Dubai Municipality has announced a significant update to its Contractor and Engineering Consultancy Rating System, introducing new performance standards designed to better evaluate the capabilities and quality of construction firms and engineering offices operating across the emirate.

The updated framework, which will come into effect in early 2026, forms part of Dubai’s wider push to modernize its construction and urban development sector, ensuring it remains intelligent, sustainable, and aligned with international best practices.

Under the revised system, firms will be assessed on an expanded set of performance indicators covering financial stability, Emiratisation rates, corporate social responsibility initiatives, project delivery timelines, and the adoption of advanced technologies in design and execution. Feedback from property owners will continue to play a central role in the overall evaluation.

Eng. Maryam Al Muhairi, CEO of the Buildings Regulation and Permits Agency at Dubai Municipality, emphasized that the updated system aims to boost quality standards, encourage innovation, and strengthen Dubai’s position as a globally competitive construction hub.“The enhanced rating system acts as a key driver for performance improvement across the sector,” Al Muhairi said. “It underlines our commitment to giving property owners and developers access to reliable information about contractors and consultants, helping them make informed choices for their projects.”

As part of the rollout, stakeholders will have the opportunity to participate in firm evaluations through electronic surveys on the municipality’s Build in Dubai (BID) platform, adding an extra layer of transparency and accountability.

Dubai Municipality confirmed that the final version of the updated criteria will be shaped in close coordination with industry stakeholders. A series of meetings and engagement sessions with contracting companies and engineering consultancies will be held to gather feedback and insights before implementation.

The initiative aligns with Dubai’s ongoing efforts to advance its built environment sector, raising construction quality standards and promoting a more sustainable and innovation-driven approach in line with global benchmarks.