Construction Noise Complaint in Dubai: Regulations, Process, and Solutions

Expats from Asia, Europe, America, and Australia populate the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Individuals from these countries come to the UAE for lucrative economic opportunities. The diverse population makes the UAE a multicultural country where everyone can safely practice their religion and culture while respecting the local traditions. Expats would choose Dubai as their first destination to settle in the UAE. It is an economic leader, as many tech startups grow in the hub and get international recognition, too. With the increase in expats, Dubai is becoming overpopulated. Now and then, a new community is being constructed to accommodate expats. Though these expats contribute majorly to the UAE’s economic growth, Dubai is no longer a quiet emirate. The fast-paced emirate is also rushing towards noise pollution, construction noise take place on an everyday basis. This has affected the residents and businesses as their mental peace is totally disturbed. Workers cannot concentrate at their workplace.

The UAE government ensures that everyone has a safe environment to work, study, and live. Therefore, it has made several civil laws protecting citizen rights. The Dubai municipality has determined that the noise pollution in the nearby residential areas disturbs the occupants; hence, they have maintained a noise level, ensuring ease for the residents and regulating the urban development.

The Dubai Municipality has thought over a strategic plan to provide convenience to the residents and construction workers:

• Allowed Construction Hours

The construction hours have been dedicated to ensuring the residents’ comfort. If the construction has to be immediate and requires more time, the construction company must get permission from the Dubai Municipality before they start working in the late hours.

• Limit Noise to Decibels

Construction sites should consider the decibel limit, ensuring no disturbances during the night.

• Special Permits

If the construction companies want to work longer hours, they should get permission from the Dubai Municipality. However, even if they have gotten permission, they should keep the minimum noise level at work.

Dubai’s authority monitors noise pollution, ensuring residents are calm and relaxed in their homes. Anyone failing to comply with the rules made by the Dubai Municipality Environmental Protection Department will face legal penalties, such as financial penalties or sanctions to work for a temporary period.

As a Dubai resident, you can file a complaint against construction noise if any house or a building is disturbing the peace of your house. You can get several solutions after making the complaint:

• Talk to the Site Manager

Before you take the matter to court or take any legal action against the construction site, try to talk to the site manager or the owner of the construction company. Some of them might understand the disturbance they create with heavy machinery and might change their schedule for the residents. The residents and construction workers shall respect each other’s concerns regarding noise pollution.

• File a Complaint with Dubai Municipality

Sometimes, the issue might need formal assistance. You can talk to the Dubai Municipality regarding the high level of noise from the nearby construction site. They will handle the issue while you relax at home. You can also make an online complaint on their official website.

• Make a Complaint to the Dubai Police

Dubai residents can complain to the Dubai police if construction is happening during an unofficial and impermissible time. Violating the terms of the construction noise law can lead to a delay in the construction, which might not be suitable for the construction company and its client. Kindly check with Criminal Law Lawyers, in DUBAI, before taking a decision.

• Engage RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency)

Residents living in a building managed by a property dealer should complain to the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) about rising noise pollution due to nearby construction activity.

Complaining about noise pollution is your right as a Dubai citizen. The following actions are taken to ensure peace for the Dubai residents:

• Investigation

An investigation is carried out on the construction site to gauge the noise level and ensure that the construction company has complied with the regulations.

• Financial Penalty or Warning

The UAE laws are strict regarding citizens’ safety. The construction company may receive a warning, a fine, or even a suspension order to work. How the authorities manage the low level of noise for its residents varies from case to case.

• Follow-up

The UAE authorities do not leave the matter unless they do not follow up with the complaint. Once the complaint has been addressed and resolved, they will make follow-up check-ups, ensuring everything is under control.

Dubai is a busy emirate. The fast-paced emirate tries not to disturb the lives of its residents, yet it fails. However, if you want to keep yourself away from the noise, then make your house soundproof with a few windows, curtains, and doors installed. Secondly, you can also choose noise-canceling devices that can help you reduce the maximum amount of noise.

You can consult a legal professional to get guidance about your rights as a UAE resident. They can help you with your concerns regarding the noise pollution in your area. They could also get you compensation for all the losses you have suffered due to the construction noise.