DMT further clarified that the programme will be implemented in three stages to achieve gradual compliance with the required standards. The initial stage entails issuing a Conditional Occupancy Certificate, emphasising compliance with essential standards such as fire safety, gas installation safety, structural integrity, elevator safety, and child protection measures. During this stage, buildings are exempted from complying with the remaining standards, facilitating their gradual transition to full compliance, the statement explained.

Existing residential villas are exempted from the initial and subsequent stages’ requirements for a full occupancy certificate, except for villas that have exceeded their design life and pose safety risks to their residents. This approach allows for flexibility in addressing the unique challenges of each property.

H.E. Ahmed Al Kuwaiti, Executive Director of Building Permits Workstream at the DMT mentioned the department’s commitment to enhancing safety standards and ensuring compliance of all buildings in Abu Dhabi stating, “Our aim is to enhance confidence among residents and investors within the emirate through our commitment to deliver services that adhere to the utmost standards of security and safety, thereby fostering sustainable development.”

The DMT noted that the programme aims to raise compliance levels within the construction and real estate sectors. Property developers and owners will further benefit from the programmes implementation of smoother procedures with clear timelines for completing each step in the certification process.