Starting from January 1, 2024, Dubai Municipality has made a significant move by accepting planning applications for a broad range of buildings only if accompanied by a 3D Building Information Model (BIM). The circular outlining this directive emphasizes the manifold advantages BIM brings to every phase of the project life cycle. These benefits include cost reduction, time and effort savings, enhanced construction and operation processes efficiency, and a decreased reliance on unskilled labor.
The new regulation stipulates the following BIM requirements: Architectural BIMs for buildings exceeding 20 floors, and structural design BIMs for buildings surpassing 40 floors; Architectural BIMs for complexes with an area over 20,000 sq m, and structural design BIMs for complexes exceeding 30,000 sq m; Specialized buildings such as hospitals and universities; and All government projects.
Developers must adhere to the BIM standards set by the Dubai Building Code and the Dubai Standard Building Information Modeling (Dubai BIM), accessible through the Dubai Building Standard platform. This strategic implementation aligns with Dubai’s commitment to raising construction standards and fostering a more efficient and advanced built environment.