Most property owners and engineers in Dubai assume demolition permits always go through Dubai Municipality.
This assumption is wrong — and it causes serious project delays.
If your property falls within a Trakhees-controlled zone, the permit authority is completely different. The portal is different. The documents are different. The fees are different.
Submitting a demolition application to Dubai Municipality when your plot is under Trakhees jurisdiction will result in immediate rejection and wasted time.
This guide explains exactly what Trakhees is, which areas it covers, and the full step-by-step demolition permit process for 2026.
What Is Trakhees?
Trakhees is the regulatory authority operating under PCFC (Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation).
It is responsible for all construction, renovation, modification, and demolition approvals within its designated zones in Dubai.
Trakhees runs two key departments relevant to demolition:
- CED – Civil Engineering Department: handles structural and construction permits including demolition
- EHS – Environment, Health & Safety: handles environmental, safety, and waste compliance during demolition
Both departments are involved in demolition projects within Trakhees zones.
Which Areas Are Under Trakhees Jurisdiction?
This is the most important check before starting any permit process.
Trakhees-controlled zones include:
Nakheel Communities:
- Palm Jumeirah
- Jumeirah Islands
- Jumeirah Park
- Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT)
- Discovery Gardens
- Al Furjan
- International City
- Dubai World Central
Port & Free Zone Areas:
- Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
- Dubai Maritime City
- Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
- Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)
Other Designated Zones:
- Ibn Battuta area
- Dubai Waterfront
- Parts of Dubai South
⚠️ Critical first step: Always confirm your plot's authority before starting any application.
Check your affection plan or title deed. If the issuing authority is PCFC or Nakheel, your demolition permit goes through Trakhees — not DM.
How Trakhees Differs from Dubai Municipality
Understanding the difference prevents costly application mistakes.
Factor Dubai Municipality (DM) Trakhees (PCFC) Jurisdiction General Dubai mainland areas Free zones & Nakheel communities Permit portal BPS (Building Permit System) Trakhees online portal (CED) NOC requirements Same (DEWA, Etisalat, RTA) Same (DEWA, Etisalat, RTA) Additional compliance Standard EHS approval mandatory Contractor requirement DM-registered contractor Trakhees-registered contractor Completion certificate DM issues Trakhees CED issues (BCC)
👉 DM permit process reference: Demolition Permit Process in Dubai – Step-by-Step Guide (2026 Update)
👉 DDA permit process reference: DDA Demolition Permit in Dubai (2026): Complete Guide
Is Your Demolition Contractor Registered with Trakhees?
This is a mandatory requirement — and one of the most common reasons applications are rejected.
Your demolition contractor must be registered and approved by Trakhees to submit any permit application within its zones.
A contractor registered only with Dubai Municipality cannot submit a Trakhees demolition permit.
⚠️ Always verify contractor registration before engaging any company for demolition work in Trakhees zones.
Step 1: Confirm Authority Jurisdiction
Before any action:
- Obtain your affection plan (plot plan from Dubai Land Department)
- Check the issuing authority name on the plan
- If PCFC / Nakheel / Trakhees → proceed with Trakhees process
- If Dubai Municipality → use DM process
- If DDA → use DDA process
👉 Full vs partial demolition rules: Full vs Partial Demolition in Dubai Municipality Including Modification Rules
Step 2: Obtain Mandatory NOCs
The same three NOCs required for Dubai Municipality demolition are required for Trakhees.
These can be processed simultaneously to save time.
DEWA NOC (Disconnection)
- Apply through: https://crm.dewa.gov.ae/irj/portal/anonymous
- Documents required: Owner Emirates ID, affection plan, disconnection request letter
- For partial demolition: demolition drawings with 4 coordinates mandatory
- Timeline: 7–15 working days
- Outstanding bills must be cleared before NOC is issued
👉 Full DEWA disconnection guide: DEWA Disconnection for Demolition in Dubai (2026 Guide)
Etisalat / Du NOC
- Telecom line disconnection and device recovery
- Apply through Etisalat portal or Du portal
- Timeline: 15–20 working days
- Outstanding telecom bills must be cleared first
👉 Full Etisalat & Du guide: Etisalat & Du NOC for Demolition Dubai (2026 Guide)
RTA Drainage NOC
- Confirms no main drainage or gas line passes inside the demolition plot
- Apply through: https://noc.rta.ae/RTAeNOC/
- Timeline: 2–7 working days
Step 3: Prepare the Document Package
Trakhees requires a more comprehensive document set than Dubai Municipality.
Basic Documents
- Owner Emirates ID
- Affection plan (plot plan)
- Existing condition site photos
- Demolition drawings (stamped by approved consultant)
- Fencing / hoarding drawings
- All NOCs (DEWA, Etisalat, RTA Drainage)
Technical Documents (Mandatory for Trakhees)
- Method Statement — on contractor letterhead, signed and stamped
- Risk Assessment — specific to demolition scope and site conditions
- HSE Plan — Environment, Health & Safety plan covering full execution phase
- Demolition Impact Study — assessing effect on neighboring structures and underground services
- CAR Insurance — Contractor All Risks insurance (mandatory)
- Workmen's Compensation Insurance — mandatory for all site workers
Undertaking Letters Required
Trakhees requires specific undertaking letters that are not required for Dubai Municipality:
Letter 1 – No Controlled Explosions: Must clearly state: "No controlled explosions will be used during demolition work."
Letter 2 – No Impact to Surroundings: Must clearly state: "No impact will be caused to surrounding buildings, roads, or services during manual or mechanical demolition works."
⚠️ Missing or incorrectly worded undertaking letters are a common cause of Trakhees application rejection.
For Partial Demolition: Additional Requirements
- Demolition drawings must include 4-side coordinates of the demolition area
- Drawings must clearly distinguish the demolition area from retained structure
- MEP drawings may be required if services are affected
Step 4: Submit to Trakhees CED Portal
The demolition permit application is submitted through the Trakhees online system.
Portal: https://eservices.trakhees.ae
Application steps:
- Log in to Trakhees contractor portal
- Create new project
- Enter plot number, contact details, and demolition scope
- Upload complete document package
- Pay permit fees
- Submit for CED review
Trakhees Demolition Permit Fees (2026)
Fees must be paid before approval — unlike Dubai Municipality where fees are settled during the process.
- Permit fee: Calculated per structure floor (confirm current rate via Trakhees portal at time of application)
- Knowledge Fee and Innovation Fee: Applied on top of base permit fees
- EHS compliance fee: Separate charge for EHS approval component
Example for a G+1 villa demolition:
- Base fee × 2 floors + applicable authority surcharges
⚠️ Confirm exact current fees via the Trakhees portal. Fees are subject to periodic update.
Step 5: EHS Approval (Mandatory in Trakhees Zones)
This is a key difference from Dubai Municipality — Trakhees requires a separate EHS (Environment, Health & Safety) approval alongside the CED permit.
EHS review covers:
- Waste management plan for demolition debris
- Dust suppression plan
- Worker safety compliance
- Environmental impact during demolition execution
- Construction and demolition waste collection permit
Demolition Waste Permit (PCFC EHS):
- Construction & Demolition Waste Collection Permit: 350 AED
- Required for all vehicles transporting demolition debris out of Trakhees zones
- Trucks must hold a valid vehicle pass for PCFC areas
⚠️ Debris cannot be transported out of Trakhees zone without this permit. Violations result in fines and vehicle detention.
Approval Timeline
Average approval time: 7–14 working days (if documents are complete and correct)
Common delay reasons:
- Incomplete document set (missing undertaking letters or impact study)
- Contractor not registered with Trakhees
- Outstanding DEWA or Etisalat payments
- Incorrect demolition drawings (missing coordinates or consultant stamp)
- CAR insurance not in required format
Step 6: RTA Demolition & Site Permits
After Trakhees CED approval, RTA permits must be obtained before site works begin.
RTA Demolition Permit
- Processing time: 48 hours
- Fee: 120 AED
RTA Fencing Permit
- Required if hoarding uses RTA road space or interlock
- Fencing drawing and site photos are mandatory
- Processing time: 7 working days
- Deposit: 3,000 – 6,000 AED
- Fee: 220 AED
RTA Access Permit
- Required to regulate truck and vehicle movement
- Processing time: 7 working days
- Fee: 220 AED (standard)
Step 7: Site Setup and Pre-Work Requirements
Before demolition can begin:
- Install hoarding / site fencing as per approved drawings
- Display all permit documents and safety signage at site entrance
- Confirm DEWA disconnection is physically completed on site
- Verify no live utilities inside the plot
- Conduct trial pits to locate underground services before any mechanical excavation
👉 Pre-demolition checklist: Pre-Demolition Checklist for Property Owners in Dubai (2026)
Safety Rules During Demolition in Trakhees Zones
EHS compliance is strictly monitored in Trakhees areas. Violations lead to stop-work orders and fines.
- Continuous dust suppression with water spraying is mandatory
- Full hoarding and protective covering for all structures
- No work outside permitted hours without specific authority approval
- Workers must wear PPE at all times (hard hat, safety boots, high-visibility vest)
- No machinery swing radius over public access zones
- Site must be guarded and lit if excavation is left open overnight
- Waste segregation at source — steel, concrete, and general waste must be separated
👉 Safety guide reference: Safety in Demolition
👉 Dubai Municipality safety circular reference: Dubai Municipality Circular 2026 for Demolition Contractors – Safety Rules
Foundation Demolition in Trakhees Zones
Foundation removal rules in Trakhees zones are the same as Dubai Municipality — full foundation removal is mandatory before a completion certificate can be issued.
Foundation scope must be clearly stated in the Method Statement submitted during the permit application.
👉 Foundation demolition guide: Foundation Demolition in Dubai – Deep Excavation Guide (2026)
Step 8: Completion Certificate (BCC – Building Completion Certificate)
After demolition is fully complete, a Building Completion Certificate (BCC) is issued by Trakhees CED — this is the equivalent of Dubai Municipality's completion certificate.
To apply for BCC:
- Raise a service request in the Trakhees portal
- Submit completion application with supporting documents
- Upload final site photos showing full clearance
- Submit owner NOC — mandatory for ALL demolition cases in Trakhees
⚠️ Owner NOC is a hard requirement in Trakhees. It is not always required under Dubai Municipality — this is a key difference.
Site Clearance Requirements Before BCC Application
Trakhees inspection standards are strict. The site must meet all the following before applying:
- Site fully clean — zero debris remaining
- No machinery or equipment left on site
- No hoarding or scaffolding still installed
- Site fully leveled with no concrete rubble visible
- Foundations completely removed
- No rebar protruding from ground
Even minor remaining material will cause inspection failure and require resubmission.
👉 Completion certificate guide reference: Demolition Completion Certificate in Dubai Municipality (2026)
BCC Fee
There is no fee for the Building Completion Certificate (BCC) in Trakhees.
Common Mistakes in Trakhees Demolition Permits
Mistake 1: Applying through Dubai Municipality for a Trakhees plot
The most frequent error. Always verify authority jurisdiction from the affection plan first.
Mistake 2: Using a contractor not registered with Trakhees
The application will be rejected outright. Contractor registration with Trakhees is a mandatory pre-condition.
Mistake 3: Missing undertaking letters
Both the no-controlled-explosions letter and the no-impact-to-surroundings letter must be included. Missing either will result in rejection.
Mistake 4: No EHS plan submitted
Dubai Municipality does not always require a standalone EHS plan. Trakhees requires it as part of the standard document set.
Mistake 5: No CAR or Workmen's Compensation insurance
Both insurances are mandatory for Trakhees. DM sometimes accepts CAR insurance only. Trakhees requires both.
Mistake 6: Transporting debris without PCFC waste permit
All debris removal from Trakhees zones requires a valid EHS construction and demolition waste collection permit. This is a separate permit from the demolition permit itself.
Authority Responsibility Summary
Authority Responsible For Trakhees CED Demolition permit, structural review, BCC Trakhees EHS Environmental and safety compliance, waste permit DEWA Utility disconnection NOC Etisalat / Du Telecom disconnection NOC RTA Road access, fencing, demolition vehicle permits
Full Process Flow – Trakhees Demolition
- Confirm plot is under Trakhees jurisdiction (affection plan check)
- Verify contractor is Trakhees-registered
- Obtain DEWA, Etisalat/Du, and RTA Drainage NOCs (parallel process)
- Prepare complete document package (drawings, Method Statement, Risk Assessment, HSE Plan, insurance, undertakings)
- Submit to Trakhees CED portal + pay fees
- Receive Trakhees CED demolition permit
- Obtain RTA demolition permit, fencing permit, and access permit
- Install site hoarding and mobilize
- Execute demolition in compliance with Method Statement and EHS plan
- Obtain PCFC EHS debris transport permit for all debris removal
- Complete foundation removal and full site clearance
- Submit BCC application with owner NOC and site photos
- Pass Trakhees inspection
- Receive Building Completion Certificate (BCC)
FAQs – Trakhees Demolition Permit Dubai (2026)
1. How do I know if my plot is under Trakhees or Dubai Municipality?
Check the affection plan (plot plan from DLD). If the issuing authority is PCFC or Nakheel, the plot is under Trakhees. If it shows Dubai Municipality, follow the DM process.
2. Can I use a Dubai Municipality-registered contractor for a Trakhees demolition project?
No. The contractor must be separately registered and approved by Trakhees. DM registration alone is not sufficient.
3. Is the NOC process the same for Trakhees as Dubai Municipality?
Yes — DEWA, Etisalat/Du, and RTA Drainage NOCs are required for both authorities. The NOC application portals and processes are identical.
4. How long does Trakhees demolition permit approval take?
Typically 7–14 working days if the document package is complete and correct on first submission.
5. Is the EHS permit separate from the CED demolition permit?
Yes. EHS approval is a separate component within the Trakhees system. Both CED and EHS approvals are required before demolition can legally commence.
6. Is CAR insurance mandatory for Trakhees demolition?
Yes. Contractor All Risks (CAR) insurance and Workmen's Compensation insurance are both mandatory for Trakhees permit applications.
7. Does Trakhees require an owner NOC for the completion certificate?
Yes. Owner NOC is mandatory for BCC (Building Completion Certificate) application in Trakhees zones for all demolition cases.
8. Is there a fee for the Trakhees completion certificate (BCC)?
No. There is no fee for the Building Completion Certificate in Trakhees.
9. Can debris be removed from a Trakhees zone without a special permit?
No. A PCFC EHS Construction and Demolition Waste Collection Permit is required for all debris transport vehicles. Operating without this permit results in fines and vehicle detention.
Final Conclusion
Trakhees demolition permits are not more difficult than Dubai Municipality permits — but they are different.
The key differences are:
- Contractor must be Trakhees-registered (not just DM-registered)
- EHS approval is a mandatory parallel process
- Additional undertaking letters are required
- Owner NOC is mandatory for completion
- Debris transport requires a separate PCFC EHS waste permit
Getting the authority right from the start is the most important step in any Trakhees demolition project.
Submitting to the wrong authority wastes 2–4 weeks and requires starting the process again from scratch.
📞 Contact Al Zelzal for Trakhees Demolition Projects
Al Zelzal Demolition Works LLC is an experienced demolition contractor in Dubai handling projects across DM, DDA, and Trakhees-controlled zones.
We manage the full permit process — from NOC applications to Trakhees CED submission, EHS compliance, execution, and BCC completion certificate.
📞 Call / WhatsApp: 056 780 0464 🌐 www.zelzaldemolition.com 📍 Find us on Google Maps
Related Guides
- Demolition Permit Process in Dubai – Step-by-Step Guide (2026 Update)
- DDA Demolition Permit in Dubai (2026): Complete Guide
- DEWA Disconnection for Demolition in Dubai (2026 Guide)
- Etisalat & Du NOC for Demolition Dubai (2026 Guide)
- Pre-Demolition Checklist for Property Owners in Dubai (2026)
- Demolition Completion Certificate in Dubai Municipality (2026)
- Foundation Demolition in Dubai – Deep Excavation Guide (2026)
- Villa Demolition Cost in Dubai (2026 Guide)
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