Last week the Dubai Government announced new surveying laws, and in particular Law No. (6) of 2017, to cover land surveys, seismic surveys, and hydrographic surveys carried out across the city. The National reported on 30 April 2017 that the introduction of new surveying laws to cover surveying has been designed to ensure that data used for the development of the emirate is more accurate.

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These activities will now be regulated by the Municipality of Dubai, which will become the legal and official data source for land surveys, including managing all site maps and city maps on granted and Government land.

Licensed Surveyors Are Now The Norm

In addition, surveyors will be licensed. Under the new surveying laws, no-one is permitted to conduct any surveying activity within Dubai, including surveys on sites in free zones or in private development zones, without first seeking authorisation.

Welcoming the Change

Rob Jackson is Director for North Africa and the Middle East of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). In his opinion, this change should be made welcome.

The new surveying laws is simply following on from what occurred last year in the area of Abu Dhabi, except that the law in Abu Dhabi also covers activities like quantity and building surveying.

The need for a new law in both cases became necessary because more consistent survey data was required. For example, in Dubai, the municipality had no control over the standards currently adopted within different free zones.

The Importance of Consistency

He added that, in both these instances, the new law was necessary for more consistent survey data citywide. For example, in Dubai, the Municipality had no control over the standards that are being adopted within varying free zones, with the result that surveyors have been completing various forms of land survey geomatics for utilities, urban planning, and infrastructure. These all require land and topographic surveys, but people are doing it in a slightly different way in various jurisdictional areas.

Currently, the Dubai municipality is attempting to develop a 3D city model, but inconsistent data is hampering the development.

Further Details on the Surveying Laws Are Needed

Mr. Jackson noted that he will be seeking further details on the new surveying rules, particularly on how firms and their surveyors will be governed. He said that, at present, they’re working with the Government of Abu Dhabi to ensure that the Government and the regulatory framework are not creating unnecessary liabilities for surveyors.

And, they’re ensuring surveying companies meet all the required criteria, like holding appropriate Professional Indemnity insurance. In addition, companies must assume responsibility for the competency of their own staff.

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Ali Mohammed is the Executive Manager for Alwarqa Survey Engineering in Dubai. He said that, since April 2016, companies have been charged by the municipality when submitting survey data, and every submission is reviewed prior to being submitted to clients by land surveyors. He said they work in close coordination with Dubai Municipality, and all work is monitored by them. In his opinion, the new surveying laws won’t significantly change their working practices.

If you have any questions about local surveying laws or would like to speak to Greg Cole, your Mandurah land surveyor, click here to contact Greg Cole now.