Wrecking balls poised to begin work unless Dubai building owners act

Owners have been given two weeks to begin work, and if they do not comply, the wrecking balls will be moving in.

The National Staff

DUBAI // The owners of seven abandoned buildings have been given a final warning to renovate them or have them torn down.

Dubai Municipality has given owners two weeks to begin work. If they do not comply, the civic body will carry out the demolition.

The municipality said it would bill owners 20 per cent for “administration charges”.

“Dubai is the meeting point of the East and the West and is a global destination for business and tourism,” said Mohammed Saleh, director of the building department at the municipality.

“Given this position of the city, we cannot compromise with the aesthetic view of our streets and roads.”

The buildings pose a threat to the public’s health and serve as a “hot-bed” for insects, the municipality said.

The order is applicable to buildings in areas including Naif, Satwa, Rashidiya, Al Khubaisi , Abu Hail and Muhaisna 2.

Owners should contact the municipality on 800 900.