The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) in Abu Dhabi has officially launched Circular No. 9 of 2026, aimed at modernizing the construction permitting process across the emirate. By replacing traditional, time-consuming paper permits with digital technical reports, the Urban Planning and Permits Centre (UPPC) expects to significantly reduce administrative delays for developers and project owners. This shift applies to all structural, mechanical, electrical, and architectural aspects of both new and ongoing building projects, streamlining the transition between various construction phases through the Unified Permitting System.

While the new system promotes efficiency, it also introduces a stricter framework for professional accountability. Contractors and supervision consultants are now held jointly liable for any construction defects or non-compliance, ensuring that both parties take ownership of the work quality. Under this updated mandate, supervision consultants must oversee site activities, while contractors are required to provide signed, dated, and photo-documented reports to verify that work meets established technical standards. Even with these digital advancements, the UPPC maintains robust oversight through unannounced site inspections and mandatory clearances from external entities like the Civil Defence, with clear penalties in place for any regulatory violations.