In Dubai Holding communities such as Villanova, Mudon and Serena, external changes, pools, pergolas, extensions and structural work need a NOC from Dubai Holding Community Management before work starts. Structural work then needs a building permit from the authority for the plot, reported to be the Dubai Development Authority (DDA) for some communities, such as Villanova, and Dubai Municipality for others, such as Mudon.
Who approves what
Dubai Holding Community Management manages the former Dubai Properties villa communities and reviews modifications against each community's guidelines. The permit authority depends on the plot, so we confirm whether your home falls under the DDA or Dubai Municipality before drawings are prepared.
Moving permits and modification NOCs are separate processes; a move permit doesn't authorise any works.
The Dubai Holding process, step by step
- Scope and guideline check. We list the changes and check them against your community's guidelines and your plot.
- Drawings and documents. Title deed, scope, existing and proposed drawings, materials, contractor licences and, for structural work, calculations.
- Community NOC. The application goes to Dubai Holding Community Management. We respond to comments until the NOC is issued.
- Authority permit. Structural work, extensions and pools go to the DDA or Dubai Municipality with the NOC.
- Works and close-out. Contractor access, work to the approved drawings, inspections, completion and any deposit refund.
What each type of work needs
| Type of work | Dubai Holding NOC | Authority permit | What it involves |
|---|---|---|---|
| Painting, furniture, like-for-like repairs | Not usually | No | Contractor access is still arranged. |
| Kitchen or bathrooms | Often yes | Usually no | Layouts and plumbing changes. |
| Internal walls | Yes | Yes if structural | Structural assessment first. |
| Pergola or outdoor kitchen | Yes | Depends on size and structure | Position, height and materials. |
| Swimming pool | Yes | Usually yes | Setbacks and structural design. |
| Villa extension | Yes, where permitted | Yes | Plot setbacks and guidelines; townhouses are more restricted. |
Fees and timelines
- Community and authority fees: vary by community and scope, and are confirmed at submission.
- Timeline: the community NOC typically takes one to a few weeks; structural work adds the authority permit.
Developer and authority rules change, and they vary by sub-community, villa type and plot. This page summarises published developer guidance and our project experience as of October 2026. It is not a substitute for the current guidelines for your property, which we confirm before any design work starts.