Skip to content
Discuss your project
Menu

Trakhees

Building and modification approvals within Trakhees jurisdiction. Understand the developer permissions, technical permits and fire-safety reviews before you apply.

Visit the official website

The planning and development arm of PCFC

Trakhees is the Department of Planning and Development within the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation.

  • Building and modification permits

    Building Regulations and Permits services cover new buildings, revisions, modifications and completion-related applications.

  • Environment, health and safety

    The service directory includes environmental and safety applications alongside building-control services.

  • Licensing and other permissions

    Licensing and operational services are separate categories. The approvals needed depend on the site, activity and proposed work.

Building Regulations and Permits covers the technical building route. Developer permissions and DCD fire-safety approvals remain separate parts of the project.

Read the official overview

Separate the approvals before you submit

Identify the plot, the developer permission and the technical reviews. Each has a different role in getting the work ready to start.

  • Does a Jebel Ali address mean Trakhees?

    Jebel Ali includes areas under Dubai Municipality, DDA and JAFZA. Establish the actual plot and property records before choosing the building-authority application.

    For a JAFZA project, Gravity obtains the JAFZA developer approval first and follows it with the relevant Trakhees submission. Keep the two approvals distinct in the programme.

    Check the Trakhees service directory

  • Who reviews fire and life safety?

    Fire and life safety is reviewed through the Dubai Civil Defence portal. The resulting DCD approval is submitted back to Trakhees as part of the building-authority process.

    Identify whether the required document concerns design, a modification or completion. Keep the fire-safety information coordinated with the building drawings when either set changes.

    Open DCD engineering services

  • How do Palm villa permissions fit together?

    PCFC/Trakhees is the building authority for Palm Jumeirah villas. In Gravity’s Palm projects, Nakheel approval comes first, followed by the Trakhees building and mobilisation permits.

    The contractor then applies for construction access. A developer design approval alone is not a building permit or permission to start construction.

    View Nakheel’s online services

Documents and preparation

Start with the property and proposed work, then follow the current checklist for the selected Building Regulations and Permits service.

  • Plot, lease and existing approvals

    Collect the site or lease reference, approved plans and previous permits. Use the property records to confirm the governing authority.

  • Proposed layout and activity

    Show the full facility layout and intended activity, including changes to the existing building. Identify the building or modification application for that scope.

  • Developer approval and safety documents

    Keep the applicable developer approval and DCD approval with the matching drawing revision. Confirm the exact supporting documents for the selected Trakhees service.

Plan the time and budget

Processing time

Use the selected service’s current processing estimate. Design preparation, other review streams and resubmissions form separate parts of the programme.

Fees and other costs

Trakhees distinguishes initial appraisal payments from final submission charges. Check the applicable service tariff and any additional review fees before budgeting.

Check the official requirements

Application guidance reviewed 24 October 2026. Background information checked 17 October 2026. Confirm current requirements before applying.

Checks before submission

Resolve these points before submitting or arranging the start of works.

  • Use the current application route

    In Gravity’s experience, the former General NOC route for work beyond a normal modification was discontinued around the end of 2025. Confirm the current service instead of reusing an old submission plan.

  • Return the DCD approval to Trakhees

    DCD carries out the fire and life-safety review. Make responsibility for returning its approval to the Trakhees application explicit.

  • Plan the closing stages

    Identify the permit conditions, inspections and completion records before work begins. A modification permit does not itself close the project.

Practical guides

Go further into the documents, decisions and approval steps that matter to your project.

Common questions

Are JAFZA and Trakhees approvals interchangeable?

No. JAFZA provides the developer approval for a JAFZA project; the Trakhees technical submission follows. They have different roles and deliverables.

Who reviews fire safety for a Trakhees project?

Dubai Civil Defence reviews fire and life safety through its portal. The DCD approval is then submitted back to Trakhees.

Can the former General NOC route still be assumed?

No. In Gravity’s experience that route was discontinued around the end of 2025. Confirm the current building or modification service for the proposed work.

Does a permit include construction access on Palm Jumeirah?

Access is a separate step. In Gravity’s Palm projects, the contractor applies after Nakheel approval and the Trakhees building and mobilisation permits have been secured.

Project support from Gravity

Official sources

Application guidance reviewed 24 October 2026. Background information checked 17 October 2026. Confirm current requirements before applying.

Need help with your project?

Tell us the location and work you’re planning. We’ll help you understand the next steps.

Discuss your projectAuthority approvals & permits

Discuss your project

Tell us what you have in mind. We’ll help you understand the next steps.

One way to reach you is enough.

Prefer to speak directly?WhatsApp usCall us