Dubai BIM Circular 9-1-3: BIM Models Now Required Above G+12 and 15,000 m²
From 1 April 2026, new buildings in Dubai higher than ground + 12 floors, or with an area of 15,000 m² or more, must submit a BIM model with the building permit application, and the permit drawings must be extracted directly from that model. Here is what the circular says, which projects it covers and how to prepare.
Read the official circular (PDF, Arabic) →
Last checked against the official text: October 2026.
What Circular 9-1-3 requires
Circular 9-1-3 of 2026 was issued on 15 January 2026 by the Dubai Building Regulation and Licensing Establishment and is addressed to engineering consultants and building contractors. It expands the mandatory submission of Building Information Models (BIM) with building permit applications, which Dubai first made mandatory for larger buildings under Circular 9-1-2 of 2023.
- A BIM model must be submitted together with the drawings required for the building permit.
- The permit drawings must be extracted directly from the BIM model, so the drawings and the model match completely.
- Existing buildings with an approved permit need a BIM model for major modifications, and an as-built model for other modifications before the completion certificate.
- Consultants are encouraged to submit BIM models voluntarily for buildings outside the scope.
Which projects are affected
Higher than G+12
Buildings, structures and complexes higher than ground + 12 floors. Applies to the architectural and structural designs.
15,000 m² or more
Buildings, structures and complexes with an area of 15,000 m² or more, whatever their height.
Major modifications
BIM model with the permit application when you add or remove floors, add 1,500 m² or more, fully redesign, change the main use, or move the building on the plot.
Other modifications
A final BIM model reflecting the as-built works, submitted before applying for the completion certificate.
Circular 9-1-2 (2023) vs 9-1-3 (2026)
The new circular lowers the thresholds sharply. A 15-storey building under 20,000 m² that did not need a BIM model in 2025 now does.
| Circular 9-1-2 of 2023 | Circular 9-1-3 of 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| In force from | 1 January 2024 | 1 April 2026 |
| Height threshold | More than 20 floors (architectural), more than 40 floors (structural) | Higher than ground + 12 floors |
| Area threshold | More than 20,000 m² (architectural), more than 30,000 m² (structural) | 15,000 m² or more |
| Existing buildings | Not covered | Major modifications, plus an as-built model before the completion certificate |
| Permit drawings | Submitted in parallel with the model | Must be extracted directly from the model |
What you need to submit
How Bonarch Draft helps you comply
Most consultants and fit-out teams in Dubai still produce permit sets in AutoCAD. Under Circular 9-1-3, that set has to come from a model. We build the model and the sheets for you, so your team keeps designing.
Revit model from your design
We model your architectural and structural design in Revit from your DWG, PDF or sketches.
Permit sheets from the model
Plans, sections and elevations extracted from the model, so the drawings and the model always match.
CAD set to BIM
Already have a permit set in AutoCAD? We convert it into a coordinated Revit model and reissue the sheets from it.
As-built models
Final models that reflect the built works, ready for your completion certificate application.
Frequently asked questions
When does Circular 9-1-3 take effect?
From 1 April 2026. The circular was issued on 15 January 2026.
Does it apply to villas?
Only if the building is higher than ground + 12 floors or has an area of 15,000 m² or more. Most villas fall below both thresholds. Submitting a BIM model voluntarily is still encouraged.
Which LOD does Dubai Municipality require?
Circular 9-1-3 does not set an LOD. Check the technical requirements on the Build in Dubai BIM portal and agree the level of detail with your consultant before modelling.
Can I still prepare permit drawings in AutoCAD?
Not for buildings inside the scope. The circular requires the permit drawings to be extracted directly from the BIM model. We can convert an existing AutoCAD set into a Revit model and reissue the sheets from it.
Does the circular apply to existing buildings?
Yes, in two cases. Major modifications (adding or removing floors, adding 1,500 m² or more, a full redesign, a change of main use or a change of position on the plot) need a BIM model with the permit application. Other modifications need a final as-built model before the completion certificate.
Do you submit the model to Dubai Municipality?
No. We are not a licensed UAE consultant. We produce the model and the drawings; your consultant reviews, stamps and submits them.
Not sure your set is ready for a BIM submission?
Send us your drawings. We’ll check them for free and send back 5–10 concrete fixes within 48 hours, including what it would take to move the set into a model.
This page summarises Dubai Municipality Circular 9-1-3 of 2026 for general information. The official Arabic text prevails; read it in full before you plan a submission.