Affection Plan Dubai: Complete Guide to Its Purpose, Approval & Issuing Authorities

Dubai’s rapid urban growth is backed by strict planning regulations that ensure every plot and project aligns with the city’s vision. One such key document in this process is the Affection Plan.

Whether you’re a property developer, investor, or buyer, understanding the Affection Plan in Dubai is essential. It outlines the plot boundaries, land use classification, Gross Floor Area (GFA), and other vital construction parameters. Without it, no legal construction or subdivision can proceed.

In this guide, we’ll explain, What is the Affection Plan, Who Issues It, and Why You Need It.

Let’s dive in.

What Is an Affection Plan in Dubai?

An Affection Plan in Dubai is an official site plan issued by Dubai Municipality for land plots or approved by the Dubai Land Department for villas or apartments. It outlines the boundaries, permitted land use, and development guidelines for a specific plot, villa, or apartment.

This document is essential during land subdivision, property development, and real estate transactions in Dubai. Whether you are a developer, sub-developer, or end buyer, understanding the Affection Plan is key to ensuring compliance with local regulations.

Who Issues the Affection Plan?

For Land Plots: Issued by Dubai Municipality
For Villas or Apartments: Prepared by the developer and approved by the Dubai Land Department (DLD)

When Is an Affection Plan Required?

An Affection Plan in Dubai is required in several key scenarios:

• When a developer purchases a large land parcel and intends to subdivide it into plots.
• Before starting construction or modifying a property, to establish the legal framework and ensure compliance with planning regulations.
• When a property buyer or sub-developer needs to verify the plot number, GFA, usage type, and other key details before purchasing.
• To ensure alignment with infrastructure networks such as roads, utilities, and public services, often in coordination with other government entities.

What Does an Affection Plan Include?

The plan contains essential technical and regulatory data, such as:

• Plot number and site boundaries
• Location map
• Gross Floor Area (GFA)
• Saleable area
• Land use type: Residential, Commercial, Industrial, or Mixed-use
• Setback rules and easements
• Parking requirements
• Access roads and infrastructure allocation

All of this must align with Dubai’s approved master plans and development regulations.

How Affection Plan Relates to the Building Permit Process

A building permit is an official approval granted by the relevant authority that allows a developer, contractor, or property owner to begin construction, renovation, or modification of a property. It ensures that the proposed work complies with Dubai’s building codes, safety standards, and zoning regulations.

Without a valid permit, construction activity is considered unauthorized and may result in fines, project delays, or legal issues

Who Issues Building Permits in Dubai?

The Affection Plan is a prerequisite for obtaining a building permit. Developers must first secure the plan before applying for any construction authorization. Once approved, the building permit is issued by the relevant authority:

• Dubai Municipality for mainland areas
• Trakhees for free zones (e.g., JLT, Dubai Maritime City, DWC)
• Dubai Development Authority (DDA) for special zones (e.g., d3, Dubai Internet City)

How to Apply for the Site Affection Plan?

Want to know how to obtain a site affection plan in Dubai? 

• You need the building permit to initiate your application, which is an essential prerequisite for acquiring the affection plan.
• To access the affection plan approval services, register or log in at Dubai REST (DVD's official website and mobile application)
• Submit the necessary documents and complete the required payment.
• The document will be processed within two business days and made accessible to you.

Documents Required

Copies of the following documents are required for the application:

• Valid Emirates ID (for individuals)
• Valid international passport (for companies only)
• Trading, service, or production license (for companies only)
• Title deed for the land plot
• Valid passport for individual owners
• Valid trade license for companies
• Sales or lease agreement
• Attorney of owner’s representative (if required)

If a third party owns the land plot and the developer is applying for a musataha. In this scenario, these documents will be required:

• Submission of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the landowner
• Technical drawings
• Measurements
• A comprehensive list of rooms and units within the structure

After the construction, the developer must obtain a Completion Certificate from the municipality to use or sell this property. It is imperative to obtain all necessary property documents from the relevant authority to fully leverage your plot and ensure compliance with the approved plan.

FAQS

What is the service fee for obtaining an Affection Plan Dubai Land Department?

The service fee for submitting the Affection Plan for approval is AED 1000 per plot. A supplemental charge of AED 10 for 'Knowledge Dirham' and AED 10 for 'Innovation Dirham' will be applied per transaction.

How much time does it take to get approval on the Affection Plan?

The authorities usually approve the plan within two to three working days.

Can I refurbish my villa in the Emaar community?

Yes. If you want to modify your villa, i.e., construct a swimming pool or do internal upgrades and refurbishments, you must get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Emaar Properties. This ensures that the proposed changes align with the guidelines established by Emaar Community Management, Dubai Municipality (DM), Dubai Development Authority (DDA), and Dubai Civil Defense (DCD). The service applies to all Emaar communities, excluding Burj Khalifa, Emirates Hills and Dubai Hills Plots.

How to apply for Emaar Community Management No Objection Certificate (NOC)?

To apply for the NOC, follow this procedure:

• Log in to the community’s official portal
• Apply for new home modification, and respond to any clarifications regarding your application
• You will receive an email notification once your NOC application is approved.
• Pay the outstanding NOC approval fee

Can parking podium floors be added to the permissible count of floors outlined in the affection plan?

Podium floors are allowed only if they are specifically mentioned in the affection plan, although certain master developers can authorize the inclusion of podiums.

What is the fee for issuing the Certificate of Title/Title Deed?

Dubai Land Department issues the Title Deed. The DLD fee to issue the Title Deed is AED 250. The land map fee varies depending on the location of the land.