Abu Dhabi's Department of Municipalities and Transport, through its Urban Planning and Permits Centre, has extended the deadline for buildings to obtain an occupancy certificate to November 30. The original deadline had expired on September 16.
An occupancy certificate confirms that a building meets required health, structural and safety standards and is fit for use. The requirement applies to owners of commercial and residential buildings, mixed-use towers, and investment villas older than 30 years across the emirate.
Owners who fail to secure the certificate by the new deadline could face fines of up to Dh1 million (about $272,000). The Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre has also said it will block registration of new lease contracts through the Tawtheeq system for buildings without a valid certificate, effectively forcing owners to complete the process before renting out their properties.
Authorities added that owners who have already started their application will get an extra six months to finish inspections and technical procedures, with further extensions possible if approved by the centre. The move is part of a wider effort by Abu Dhabi to ensure buildings, particularly older structures, meet current safety standards, and many owners are expected to move on their paperwork in the coming weeks.