Dubai authority’s Maraafiq service approves 6,861 requests in H1 2026 and speeds 25,643 NOCs
DEWA’s Maraafiq smart information service approved 6,861 requests in the first half of 2026, accelerating 25,643 No Objection Certificates and cutting processing time to 20 minutes.
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority reported that its Maraafiq smart information service approved 6,861 requests during the first half of 2026 and helped expedite 25,643 No Objection Certificates for infrastructure projects. The utility said the feature reduced the average time to deliver information to consultants and contractors from 60 minutes to 20 minutes, a 67 percent improvement and three times faster than before. DEWA highlighted the contribution of the service to the emirate’s digital transformation agenda and to faster delivery of urban and economic projects.
Approval volumes and delivery impact
The Maraafiq service registered 6,861 approved information requests in H1 2026 and DEWA recorded a notable acceleration across infrastructure approvals. This throughput contributed directly to the faster issuance and adoption of 25,643 No Objection Certificates for project developers and contractors. DEWA framed the results as part of a sustained push to reduce administrative friction and support timely project execution.
The authority also noted that the shortened turnaround for information requests has practical effects on construction timelines and coordination among consultants. Quicker access to accurate utility data helps reduce design revisions and on-site delays during installation phases. Industry stakeholders can expect more predictable scheduling as a result.
Service speed and efficiency gains
DEWA reported that the Maraafiq service typically delivers required network information within 20 minutes compared with 60 minutes previously. The authority quantified this as a 67 percent decrease in service time and described the change as tripling the speed of the information delivery process. Faster response times aim to compress planning cycles and improve contractor productivity.
Operationally this gain reduces waiting periods between design stages and approvals and lowers cumulative lead times on multi-party projects. For consultants and contractors working across multiple sites the time savings compound and can translate into earlier project milestones being met. The authority views the efficiency improvements as an enabler for both private sector growth and public infrastructure delivery.
Technical design and data preservation
Maraafiq relies on geographic information systems technology to replace traditional file formats such as DGN or CAD. DEWA emphasized that this approach preserves complete datasets and eliminates the risk of data loss that can occur with file-based exchanges. The system provides secure, clear maps and network data for parties responsible for infrastructure works.
Providing a single smart link to authoritative utility maps allows project teams to view up-to-date network layouts and asset information without exchanging bulky drawing files. The GIS-backed model also supports accurate spatial analysis and reduces discrepancies between plans and on-the-ground conditions. DEWA indicated that the secure delivery mechanism helps protect critical infrastructure data while improving accessibility.
Leadership perspective and strategic aims
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of DEWA, framed the Maraafiq rollout as part of the authority’s broader digital transformation agenda. He said DEWA remains focused on widening opportunities that support sustainable growth for partners of varying sizes and accelerating project delivery. The authority stressed its commitment to innovative services that support the expansion of Dubai’s infrastructure.
DEWA’s leadership tied the service improvements to the emirate’s economic and urban development objectives and to maintaining momentum in construction and utility investment. Senior officials presented the Maraafiq service as an example of how digital tools can reinforce confidence among investors and contractors. The initiative also aligns with larger government goals to enhance efficiency across public services.
Implications for Dubai infrastructure projects
Faster access to accurate utility information can shorten pre-construction phases and reduce costly on-site modifications. By cutting the time required to obtain network data, Maraafiq reduces scheduling uncertainty for major developments including roads, residential towers, and utility expansions. This supports continuity in delivery schedules and lowers the risk of cascade delays for linked projects.
Contractors and consultants may also experience lower overheads related to document handling and fewer coordination meetings focused on data reconciliation. For municipal planners and developers, more predictable NOC issuance timelines can improve overall project risk management. Observers say the efficiency gains may be particularly valuable for projects with tight timelines or complex utility interfaces.
DEWA indicated it will continue to refine Maraafiq and expand its capabilities to serve a wider set of stakeholders. The authority plans to monitor performance metrics and stakeholder feedback to guide iterative improvements.
The Maraafiq smart information service represents a concrete example of how digital platforms can streamline utility information delivery and reduce administrative bottlenecks for developers and contractors in Dubai.