ (Bill of Quantities)
  • Project specifications and material datasheets
  • Contractor registration and insurance documents
  • Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) documentation
  • Waste management and environmental impact plans (if applicable)
  • Trakhees application form and fee payment receipt

Ace Star Contracting ensures that all drawings and documents are compliant with Trakhees standards before submission, avoiding costly resubmissions.

The Trakhees Approval Process: Step-by-Step

Here’s how we manage the approval process for our clients:

1. Preliminary Review
We begin by reviewing the project scope, location, and design to determine the applicable codes and required documentation.

2. Drawings & Document Preparation
Our team prepares and compiles all necessary technical drawings and forms, including architectural layouts, fire safety plans, and engineering calculations.

3. Online Submission to ePermit Portal
We submit the complete application through the Trakhees ePermit online system. This includes uploading documents, drawings, and paying required fees.

4. Authority Review
Trakhees engineers review the application and may request clarifications or amendments.

5. Site Inspection (if applicable)
For certain types of work, Trakhees may conduct a pre-approval site inspection.

6. Approval Issuance
Once everything is cleared, Trakhees issues the official permit allowing construction to commence.

7. Post-Completion NOC
After the work is completed, Trakhees may perform a final inspection and issue a completion certificate or NOC (No Objection Certificate).

How Long Does Trakhees Approval Take?

The timeline for Trakhees Approval varies based on the scope and complexity of the project:

Project Type

Simple retail fit-out

Moderate interior modifications

New construction or major works

Estimated Time

5–7 working days

7–14 working days

15–30 working days or more

Ace Star Contracting ensures timely submissions, fast clarifications, and accurate documentation to avoid delays.

Common Challenges with Trakhees Approval

While Trakhees has streamlined processes in recent years, common issues still include:

  • Incomplete or non-compliant drawings
  • Unregistered contractors attempting submission
  • Missing or outdated NOCs
  • Fire and safety plan deficiencies
  • Delays in site inspections or client clarifications

With our extensive experience in Trakhees Approval, we help clients sidestep these pitfalls and move their projects forward without interruption.

Why Choose Ace Star Contracting for Trakhees Approval?

Our clients trust us to handle their approval processes professionally, efficiently, and with full transparency. Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Trakhees-registered contractor
  • In-house team of engineers and draftsmen
  • Dedicated authority liaison specialists
  • Timely and compliant submissions
  • Seamless integration of approval and construction workflows

From office fit-outs and retail shops to villa pools and warehouses, we’ve helped clients across Dubai secure Trakhees Approval with minimal hassle and maximum compliance.

Start Your Trakhees Approval Process Today

If you’re planning a construction or fit-out project in a Trakhees-regulated area, let Ace Star Contracting guide you through the approval process with confidence. From paperwork to project execution, we handle it all—professionally and efficiently.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s get your project started on the right foundation—with full Trakhees Approval.