A Cadastral Affection Plan is a legal document that defines a property’s official boundaries, dimensions, zoning classification, and permitted land use. Issued by Dubai’s planning authorities under the affection plan Dubai Municipality, it forms part of the emirate’s official land registry records.
It is important to distinguish between an Affection Plan, a Title Deed, and a Site Plan. A Title Deed confirms ownership, while a Site Plan typically shows architectural layouts. An Affection Plan, however, establishes the legally recognised footprint of the land or property and governs what can be built or modified on it.
Affection Plans matter to a wide range of stakeholders, including buyers, developers, surveyors, banks, valuers, and government authorities, as they underpin regulatory compliance and transactional certainty.
- What exactly does an Affection Plan include?
- Why an Affection Plan is important
- When an Affection Plan is needed
- How to obtain an Affection Plan in Dubai
- Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
- Real-world scenarios and examples
- Summary of process flow and comparison
- Key takeaways
- Frequently asked questions
What Exactly Does an Affection Plan Include?
An Affection Plan provides a detailed legal snapshot of how a plot or property is defined and regulated.
Key Elements Shown
An Affection Plan typically includes:
- Plot number, location, and legal description
- Boundary coordinates and adjoining plot references
- Total land area and precise dimensions
- Zoning classification and permitted land use (residential, commercial, industrial, or mixed-use)
- Setbacks (front, rear, and side), allowable building height and number of floors
- Gross floor area (GFA) and site coverage limits
- Access roads, easements, and utility or service corridors
Authority and Legal Standing
Affection Plans are issued by government authorities such as the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and Dubai Municipality. Once issued, they are recorded in Dubai’s cadastral system and are legally recognised for use in courts, mortgage applications, construction approvals, and regulatory reviews.
Why an Affection Plan Is Important
An Affection Plan plays a central role in ensuring legal certainty, regulatory compliance, and transactional clarity throughout the property lifecycle.
- For regulatory compliance and construction permissions
An Affection Plan is required when applying for building permits, extensions, renovations, or changes to a property’s footprint. It ensures compliance with zoning rules, boundary setbacks, and development controls before approvals are granted.
- For transactions, financing, and dispute avoidance
Banks and valuers rely on Affection Plans to verify that a property’s advertised size, use, and boundaries align with official records. This helps prevent disputes related to land encroachment, easements, or undeclared restrictions.
- For urban planning and master developments
Affection Plans help authorities maintain accurate planning records as plots are subdivided, merged, or redeveloped. They ensure infrastructure, roads, and utilities align with approved master plans.
When Is an Affection Plan Needed?
An Affection Plan is commonly required when:
- Buying vacant land or off-plan property
- Applying for construction, renovation, or extension permits
- Subdividing or merging plots
- Refinancing, valuation, or mortgage registration
- Resolving boundary or ownership disputes
- Making major modifications affecting land use or building footprint
How to Obtain an Affection Plan in Dubai
The application process for an Affection Plan varies depending on the type of property and the authority responsible for its registration and zoning.
Determining the Responsible Authority
The authority responsible for issuing an Affection Plan depends on the property type:
- Dubai Municipality generally handles land plots and zoning-related matters
- Dubai Land Department (DLD) handles registered properties such as apartments, villas, and master-planned communities
For registered properties, applications are submitted through DLD’s Property Map Request service, accessible via the Dubai REST app or DLD portal.
Properties located within Dubai Development Authority (DDA)–regulated zones or certain free zones may require application through the DDA Site Plan Issuance portal.
Required Documents Checklist
Applicants are typically required to submit:
- Title Deed or ownership certificate
- Emirates ID or passport copy
- Previous affection or site plan, if available
- CAD survey drawings or site layout (if requested)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from developers or relevant authorities, where applicable
- Power of attorney, if applying through a representative
Applicants are generally required to log in with UAE PASS, the standard authentication method across government portals in 2026.
Application Process: Step by Step
- Log in to the Dubai REST app or the relevant authority’s online portal
- Select the “Affection Plan” or “Property Map Request” service
- Upload the required documents and complete the application form
- Pay the applicable government fees
Costs and Fees
- Standard government fees typically range from AED 500 to AED 1,000, depending on property type and size
- Express or priority services may add AED 300 to AED 500
- Licensed surveyor fees may apply if a new survey is required
Timelines and Processing Time
- Standard applications are usually processed within 1 to 3 business days
- Complex cases, older plots, or disputed records may take 5 to 10 working days or longer
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Common issues include:
- Mismatched names, plot numbers, or ownership details
- Outdated plans not reflecting plot mergers or subdivisions
- Missing NOCs or unclear developer approvals
- Assuming the advertised land area matches official records
- Overlooking zoning restrictions or easements
Real-World Scenarios and Examples
- A buyer confirms the official plot size before completing a land purchase
- A villa owner uses the Affection Plan to verify setback compliance for an extension
- A master developer updates plans following infrastructure or zoning changes
Summary of Process Flow and Comparison
| Feature | Standard Application | Express / Priority |
| Fee range | AED 500–1,000 | Additional AED 300–500 |
| Processing time | 1–3 business days | 1 business day or same day (in some cases) |
| Survey requirement | Not required if an existing plan is valid | May still be required if discrepancies exist |
Key Takeaways
An Affection Plan legally defines a property’s boundaries, zoning, and permitted use and is issued by the Dubai Land Department or the Dubai Municipality and recorded in the cadastral registry. It is required for construction permits, property transactions, valuations, and dispute resolution. Applications are submitted digitally, typically using UAE PASS, with modest government fees for standard cases. Always verify that the official plan matches advertised details before completing major transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Most applications are submitted digitally via Dubai REST, Dubai Municipality e-services, or relevant authority portals.
The official Affection Plan prevails. Any discrepancy should be resolved before completing the transaction.
They do not expire but may need to be updated if the property undergoes subdivision, merger, or major changes.
This is typically agreed contractually, though buyers often request it as part of due diligence.
Generally, no, unless required for valuation, refinancing, or specific legal purposes.
