Dubai to launch new contractor rating system by 2026; suspends two firms

Dubai: Dubai Municipality has announced a comprehensive update to its Contractor and Engineering Consultancy Rating System, aiming to implement a more accurate and integrated framework for evaluating the performance of construction firms and engineering offices across the emirate.

The new standards are part of Dubai’s broader efforts to transform its construction and urban development sector into one that is more intelligent, sustainable, and globally competitive.

Set to take effect in early 2026, the updated system will incorporate a wider range of performance indicators and assessment criteria. These changes are intended to enable more precise evaluations of technical capacity, project execution quality, regulatory compliance, and sustainability practices.

In a related development, Dubai Municipality also announced that the Licensing and Professional Practice Registration Committee has issued a six-month suspension to two engineering consultancy offices. The firms are barred from obtaining permits for any new projects during the suspension period.

The disciplinary action followed investigations that uncovered professional practices in violation of approved regulations and ethical standards—conduct the Municipality warned could endanger the interests of property owners and developers. The names of the suspended firms were not disclosed.

As part of its updated evaluation system, the Municipality will introduce new performance criteria for contractors and engineering consultancy offices. The revised framework will assess factors such as:

Eng. Maryam Al Muhairi, CEO of the Buildings Regulation and Permits Agency at Dubai Municipality, stated that the enhanced system is part of the municipality’s broader effort to raise construction quality, support innovation, and elevate global competitiveness in the sector. It also seeks to improve proactive services and strengthen the business environment for engineering professionals and consultancy firms in Dubai.

“The evaluation system for contractors and consultancy offices serves as a key driver for improving performance and quality,” Al Muhairi said.

“It reflects our commitment to providing property owners and developers with transparent data on consultants and contractors, enabling informed decision-making when selecting firms for their projects.”

Stakeholders will also be able to participate in performance evaluations via electronic surveys through the municipality’s ‘Build in Dubai’ (BID) platform, further promoting transparency and trust.

Al Muhairi added that the development of the new standards will involve close collaboration with contracting firms and consultancies. The municipality will host regular meetings and engagement sessions to gather feedback and suggestions before the new system is formally rolled out.