Administrative Resolution No. (273) of 2025

Issuing the

Implementing Bylaw of Executive Council Resolution No. (54) of 2021

Regulating

Works in the Right of Way in the Emirate of Dubai[1]

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The Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority,

After perusal of:

Law No. (17) of 2005 Establishing the Roads and Transport Authority and its amendments;

Law No. (1) of 2016 Concerning the Financial Regulations of the Government of Dubai, its Implementing Bylaw, and their amendments;

Law No. (4) of 2021 Regulating Roads in the Emirate of Dubai;

Executive Council Resolution No. (54) of 2021 Regulating Works in the Right of Way in the Emirate of Dubai;

Administrative Resolution No. (173) of 2007 Issuing the Implementing Bylaw of Regulation No. (1) of 2006 Concerning Occupancy of Pavements and Areas Surrounding Buildings and Commercial Establishments in the Emirate of Dubai; and

Administrative Resolution No. (67) of 2010 Issuing the Implementing Bylaw of Regulation No. (4) of 2009 Regulating Works in the Right of Way in the Emirate of Dubai,

Does hereby issue this Resolution.

Definitions

Article (1)

The following words and expressions, wherever mentioned in this Resolution, will have the meaning indicated opposite each of them unless the context implies otherwise:

Emirate:

The Emirate of Dubai.

Executive Council Resolution:

Executive Council Resolution No. (54) of 2021 Regulating Works in the Right of Way in the Emirate of Dubai.

RTA:

The Roads and Transport Authority.

DM:

The Dubai Municipality.

Government Entity:

Any of the ministries or federal government agencies and corporations, Government departments, public agencies or corporations, authorities, councils, or similar entities affiliated to the Government.

Director General:

The Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA.

TRA:

The Traffic and Roads Agency of the RTA.

Competent Entity:

Any Government Entity assigned, as part of its legally mandated functions, to perform a regulatory role within the Right of Way.

Public Road:

Any public way in the Emirate on which traffic movement is allowed and which is supervised by the RTA. This includes main Roads, side Roads, and alleyways/streets; public squares; bridges; tunnels; interchanges; Road median strips; public car parks; Pavements; pedestrian crossings; and other Operational Facilities of Roads.

Right of Way:

A Public Road and the area extending from the edges of that Public Road to the boundaries of adjacent land plots, as demarcated on the plans approved by the DM.

Right of Way Airspace:

The airspace above a Right of Way.

Protection Zone:

The area surrounding certain parts of a Right of Way as determined pursuant to the relevant resolution issued by the Director General, in coordination with the Competent Entity, to protect the RTA Assets and the RTA vital facilities.

Works in the Right of Way:

Constructing Utility Lines within a Right of Way or Right of Way Airspace; implementing Traffic Diversions; travelling on or entering the Right of Way during prohibited times using a special Vehicle; or carrying out any other works or occupancy activities that require construction or excavation works, as determined by the relevant resolution of the Director General.

Pavement:

The area extending from the edge of a Road, as demarcated in the plans approved by the RTA, to the boundaries of adjacent land plots, as demarcated in the plans approved by the DM, which is designated for the movement of pedestrians, laying of Utility Lines, landscaping, future Public Road expansions, and other works.

Pavement Occupancy:

Performing any type of occupancy activities that may affect or limit the use of a Pavement, as determined in this Resolution and by any other resolution issued by the Director General.

Utility Lines:

Water pipelines; electricity and telecommunication cables; sewerage, irrigation, and rainwater drainage networks; street lighting networks; digital information networks; Alternative Utility Lines; and other public or private utility service lines.

Alternative Utility Lines:

Any ducts laid down by the RTA underneath a Right of Way for future use; and any cables, pipelines, and hoses required for the implementation of any project adjacent to the Right of Way. This includes conduits.

RTA Assets:

This includes, without limitation, RTA facilities and Utility Lines; Alternative Utility Lines; and Operational Facilities of Roads, namely lamp posts, traffic lights, information signs, illuminated signboards, barriers, fences, speed bumps, and smart systems installed within, or designated for, a Right of Way.

Traffic Diversion:

A temporary redirection of traffic flow on a Road to an alternative route, whether on the same Road or an alternative Road.

No-objection Certificate:

A document issued by the TRA, through the System, temporarily authorising a Person to carry out excavation works or permanent construction works, or to lay down Utility Lines within a Right of Way or a Protection Zone.

Permit:

A document issued by the TRA temporarily authorising a Person to occupy a Pavement; to travel on or enter a Right of Way during prohibited times using a special Vehicle; to implement a Traffic Diversion within a Right of Way; or to carry out any works that are not stated in the No-objection Certificate, as per the relevant instructions of the Director General.

Authorised Person:

A Person to whom a Permit or a No-objection Certificate is issued.

Pre-qualification Certificate:

A document issued by the TRA authorising a Contractor or a Consultant, as the case may be, licensed to operate in the Emirate, to design, implement, or supervise works within a Right of Way, in accordance with the relevant requirements and standards adopted by the TRA.

Clearance Certificate:

A document issued by the TRA to an Authorised Person confirming that he has completed all the works he is permitted to carry out, in accordance with the conditions and procedures adopted by the RTA and the Competent Entities in this regard.

Contractor:

A Person licensed to practise the contracting profession in accordance with the legislation in force in the Emirate, and authorised by the RTA to carry out Works in the Right of Way.

Consultant:

A Person licensed to practise the engineering consultancy profession in accordance with the legislation in force in the Emirate, and authorised by the RTA to provide engineering or technical consultancy in respect of Works in the Right of Way.

Blacklist:

A register maintained by the RTA for recording the names of Authorised Persons who accumulate more than thirty (30) black points for violating the provisions of the Executive Council Resolution, this Resolution, or the resolutions issued in pursuance of either of them.

Person:

A natural or legal person.

Longitudinal Road Profile:

A diagram of both sides of the Road showing the proposed levels compared to natural levels of land in the same area.

Right of Way Standard Cross Section:

A diagram of all cross section elements of a Right of Way and infrastructure utility corridors, intended to determine and present those elements and their distribution within the Right of Way.

Temporary Reinstatement for Cuttings:

Reinstatement of the asphalt Pavement layers carried out in accordance with the technical specifications and requirements of the Competent Entities.

Permanent Reinstatement for Cuttings:

Reinstatement of all asphalt cuts, tiles, landscaping, or any other permanent reinstatement works carried out in accordance with the technical specifications and requirements prescribed by the Competent Entity.

System:

The electronic system for issuing No-objection Certificates in the Emirate.

Permit Issuance System:

The electronic system adopted by the RTA for issuing Permits.

Works Requiring No-objection Certificates

Article (2)

The works carried out within a Right of Way or a Protection Zone for which a No-objection Certificate is required are as follows:

1.      excavation works;

2.     permanent construction works;

3.     laying Utility Lines; and

4.     any other works determined by the TRA that may affect a Right of Way, Protection Zone, or Utility Lines.

Requirements and Procedures for Issuing No-objection Certificates

Article (3)

a.     The requirements for issuing No-objection Certificates to perform any of the works referred to in Article (2) of this Resolution will be indicated on the System, based on the type of works to be performed.

b.     When applying for a No-objection Certificate to perform works in the vicinity of the RTA's Road facilities, the boundaries of the critical and safe zones specified in the System must be observed.

c.     A No-objection Certificate application must be submitted to the TRA through the System.

d.     The TRA will issue a No-objection Certificate after coordinating with the Competent Entities, as the case may be, and verifying that all documents, forms, and data are accurate and complete; that the designs, drawings, public safety requirements, and the execution method are consistent with the applicable regulations and requirements for issuing the requested No-objection Certificates; and that the prescribed fee has been paid.

e.     With the exception of the No-objection Certificates issued for building permits, an application for a No-objection Certificate will be automatically cancelled in the System where the required documents and forms are not completed, or where the applicant fails to respond to the comments of the TRA or the Competent Entity within sixty (60) working days from the date on which the applicant is requested to complete the documents and forms, or is provided with the comments of the TRA or the Competent Entity.

f.      The TRA may revoke or amend the No-objection Certificate, where any of the following is established to be true:

1.      a negative impact on the planning systems adopted by the RTA or any of the Competent Entities;

2.     non-compliance with public health and safety standards, and the relevant technical specifications approved by the Competent Entities;

3.     a discrepancy between the approved work plans and the works implemented on site, or noncompliance with the relevant approved regulations and specifications;

4.     failure to adhere to the approved plans or designated routes, as set out in the approvals issued by the concerned service entities; or

5.     unjustified cessation of authorised works or abandonment of the work site.

g.     An Authorised Person may not object to the revocation or amendment of the No-objection Certificate issued to him in any of the cases stipulated in paragraph (f) of this Article. The TRA will, in coordination with the Department of Finance, refund part of the fee paid by the Authorised Person, pro rata to the remaining validity period of the No-objection Certificate.

Validity of No-objection Certificates

Article (4)

With the exception of the No-objection Certificates for building permits, a No-objection Certificate will be valid for a maximum period of six (6) months. The validity period of a No-objection Certificate will be determined by the relevant resolution of the Chief Executive Officer of the TRA, and will be renewable for the same period. An application for renewal must be submitted prior to the expiry of the No-objection Certificate.

Works and Activities Requiring Permits

Article (5)

The works and activities for which a Permit must be obtained are as follows:

1.      temporary Pavement Occupancy using any of the following:

a.     tables, chairs, and outdoor seating arrangements, as well as their sunshades;

b.     vending machines, amusement and gaming equipment, or other similar devices;

c.     planters, farming supplies, and seedlings displayed for sale outside of agricultural supplies shops;

d.     commercial promotional displays;

e.     temporary display tables in front of restaurants; or

f.      any other type of Pavement Occupancy as specified by the TRA.

2.     implementing Traffic Diversions;

3.     movement of heavy Vehicles during restricted times and in prohibited zones;

4.     movement of overloaded and oversized Vehicles;

5.     movement of heavy construction Vehicles;

6.     works to create access points to private off-street car parks;

7.     submitting access point design review request;

8.     construction or modification of Pavements;

9.     works to create temporary access points to construction sites;

10.   occupancy of any part of a Right of Way;

11.    works for the protection of underground water extraction pipelines;

12.   installation of Vehicle count devices;

13.   installation of tents for funeral services, weddings, or Ramadan iftar ;

14.   Pavement height reduction and marking of parking spaces outside of UAE nationals’ residential villas;

15.   installation of fences around project construction sites; or

16.   any other works or activities specified in the Permit Issuance System.

Permit Issuance Requirements and Procedures

Article (6)

a.     The requirements for issuing Permits to carry out any of the works or activities mentioned in Article (5) of this Resolution will be determined in the Permit Issuance System, based on the type of work or activity to be carried out.

b.     A Permit application will be submitted to the TRA through the Permit Issuance System.

c.     The TRA will issue the Permit after coordinating with the Competent Entities, as the case may be; and verifying that all documents, forms, and data are valid and complete; that the designs, plans, public safety requirements, and execution method are consistent with the applicable regulations and requirements for issuing the requested Permit; and that the prescribed fee has been paid upon approval of the application.

d.     A Permit application will be automatically cancelled in the Permit Issuance System if the required documents and forms are not submitted; if the applicant fails to respond to the comments of the TRA or the Competent Entity; or if the prescribed Permit fee is not paid upon approval of the application. The application will be automatically cancelled within fifteen (15) days from the date of submitting the application or from the date of expiry of the deadline for submitting the required documents, forms, and data.

e.     The TRA may revoke or amend a Permit, where any of the following is established to be true:

1.      a negative impact on the planning systems;

2.     non-compliance with public health and safety standards, or the relevant technical specifications approved by the Competent Entities;

3.     a discrepancy between the approved plans for works and activities and the works or activities carried out on site, or non-compliance with the relevant approved regulations and specifications;

4.     failure to adhere to the approved plans and designated routes, as set out in the approvals issued by the concerned service entities; or

5.     unjustified cessation of authorised works or abandonment of the work site.

f.      An Authorised Person may not object to the revocation or amendment of the Permit issued to him in any of the cases stipulated in paragraph (e) of this Article. The TRA will, in coordination with the Department of Finance, refund part of the fee paid by the Authorised Person, pro rata to the remaining period of validity of the Permit.

Validity of Permits

Article (7)

a.     A Permit will be valid for a term of one (1) year, renewable for the same period. A renewal application must be submitted prior to the expiry of the Permit.

b.     The TRA may, at the request of the applicant, issue a Permit with a validity term of less than one (1) year for certain activities and works, as specified in the following schedule:

Type of Work or Activity

Permit Validity

Occupancy involving the placement of tables and outdoor seating arrangements, as well as their sunshades

Six (6) Months

Displaying planters and farming supplies in front of agricultural supplies shops

One (1) Month

Using Pavements for commercial promotional displays

One (1) Month

Placing temporary tables in front of restaurants

One (1) Month

Requirements and Procedures for Issuing Pre-qualification Certificates

Article (8)

a.     To be issued with a Pre-qualification Certificate, a Contractor or Consultant must:

1.      hold a valid trade licence to operate in the Emirate;

2.     submit his résumé and those of his employees, indicating their qualifications and experience;

3.     provide his approved organisational structure;

4.     submit his project portfolio and a list of his equipment and resources;

5.     provide his contact details; and

6.     submit the approvals of the Competent Entities overseeing his activities.

b.     The procedures approved for issuing No-objection Certificates will apply to the issuance of Pre-qualification Certificates to Contractors and Consultants.

Requirements for Approval of Traffic Diversion Plans

Article (9)

Traffic Diversion plans and their implementation processes will be approved subject to the following requirements:

1.      submitting a No-objection Certificate for the works that require the Traffic Diversion, where the works involve conducting excavation or permanent construction works, or laying down Utility Lines within a Right of Way or a Protection Zone; and

2.     submitting a detailed design, drawn to an appropriate scale, illustrating the existing conditions, the proposed Traffic Diversion works, the appropriate Traffic Control Devices, and the safety measures, in accordance with the Work Zone Traffic Management Manual approved in the Emirate.

Requirements and Procedures for Issuing Clearance Certificates

Article (10)

a.     An Authorised Person will be issued with a Clearance Certificate subject to the following requirements:

1.      submitting an application for a Clearance Certificate to the TRA within a period not exceeding thirty (30) days from the date of completion of the works specified in the Permit;

2.     submitting a copy of the No-objection Certificate issued by the Competent Entities to execute the works;

3.     submitting a copy of the snag list form issued by the Competent Entities;

4.     submitting a copy of the shop drawings as per the standards approved by the TRA, together with a copy of the as-built drawings approved by the Competent Entities, including cross sections and longitudinal profiles, where required;

5.     submitting a copy of soil test reports;

6.     submitting the Clearance Certificates issued by the Competent Entities, where required;

7.     submitting a copy of the clearance certificate issued by the Finance Department of the RTA, where required;

8.     submitting a copy of the elevation control point network plan illustrating the site before and after the non-destructive road crossing works; and

9.     submitting the required approvals for all completed works.

b.     The procedures approved for issuing No-objection Certificates will apply to the issuance of Clearance Certificates.

Requirements and Time Frames for

Temporary and Permanent Reinstatement for Cuttings

Article (11)

The requirements and time frames applicable to the Temporary and Permanent Reinstatement for Cuttings carried out within the Right of Way or on the RTA Assets will be determined as follows:

1.      Prior approval must be obtained from the Competent Entities, where required.

2.     Reinstatement works must be carried out by a Contractor holding a Pre-qualification Certificate.

3.     The time frames prescribed for reinstatement of cuttings, as set out in the approved policy of the Road and Facilities Maintenance Department of the RTA, must be complied with.

4.     The proper implementation of works in accordance with the detailed guidelines approved by the RTA and the terms of the issued No-objection Certificates must be ensured.

5.     While performing asphalt Pavement layer cuttings works, the Authorised Person must not leave the site before completing the Temporary Reinstatement of Cuttings.

6.     The Authorised Person must notify the TRA within one (1) working day from the date of completion of the Temporary Reinstatement for Cuttings, to inspect the completed works and verify their proper execution, in preparation for performing the Permanent Reinstatement for Cuttings.

7.     The Authorised Person must conduct maintenance of the Temporary Reinstatement for Cuttings until the Permanent Reinstatement of Cuttings is completed.

8.     The Permanent Reinstatement for Cuttings must be executed within a period not exceeding thirty (30) days from the date of completion of the Temporary Reinstatement for Cuttings, or as per the action plan approved by the TRA.

Procedures for Approving Manhole Levels

Article (12)

a.     Manhole elevation levels will be approved subject to submitting the following documents:

1.      a No-objection Certificate;

2.     a Rights of Way demarcation certificate approved by the DM;

3.     the survey control points plan for the project issued by the DM;

4.     a plan showing the Rights of Way, Utility Lines, services lines, protection zones, and the existing site conditions;

5.     the Longitudinal Road Profile including the following details:

      i.        the natural levels of land;

     ii.        the proposed elevation levels for the proposed design profile, in the event of an unconstructed road;

    iii.        the levels of the existing Road;

    iv.        a detailed layout of all Utility Lines and protection zones on the Longitudinal Road Profile, designed based on the Standard Cross Section of the RTA;

     v.        elevation calculations must be made based on the cross slope shown in the Standard Cross Section approved by the RTA;

    vi.        detailed calculations for the manhole structures, including the elevation levels of their covers; and

   vii.        photographs of the site showing the required works.

b.     The procedures approved for issuing No-objection Certificates will apply to the approval of manhole levels.

Emergency Case Criteria and Conditions

Article (13)

a.     Emergency cases during which a Government Entity may carry out works or occupancy activities within a Right of Way, prior to obtaining a No-objection Certificate or Permit, are limited to the following:

1.      sudden subsidence in a Public Road that may compromise the safety of Road users;

2.     breakage of Utility Lines;

3.     interruption or failure of the utility services provided by the Competent Entities;

4.     carrying out repair works on rainwater drainage systems and inlets during the rainy season, which runs from 15 October to 30 April of each year; and

5.     any other emergency cases as determined by the TRA in the System.

b.     The criteria and conditions applicable to the emergency cases referred to in paragraph (a) of this Article will be outlined in the System for each case.

Regulating the Use of the Rights of Way and

Right of Way Airspaces for Commercial Purposes

Article (14)

a.     Approval by the RTA for the use of a Right of Way or a Right of Way Airspace for commercial purposes will be subject to the following conditions:

1.      obtaining the necessary approvals from the Competent Entities, where required;

2.     engaging a Contractor pre-qualified by the RTA to perform the relevant works;

3.     ensuring that the commercial use of the Right of Way does not obstruct pedestrian movement, disrupt public utility services provided by Government Entities, or adversely impact the flow of traffic; and

4.     ensuring that the commercial use of the Right of Way does not contravene the relevant planning conditions or the public health and safety requirements and standards adopted by the Competent Entities.  

b.     The use of the Right of Way or the Right of Way Airspace for commercial purposes will be regulated by a contract concluded between the RTA and the user party. This contract must include the following stipulations:

1.      the technical and operational requirements for the commercial use;

2.     the term of the contract and its commencement date;

3.     the contract price, terms of payment, advance payments, and all types of guarantees, if any;

4.     a provision requiring the user party to provide an undertaking confirming liability for the payment of compensation for any damage that may be caused to the Right of Way, the Right of Way Airspace, the RTA Assets, or the assets of third parties;

5.     a provision authorising the RTA to access the site used for commercial purposes and to have the site vacated of all occupancy items upon the expiry or revocation of the contract; and

6.     the terms governing the revocation, termination, or amendment of the contract.

Technical Manuals

Article (15)

a.     For the purposes of implementing the provisions of the Executive Council Resolution and this Resolution, the following technical manuals/guides of the RTA are hereby approved:

1.       Right-of-Way Utilities Distribution Manual;

2.     Dubai Access Management Manual;

3.     Dubai Trip Generation and Parking Rates Manual;

4.     Dubai Traffic Impact Studies Manual;

5.     Geometric Design Manual for Dubai Roads;

6.     Work Zone Traffic Management Manual;

7.     Dubai Traffic Control Devices Manual;

8.     Dubai Transport Integration Manual;

9.     Roadside Design Guide for Dubai; and

10.   Dubai Traffic Safety Audit Manual.

b.     The technical manuals/guides referred to in paragraph (a) of this Article will be published on the RTA’s official website. These manuals/guides will be binding on Authorised Persons, who must fully comply with them.

Collecting Security Deposits

Article (16)

a.     In the cases of occupying Pavements or areas surrounding Buildings and Commercial Establishments stated in sub-paragraph (1) of Article (5) of this Resolution, the RTA will collect from an Authorised Person a refundable cash security deposit of ten thousand dirhams (AED 10,000.00).

b.     In other than the cases specified in paragraph (a) of this Article, the RTA will collect from the Authorised Person a refundable cash security deposit of ten percent (10%) of the project value. This deposit must not exceed one million dirhams (AED 1,000,000.00).

c.      The security deposits referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Article will be subject to partial deduction or forfeiture in either of the following cases:

1.      failure to complete the authorised works in accordance with the prescribed specifications and time frames; or

2.     failure to repair the damage sustained by the RTA Assets.

d.     The security deposit referred to in this Article will be refunded to an Authorised Person within forty-five (45) working days from the date of submitting proof of the following:

1.      expiry of the defects liability period in relation to the work area;

2.     handing over the works and obtaining the Clearance Certificate from the TRA after expiry of the maintenance period; and

3.     fulfilling all conditions stipulated in the No-objection Certificate or Permit.

e.     An Authorised Person will not be exempt from paying any additional costs incurred in repairing any damage sustained by the RTA Assets where the cost of such repairs exceeds the amount of the security deposit collected in accordance with the provisions of this Article.

Black Points

Article (17)

a.     Black points recorded against an Authorised Person will be calculated based on the value of the fines imposed on him, at the rate of one (1) black point for every ten thousand dirhams (AED 10,000.00). The Authorised Person will be placed on the Blacklist upon accumulating thirty (30) black points.

b.     One (1) black point will be removed from an Authorised Person’s record, whether or not he is placed on the Blacklist, for each month during which he does not commit any violations. Where the Authorised Person commits no violations within a period of one (1) year from the date of his last recorded violation, all black points will be removed from his record.

c.     The TRA may, upon the request of an Authorised Person, remove black points in return for the payment of thirty thousand dirhams (AED 30,000.00) per black point, subject to the following conditions:

1.      The Authorised Person must not be on the Blacklist.

  1. The number of black points to be removed may not exceed twenty (20) per year.

d.     Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a) of this Article, where an Authorised Person commits more than one (1) violation within the same project, the following measures may be taken against him:

1.      An initial warning will be issued to the Authorised Person when he accumulates thirty (30) black points within the same project.

2.     A second and final warning will be issued to the Authorised Person when thirty (30) black points are accumulated for the second time within the same project.

3.     The Authorised Person will be placed on the Blacklist if he commits a third violation within the same project, and his total black points reach or exceed thirty (30).

Repeals

Article (18)

The above-mentioned Administrative Resolution No. (173) of 2007 and Administrative Resolution No. (67) of 2010 are hereby repealed. Any provision in any other administrative resolution is also hereby repealed to the extent that it contradicts the provisions of this Resolution.

Publication and Commencement

Article (19)

This Resolution will be published in the Official Gazette and will come into force on the day on which it is published.

Mattar Al Tayer

Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors
Roads and Transport Authority

Issued in Dubai on 10 March 2025

Corresponding to 10 Ramadan 1446 A.H.



©2025 The Supreme Legislation Committee in the Emirate of Dubai

[1]Every effort has been made to produce an accurate and complete English version of this legislation. However, for the purpose of its interpretation and application, reference must be made to the original Arabic text. In case of conflict, the Arabic text will prevail.