Dubai issues Law No. 18 of 2026 on Dubai Municipality

Dubai has a new legal framework for its municipality. According to Arabian Business, which cited a statement from Dubai Municipality, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, issued Law No. (18) of 2026, announced on 12 November 2026.

What changes

The law replaces the municipality's founding order of 1961. It sets out the body's objectives, responsibilities, governance and jurisdiction across the emirate. Arabian Business reported that it applies in special development zones and free zones, including the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), unless a zone is explicitly exempted.

The stated aims include economic growth, urban sustainability and closer collaboration with the private sector. The municipality is to develop an integrated urban planning framework that balances expansion with heritage preservation, and to expand green spaces, recreational facilities and waste management. It is also tasked with enforcing public safety, health and food security standards, backed by stronger monitoring, inspection and compliance powers.

Role for private companies

The law lets the municipality outsource any of its functions or powers to public or private entities. Such arrangements must be set out in formal agreements that define operating standards, rights and obligations. Its objectives also refer to public-private partnerships and the use of advanced technologies across the construction sector.

Governance and data

The municipality will be headed by a Director General appointed by decree of the Ruler. The Director General reports to the Executive Council of Dubai and oversees executive directors and administrative and technical staff. The law also requires individuals and government entities to provide data, statistics and reports when the municipality requests them.

When it applies

Existing regulations, local orders and bylaws remain in force as long as they do not conflict with the new law. Law No. (18) of 2026 takes effect when it is published in the Official Gazette. The report did not give a publication date.

What it means

Day-to-day rules do not change immediately. The practical impact will depend on the implementing decisions that follow, particularly on outsourcing arrangements and on how the law is applied in free zones such as DIFC. Companies that work with the municipality, or that operate in free zones, may want to follow those announcements.