What is Trakhees?
Trakhees is the regulatory authority under the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) of Dubai, responsible for approving and monitoring engineering, construction, environmental, and safety regulations in several specialized development zones.
If your commercial project be it a warehouse, office, restaurant, or retail outlet—is located within JAFZA, Nakheel, or Dubai World zones, then obtaining Trakhees approval in Dubai is a legal requirement before starting construction, renovation, or fit-out activities.
The core departments under Trakhees include:
- Civil Engineering Department (CED) – reviews structural and architectural plans
- Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) – ensures compliance with sustainability and worker safety
- Licensing & Regulatory Affairs – supervises permit applications, renewals, and trade license alignments
Understanding how Trakhees operates is essential to avoid delays, rejections, or legal complications during your project lifecycle.
Sectors and Areas Covered by Trakhees
Trakhees has jurisdiction over several prominent free zones and master-planned developments in Dubai. These include:
- JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority)
- Dubai World Central (DWC)
- Nakheel-managed communities such as Palm Jumeirah, Discovery Gardens, Dragon Mart, Ibn Battuta Mall
- DP World and other PCFC-controlled industrial zones
- Dubai Maritime City (DMC)
- Al Furjan, Jumeirah Heights, and other Dubai Waterfront developments
If your business is operating in any of these areas, Trakhees is the main approval body responsible for evaluating your construction or modification plans.
Common Types of Trakhees Approvals
Trakhees provides various approvals for commercial projects. Some of the most frequently required ones include:
1. Trakhees Fit-Out Approval
Whether you’re setting up an office, salon, restaurant, or warehouse, a Trakhees fit-out approval is needed before beginning any internal modifications. This covers partitions, flooring, MEP works, HVAC adjustments, and more.
2. Civil Engineering Approvals
For structural additions or new construction, you must obtain permission from the Civil Engineering Department. This includes architectural layouts, structural designs, and fire safety plans.
3. Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Approvals
This ensures compliance with Dubai’s safety, hygiene, and environmental regulations. It includes assessments for air quality, noise pollution, worker safety protocols, and waste management strategies.
4. Building Permit and Completion Certificates
Once your designs and fit-out works are approved, Trakhees issues permits to start construction. A final inspection is required to obtain the Completion Certificate and Occupancy Permit.
Each type of permit is governed by the Trakhees engineering guidelines, which must be strictly followed to avoid re-submissions or penalties.
Required Documentation & Submission Process
All applications must be submitted via the Trakhees e-permit system. Below are the core documents required for a typical approval:
General Documentation
- Copy of valid Trade License
- Owner’s passport and Emirates ID
- Affection Plan from Dubai Municipality
- Location map and site plan
- NOC from the developer or landlord
- Consultant appointment letter (if required)
Technical Documentation
- Architectural and MEP drawings (AutoCAD + PDF)
- Structural calculations (if applicable)
- Fire & life safety drawings
- HVAC and plumbing layouts
- Waste management plan
Fit-Out Specific Documents
- Shop drawings for ceilings, flooring, and partitions
- Electrical load schedules
- Material safety data sheets (MSDS)
- Compliance checklists
- Equipment layout for commercial kitchens or salons
All submissions must comply with Trakhees Engineering Guidelines, which are updated periodically.
Trakhees Approval Timeline
While timelines can vary based on the complexity and accuracy of your submissions, here’s a general breakdown:
| Approval Stage | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Initial submission review | 3 – 5 working days |
| Plan approval (fit-out or build) | 7 – 15 working days |
| Site inspection & NOC issuance | 2 – 4 working days |
| Final completion certificate | 5 – 7 working days post-inspection |
To speed up the process, ensure all drawings, documents, and forms are double-checked and submitted by experienced consultants.
Tips for a Smooth Trakhees Approval Process
- Hire an experienced consultant: Professional help ensures compliance with Trakhees engineering guidelines and eliminates common mistakes.
- Use licensed contractors: Only contractors registered with Trakhees can perform fit-outs and construction in regulated zones.
- Apply early: Don’t delay applications—Trakhees can take up to two weeks for full approvals.
- Prepare for inspections: Have your site inspection-ready to avoid unnecessary delays and penalties.
- Track your submission: Use the Trakhees e-permit system to monitor progress and receive alerts.
Trakhees vs Other Approval Bodies
Trakhees is not the same as Dubai Municipality or Tecom DDA. If your project is located in DAFZA, Dubai Silicon Oasis, or Downtown Dubai, approvals must come from their respective authorities. However, in JAFZA, Palm Jumeirah, or Dubai Waterfront, Trakhees approval in Dubai is your regulatory route.
Linking Your Approval Journey to Project Execution
At IR Interior, we specialize in helping clients acquire all types of Dubai construction permits. From Trakhees fit-out approvals to full engineering submissions, we streamline the process so you can focus on your business.
We handle:
- Site inspections and technical drawing submissions
- Fire and EHS coordination
- Trakhees re-submissions and clarifications
- Communication with Trakhees officers and portals
FAQs
How do I get Trakhees approval?
You need to register your company and project via the Trakhees e-permit system, submit all necessary documentation, and coordinate with a licensed consultant and contractor for technical submissions and inspections.
Is Trakhees required in Free Zones?
Yes, but only in PCFC-managed Free Zones like JAFZA, DMC, DWC, and other Dubai World-related developments. It is not required for DAFZA or Dubai Silicon Oasis.
What are Trakhees fees?
Fees vary based on the type and scope of work. A fit-out approval may cost between AED 1,000 – AED 5,000, while full construction projects incur higher fees based on built-up area, inspection visits, and documentation reviews.
How long does it take?
The total process from submission to final approval thcan take 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the nature of the project and documentation quality.
Conclusion
Navigating the Trakhees approval Dubai process can be challenging without the right guidance. Whether you’re setting up a retail outlet in Dragon Mart or modifying a warehouse in JAFZA, compliance is non-negotiable.
IR Interior provides end-to-end support to get your Dubai commercial permits approved faster, smarter, and with complete transparency.
Contact us today to start your approval journey.
