Choosing a Safe Demolition Contractor in Dubai

Guide for Dubai Project Owners: Choosing a Demolition Contractor in Dubai Who Leads in Safety and Waste Management

If you own or manage a project in Dubai, demolition is almost never “just breaking concrete.”

It is:

A high-risk engineering operation on an existing structure.
The largest single generator of waste in the UAE’s construction lifecycle.
A process tightly controlled by Dubai Municipality, federal waste laws, and local environmental regulations. UAE Legislation+2Dubai Land Department+2

Choosing the right demolition contractor in Dubai is therefore not a cosmetic decision – it defines whether your project starts safely, legally, and in line with Dubai’s drive towards a circular economy.

This guide is written specifically for project owners, developers, consultants, and asset managers in Dubai who want to:

Avoid accidents, structural failures, and legal penalties.
Ensure that construction and demolition waste (CDW) is managed to the highest standards.
Work with a demolition company in Dubai that can support complex projects: towers, malls, bridges, industrial plants, villas, and brownfield redevelopment.

Throughout this guide we’ll also show you how Stone Beam Demolition operates and what “best practice” looks like in real projects across Dubai and the UAE.

Why Choosing the Right Demolition Contractor in Dubai Matters

1.1 Demolition is one of the riskiest phases of your project

Unlike new construction, demolition works on a structure that:

Has unknown defects (corrosion, hidden cracks, overloading history).
May be surrounded by occupied buildings, live roads, and utilities.
Can behave unpredictably when elements are removed in the wrong sequence.

International codes and Dubai’s own regulations treat demolition as a high-risk activity requiring specific planning, method statements, and safety controls. Dubai Municipality+1

When demolition goes wrong, it doesn’t “just” delay your project; it can mean:

Partial or total structural collapse.
Falling debris over roads, neighbours, or public areas.
Uncontrolled dust and noise affecting the community.
Legal action, insurance problems, and even criminal liability.

A good building demolition contractor in Dubai reduces this risk by:

Engineering the sequence of demolition (top-down, bay-by-bay, internal-first, etc.).
Providing temporary shoring, bracing, and propping.
Using the right mix of robotic demolition, high-reach excavators, diamond cutting, hydrodemolition, and manual works.
Implementing a robust Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) management system aligned with Dubai Municipality and ILO best practice. Dubai Municipality+1

1.2 The construction and demolition waste (CDW) challenge in the UAE

From a waste perspective, demolition is the biggest single event in your project.

Studies and government statistics show that:

Construction and demolition waste accounts for up to 70% of the total solid waste generated in the UAE by weight. EcoMENA+1
Dubai alone generates around 5,000 tonnes of construction and demolition waste per day, a major burden on landfills and the environment. EcoMENA

Because of this, the UAE and Dubai have put in place a strong legal framework:

Federal Law No. 12 of 2018 on Integrated Waste Management – requires competent authorities to manage construction and demolition waste by segregating it at source and transporting it for recycling, rather than mixing it with other waste streams. UAE Legislation
Cabinet Resolution No. 39 of 2021 – issues the executive regulations of this federal law and reinforces requirements for waste segregation, recycling, and traceability. UAE
Dubai Law No. 18 of 2024 Regulating Waste Management – sets strict obligations on owners and waste producers, including the need for waste management plans, proper containment, and controlled transport of waste using authorised vehicles and facilities. Dubai Land Department

In parallel, Dubai Municipality has issued technical guidelines on:

Waste classification – defining what constitutes construction and demolition waste and how it must be handled. Dubai Municipality
Mandatory waste segregation at source – requiring demolition contractors to separate materials like concrete, steel, wood, and hazardous components before transport. Dubai Municipality+1

A demolition contractor who does not understand or respect this framework can expose you to:

Fines and penalties from Dubai Municipality or federal authorities.
Delays in obtaining permits and completion certificates.
Long-term reputational damage with regulators and neighbours.

The Regulatory Landscape Dubai Project Owners Must Respect

You don’t need to become a lawyer, but you do need enough knowledge to ask the right questions and to recognise whether a demolition company in Dubai is truly compliant.

2.1 National level: Federal Law No. 12 of 2018 – Integrated Waste Management

At federal level, Federal Law No. 12 of 2018 establishes a unified system for managing all types of waste in the UAE, including construction and demolition wastes. UAE Legislation

Key points for project owners:

Waste management = full lifecycle
The law defines waste management as segregation, collection, transport, storage, reuse, recycling, treatment and disposal, plus after-care of disposal sites.
Article 14: Construction and Demolition Wastes
- Competent authorities must manage C&D waste based on segregation at the source.
- C&D waste must not be mixed with other waste streams.
- It must be transported to the nearest authorised waste management facility for recycling.
Shared responsibility
Waste producers (including owners and contractors) share responsibility for proper management, and may bear financial liability for mismanagement.

What this means for you:

Any demolition contractor in Dubai you hire must have:

A clear segregation system on site (separate skips for concrete, steel, wood, etc.).
Established relationships with licensed recycling facilities and landfills.
The ability to provide tipping receipts, weighbridge tickets, and waste registers linking your project to legal disposal routes.

If a contractor tells you “we just send everything to landfill,” they’re not aligned with federal law.

2.2 Emirate level: Dubai Law No. 18 of 2024 – Regulating Waste Management

Dubai has gone further with Law No. 18 of 2024, which regulates all aspects of waste management inside the emirate. Dubai Land Department

For construction and demolition projects, the law places responsibilities on:

Owners – to provide suitable waste containers; to fence construction and demolition sites to prevent waste from scattering; and to ensure safe disposal of hazardous or special waste.
Waste producers (which includes demolition contractors and sometimes clients) – to:
- Follow Dubai Municipality’s scheme for waste collection and transport.
- Use authorised vehicles and facilities for disposal.
- Actively reduce waste generation and minimise non-recyclable waste.
- Prepare and implement a waste management plan for activities that generate large quantities of waste and have it approved by Dubai Municipality.
- Maintain a waste register (including type and volume, and the handling route: segregation, recycling, transport, disposal) for several years and present it on demand.

What this means for you:

A best-practice demolition contractor in Dubai will not only “manage waste” but will:

Prepare a project-specific waste management plan for your site.
Submit it to Dubai Municipality where required.
Keep clear records of how much waste is generated, what percentage is recycled, and where it went.

You should ask for this plan before awarding the contract.

2.3 Dubai Municipality codes and demolition permits

At project level, demolition works in Dubai are mainly governed by:

Dubai Municipality’s Code of Construction Safety Practice – covering safe methods of work, protection of adjacent properties, fall prevention, scaffolding, debris handling and controlled disposal. Dubai Municipality+1
Dubai Municipality demolition permitting process – requiring:
- A demolition permit issued to a licensed building demolition contractor.
- Submission of structural reports, demolition method statement, risk assessment, and safety plan. DubaiClean
- NOCs from Dubai Civil Defence, DEWA, telecom providers, and other utility owners.
- Proof of waste management arrangements and segregation.

You should expect any serious demolition contractor in Dubai to:

Hold a Dubai Municipality-approved demolition licence.
Explain clearly how they will secure all required approvals and NOCs.
Provide sample method statements and HSE plans from similar projects, showing real details (not generic copy-paste).

What “Best Practice” Demolition Looks Like in Dubai

Before you can choose the right contractor, you need a picture of what “good” actually looks like.

3.1 Comprehensive pre-demolition surveys and engineering

Best practice starts long before any wall is broken.

A serious demolition company in Dubai will carry out (or coordinate):

Structural survey and analysis
- Review drawings and as-built information.
- Inspect structural elements – columns, beams, slabs, shear walls, cores, foundations.
- Identify load paths, possible weaknesses, and elements that must be temporarily supported.
- Propose a demolition sequence that maintains overall stability.
Condition survey of adjacent structures and public areas
- Document surrounding buildings, roads, utilities, and public spaces.
- Use photos, videos, 3D scans or drones to create a baseline record.
- Identify areas that need temporary protection, monitoring or access control.
Hazardous materials survey
- Screen for asbestos, lead-based paint, PCB-containing equipment, refrigerants, stored chemicals, contaminated soils.
- Plan safe removal by licensed specialists before the main demolition begins.
Utility mapping and isolation
- Locate water, electricity, gas, telecoms, drainage.
- Coordinate shutdowns and diversions with relevant authorities.
- Avoid accidental service interruptions or dangerous live cables/pipes.
Pre-demolition waste audit (where practicable)
- Estimate how much concrete, steel, masonry, timber, glass, metals and other materials will be generated.
- Identify streams that can be reused, recycled, or sold.
- Feed the results into the waste management plan required by Dubai Law 18 and federal regulations. Dubai Land Department+1

These steps mirror international guidance and the kind of detailed preparation described in engineering and safety literature about building demolition and C&D waste management.

3.2 Safety planning and temporary works

Best practice demolition always includes a project-specific HSE plan and temporary works design, typically prepared by or under the supervision of a competent civil / structural engineer.

Key components:

Hazard identification and risk assessment for each demolition stage.
Demolition sequence drawings showing what is removed when, and where props or shoring must be installed.
Design of scaffolding, catch platforms, hoardings, and protection screens to contain debris.
Access and egress routes for workers, plant, ambulances, and fire-fighting services.
Emergency response plan – including scenarios for partial collapse, fire, medical emergencies, and utility strikes.
Mandatory PPE standards – helmets, eye and respiratory protection, high-visibility clothing, safety harnesses, etc.
Training records and toolbox talks tailored to the exact tasks (e.g. working at height, confined spaces, hot works).

Where demolition occurs near public areas, best practice includes:

Solid hoarding and netting to prevent debris escape.
Traffic management plans coordinated with local authorities.
Dust, noise, vibration and structural monitoring to protect neighbours and prove compliance.

3.3 Modern methods and appropriate equipment

In Dubai, you should expect a top-tier demolition contractor to move beyond “only big excavators and jackhammers.” Depending on your project, best practice may use a mix of:

High-reach excavators with specialized attachments for tall structures.
Remote-controlled robotic demolition for confined or high-risk areas (e.g. inside basements, on slabs with limited capacity).
Diamond wire sawing to cut thick concrete elements precisely (piers, cores, foundations, transfer beams).
Wall saws and floor saws for controlled removal of slabs and walls.
Core drilling for precise openings and to reduce uncontrolled cracking.
Hydrodemolition (high-pressure water jetting) for selective removal of concrete while preserving reinforcement or adjacent elements.
الهدم اليدوي where fine control is required, especially near sensitive utilities or heritage elements.

A contractor who owns or has reliable access to this range of equipment can propose smarter, safer, and often faster solutions – particularly important in tight urban sites and complex structural conditions.

3.4 Integrated construction and demolition waste (CDW) management

Given that C&D waste dominates the UAE’s waste stream, waste management is not an after-thought. It is a central performance area. EcoMENA+1

Best practice CDW management by a demolition company in Dubai includes:

Segregation at source
- Separate skips or designated areas for concrete, metals, wood, mixed waste, hazardous waste, and recyclables.
- Colour-coding and clear signage for workers.
- Minimising cross-contamination so that more material can enter recycling streams.
On-site handling and storage
- Temporary fencing and barriers to prevent waste scattering outside the site, as required by Dubai Law 18. Dubai Land Department
- Safe stacking of steel and bulky items.
- No open burning or uncontrolled dumping.
Transport using authorised vehicles and carriers
- Use of licensed waste carriers and vehicles that meet Dubai Municipality’s specifications. Dubai Land Department+1
- Loads covered during transport to stop debris escape onto roads.
- Tracking systems where required by DM.
Recycling and circular economy
- Sending crushed concrete to recycling plants for reuse as sub-base or aggregate in new projects.
- Sending steel and metals to scrap recyclers.
- Coordinating with certified facilities for wood, plastics, and other recyclables when available.
- Providing evidence of recycling rates achieved on your project.
Documentation and reporting
- Maintaining a waste register showing:
  - Type and quantity of waste.
  - Date and destination.
  - Landfill or recycling facility used.
  - Ticket / receipt numbers.
- Sharing periodic CDW reports with you as the project owner and, where required, with Dubai Municipality.

3.5 Neighbour, traffic, and community protection

Demolition in Dubai usually happens near:

Occupied towers and villas.
Active roads, car parks, and footpaths.
Sensitive assets like shopping malls, hotels, schools, or infrastructure corridors.

Best practice includes:

Community impact assessments – identifying who will be affected by noise, dust, and vibration.
Time restrictions – limiting noisy works to agreed hours.
Dust control – water spraying, mist cannons, on-site wheel washing, and sometimes temporary covers over debris piles.
Noise and vibration controls – including method selection (e.g. cutting instead of percussive breaking), mufflers on equipment, and real-time monitoring where required.
Clear communication – informing neighbours about programme, noisy activities, and complaint channels.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Choose a Demolition Contractor in Dubai

Now that we’ve defined what “good” looks like, let’s turn it into a practical selection process you can actually use.

Step 1 – Confirm legal status and Dubai Municipality approvals

Before you look at price or schedule, filter your shortlist by basic compliance.

Ask each demolition contractor in Dubai:

Licensing and approvals
- Are you an officially registered building demolition contractor with Dubai Municipality?
- Can you share a copy of your trade licence and the DM demolition classification/approval?
- Are you registered with any other authorities relevant to my project (e.g. development authorities, free-zones, oil & gas zones, etc.)?
Permitting experience
- How many demolition permits have you obtained in the last 3–5 years?
- For similar scale/type of projects as mine?
- How do you coordinate with Dubai Municipality, Dubai Civil Defence, DEWA, telecom providers, and other authorities?
Insurance
- Do you hold adequate third-party liability insurance for demolition activities?
- Are employees covered under workmen’s compensation and medical insurance?
- Can you provide certificates and typical limits?

If any contractor cannot answer these questions clearly, stop there.

Step 2 – Examine safety culture and HSE systems

Safety cannot be seen only in a PowerPoint presentation. You need evidence of systems that actually work on site.

Ask for and review:

Company HSE structure
- Is there a dedicated HSE manager or safety department?
- Are HSE officers present on site full-time during demolition?
- What certifications do they hold (e.g. NEBOSH, IOSH)?
Safety statistics and audits
- Can you share recent HSE statistics (e.g. total man-hours, lost-time injuries, near-misses)?
- Do you carry out internal or third-party safety audits?
- How do you track and close out non-conformities?
Sample HSE documentation from similar projects
Ask to see anonymised examples of:
- Project-specific HSE plans.
- Risk assessments (JSA/JHA) for critical tasks (working at height, structural demolition, handling heavy elements, hot works, confined spaces).
- Demolition method statements and sequence drawings.
- Emergency response plans.
Training and competency
- Do all workers receive site-specific induction and toolbox talks?
- Are operators of excavators, cranes, robotic machines, and saws certified and trained?
- How often is refresher training conducted?
Temporary works
- Who designs shoring, scaffolding, catch platforms, and propping?
- Is there a temporary works engineer or external consultant?
- How are these designs approved and checked on site?

In a proper interview, a strong contractor will walk you through recent HSE challenges and how they resolved them, not just show generic policies.

Step 3 – Check their waste management and circular-economy capabilities

Since UAE and Dubai law now make waste reduction and recycling mandatory objectives, waste management performance is a key differentiator. UAE Legislation+1

Ask:

Waste management plan
- Will you prepare a project-specific CDW management plan for my project?
- What is your typical segregation layout on site? (show photos)
- How do you prevent waste from scattering outside the site boundary?
Recycling performance
- What percentage of C&D waste do you typically recycle on similar projects?
- Which recycling facilities do you use for concrete, metals and other materials?
- Can you provide sample reports showing recycled volumes from past projects?
Traceability and documentation
- How do you keep your waste register (digital, manual, integrated with DM systems)?
- How do you track each load – from site to recycling facility or landfill?
- Can you issue monthly waste reports linking back to weighbridge tickets?
Hazardous and special waste
- How do you handle asbestos, contaminated soils, chemicals, refrigerants, and other hazardous materials if they exist?
- Which specialist subcontractors or licensed facilities do you work with?

If a contractor is vague about waste or says “we just dispose it at the tip,” they are not aligned with the circular economy direction Dubai is moving towards.

Step 4 – Evaluate technical capability and engineering depth

Not all demolition services in Dubai are equal. For complex projects, you need a contractor who can engineer the demolition, not just execute it.

Look for:

Breadth of services
- Structural & building demolition (low and high rise).
- Concrete cutting and core drilling in Dubai (saws, wire saws, floor saws, core rigs).
- الهدم الآلي (الروبوتي) for tight or hazardous spaces.
- Hydrodemolition, partial demolition and controlled dismantling.
- GPR scanning and structural investigation before cutting or coring.
Engineering support
- In-house civil / structural engineers who sign off demolition methods and temporary works.
- Ability to collaborate with your consultant engineer to prove structural safety.
- Use of 3D modelling, BIM, or digital tools for planning complex sequences.
Equipment and maintenance
- Modern, well-maintained fleet of excavators, loaders, breakers, crushers, lifts, cranes, robotic machines and cutting equipment.
- In-house maintenance and rapid repair capability, reducing downtime.
- Sufficient backup machines for critical operations.
Project experience
- Case studies of similar type, height, and complexity to your project.
- Examples where they had to work next to live infrastructure, occupied buildings, or sensitive assets.
- Demonstrated ability to phase works around other contractors, tenants, or operational constraints.

Step 5 – Assess programme, resources, and communication

Time is money – but in demolition, rushing without planning is dangerous.

Ask:

Programme realism
- How did you build your demolition programme?
- Have you considered permits, NOCs, utility isolation, neighbour approvals, RTA coordination where relevant?
- What are the critical path activities and risks to the schedule?
Resourcing
- How many crews, machines, and supervisors will be dedicated to your project?
- Will they use subcontractors, and for which packages?
- What is their plan for night works or restricted working hours?
Communication & reporting
- Will you get weekly progress reports (with photos and metrics)?
- Who is your single point of contact on site and at management level?
- How do they handle changes or unexpected findings (hidden structures, hazardous materials, etc.)?

Step 6 – Compare commercial offers with a risk-adjusted lens

Price matters – but lowest price is rarely lowest risk with demolition.

When comparing offers:

Check the scope
- Is waste management fully included (segregation, transport, tipping fees, recycling)?
- Are temporary works (shoring, scaffolding, protection) included?
- Are permits, NOCs, authority coordination, and surveys included?
Understand assumptions and exclusions
- What is excluded (asbestos removal, contaminated soil, unforeseen structures)?
- What quantities of waste and working hours are assumed?
- How will changes be priced?
Evaluate risk transfer
- Is the contractor assuming responsibility for site safety, waste compliance, and authority liaison, or are they pushing that risk back to you?
- Does their insurance and contract structure properly cover third-party damage and worker safety?

A structured approach is to use a scoring matrix, for example:

Safety & HSE systems – 30%
Technical capability & engineering – 25%
Waste management & circular economy performance – 20%
Programme & resources – 10%
Price – 15%

This prevents you from unintentionally awarding a risky contractor just because of a low number.

Step 7 – Verify reputation, references, and digital footprint

Finally, do some background checks:

References
- Ask for contactable references from recent similar projects.
- Call them and ask what went well, what didn’t, and how issues were resolved.
Regulatory track record
- Have they had any serious accidents, collapses, or stop-work orders from authorities?
- If yes, how did they respond and improve?
Online presence
- Check their Google reviews, LinkedIn activity, website case studies, and project photos.
- Contractors proud of high standards usually share real site photos, not only stock images.

Red Flags – When You Should Walk Away

Some warning signs that a demolition contractor in Dubai may not be a safe choice:

They cannot show a valid Dubai Municipality demolition licence.
They downplay the need for method statements, risk assessments, or structural reviews.
They say they will “demolish and then worry about waste later”.
They propose to mix all waste and “dump it at the tip” with no recycling strategy.
They cannot provide references or real project photos.
They offer a much lower price than everyone else, without clear explanation.
They are vague about insurance or reluctant to share policy details.
They dismiss neighbours, utilities, or authority requirements as “not a big deal”.

If you see several of these, it’s safer to move on.

How Stone Beam Demolition Applies Best Practices in Safety and Waste Management

Stone Beam Demolition positions itself as a modern, engineering-driven demolition company in Dubai and the UAE, built around three pillars:

Engineered demolition – every project is treated as a structural engineering problem, not only as heavy equipment deployment.
Safety first – aligned with Dubai Municipality codes and international best practice.
Circular, responsible waste management – supporting Dubai’s low-waste, low-carbon vision through advanced CDW management.

Below are simplified, anonymised scenarios illustrating how this looks in practice.

6.1 Scenario 1 – Tight urban demolition next to occupied villas

Context

A mid-rise building scheduled for demolition in a dense neighbourhood.
Villas on two sides, with residents remaining in place.
Narrow access roads, limited space for plant and waste skips.

Stone Beam approach (example)

Engineering & surveys
- Full structural survey and modelling of the building.
- Pre-demolition condition survey for surrounding villas (photos, 3D scans).
- Utility scan to confirm no unexpected services under the footprint.
Method & temporary works
- Top-down demolition sequence with floor-by-floor removal.
- Use of robotic demolition machines and small excavators instead of heavy breakers to reduce vibration.
- Installation of scaffolding with debris netting and internal catch platforms at sensitive elevations.
Neighbour protection
- Solid hoarding and visual barriers facing villas.
- Dust suppression using mist cannons and targeted water sprays.
- Monitoring of vibration at villa boundaries, with agreed limit values.
إدارة النفايات
- On-site segregation into concrete, steel, wood, and mixed waste.
- Optimised skip rotation due to limited space, coordinated just-in-time.
- Concrete transported to an approved recycling facility; steel to licensed scrap yards.
- Monthly CDW reports to the client showing recycling rates and disposal routes.

Result: demolition completed without neighbour complaints, without structural damage to villas, and with high recycling rates – while staying fully compliant with Dubai Municipality and waste laws.

6.2 Scenario 2 – Industrial demolition with hazardous materials

Context

Demolition of old industrial structures, including tanks and process equipment.
Presence of residual chemicals, oils, and potential contamination.
Strict requirements from regulators and the facility owner.

Stone Beam approach (example)

Hazardous materials survey
- Cooperation with environmental consultants to test for contaminated soils, asbestos, PCB oils and other hazards.
- Preparation of a hazard inventory.
Segregated removal strategy
- Hazardous materials removed first by licensed environmental contractors.
- Strict separation of hazardous waste containers, labelled and stored as per DM and federal requirements. Dubai Land Department+1
Mechanical & manual demolition
- Use of specialist cutting and lifting techniques to dismantle tanks and steel frames safely.
- Controlled lowering of large elements, avoiding uncontrolled collapse.
Waste documentation
- Detailed waste register tracking each hazardous and non-hazardous waste stream.
- Chain of custody for hazardous waste – from site to licensed treatment or disposal facilities.

Result: industrial structures removed safely, with zero environmental incidents and fully traceable disposal records.

6.3 Scenario 3 – Complex structural modification using cutting and robotic demolition

Context

Redevelopment of an operational asset (e.g. mall or office building).
Need to remove selected slabs, beams, and cores while keeping the rest of the structure operational and occupied.

Stone Beam approach (example)

Structural coordination
- Collaboration with the project’s structural consultant to understand load paths and residual capacity.
- Use of GPR scanning to locate existing reinforcement and embedded items.
Precision demolition
- Diamond wire sawing to cut beams and cores into manageable blocks.
- الهدم الآلي (الروبوتي) on slabs where conventional machinery would overload them.
- Careful phasing of temporary propping to maintain stability at every step.
Live environment controls
- Noise and dust controls tailored around operational hours.
- Physical separations and safe access routes for public and tenants.
إدارة النفايات
- Segregation of high-quality concrete for recycling.
- Immediate removal of cut elements to free space and reduce load on temporary supports.

Result: structural changes executed with surgical precision, enabling the client to redevelop the asset without a full shutdown.

Practical Tools for Project Owners

To turn this guide into action, here are practical tools you can adapt for your own tender documents and evaluations.

7.1 Pre-qualification checklist for demolition contractors in Dubai

Use this as a minimum filter:

Company & legal

Valid Dubai trade licence with demolition activity listed.
Dubai Municipality-approved demolition contractor classification.
Adequate insurance (third-party liability, workmen’s compensation).

Safety

Dedicated HSE manager and site safety officers.
Evidence of project-specific HSE plans and risk assessments.
Demonstrated compliance with Dubai Municipality code of construction safety. Dubai Municipality+1

Technical capability

Experience with similar building type and height.
Access to high-reach excavators, robotic demolition, diamond cutting, core drilling, GPR scanning, etc.
In-house or partnered structural engineering capability.

إدارة النفايات

Capability to prepare waste management plans compliant with Federal Law 12/2018 and Dubai Law 18/2024. UAE Legislation+1
Proven segregation at source and high recycling rates.
Experience with waste registers and reporting.

References

At least 3 recent references for similar projects, with contact details.

Only invite contractors to tender if they tick most or all of these boxes.

7.2 Example scoring matrix

Here is a simple scoring matrix you can adapt:

Criterion	Weight
Safety & HSE systems	30%
Technical capability & engineering depth	25%
Waste management & circular performance	20%
Programme & resources	10%
Price	15%

Rate each bidder from 1–10 per criterion, multiply by the weight, and total the score.

This forces the discussion to consider safety, engineering, and waste – not just price.

7.3 Questions to include in your RFP or tender

Add targeted questions like:

Provide a detailed demolition method statement outline for this project, summarising:
- Proposed sequence.
- Equipment to be used.
- Temporary works and protection.
Describe your CDW management approach, including:
- Expected waste streams and quantities.
- Segregation methods on site.
- Target recycling rate and facilities to be used.
Explain how you will protect neighbours and the community, including:
- Dust and noise control.
- Traffic management.
- Communication with stakeholders.
Share 2–3 case studies for similar projects and highlight how you:
- Managed major risks.
- Delivered on time.
- Dealt with unexpected issues.
Outline your authority coordination plan, listing:
- Permits and NOCs required.
- Who is responsible for each.
- Typical durations and dependencies.

These questions make it much easier to differentiate between generic demolition services in Dubai and true engineered, safe, and sustainable demolition solutions.

FAQ – Demolition Contractors, Safety, and Waste in Dubai
Do I really need a specialised demolition contractor, or can a general contractor handle demolition?
In Dubai, significant building demolition should be handled by a licensed demolition contractor approved by Dubai Municipality. General contractors may coordinate the overall project, but specialist demolishers have the equipment, training, and permits required for high-risk demolition work.
How can I verify that a demolition company in Dubai is licensed?
You can request the contractor’s trade licence and Dubai Municipality demolition classification and cross-check with DM or the relevant online portals. A reputable contractor will share this proactively.
What permits are required for building demolition in Dubai?
Typically you need:

A demolition permit from Dubai Municipality.
Approvals or NOCs from Dubai Civil Defence, DEWA, telecom providers, and sometimes RTA depending on the location. DubaiClean+1

Your demolition contractor should manage these on your behalf, but you remain the ultimate owner of the risk, so insist on visibility of the process.

Who is responsible for construction and demolition waste in Dubai – the owner or the contractor?
Under federal and local laws, both waste producers and owners share responsibility for proper management of C&D waste. UAE Legislation+1
In practice, your contract should clearly assign the demolition contractor to:

Segregate, transport, and dispose of waste using authorised routes.
Maintain a waste register.
Provide recycling and disposal records.

As the owner, you should still audit and verify this performance.

How much of my demolition waste can be recycled in Dubai?
It depends on your building type and materials, but a significant portion of concrete and steel can be recycled through authorised facilities. With good segregation, recycling rates well above 50% are realistic for many projects, and much higher for heavy concrete structures.
Why does segregation at source matter so much?
Federal Law 12/2018 and Dubai’s regulations require segregation at the source for construction and demolition waste. UAE Legislation+1
If everything is mixed, recycling becomes more difficult and expensive, and more material ends up in landfill – which goes against Dubai’s waste reduction and circular economy goals.
Should I worry about hazardous materials in older buildings?
Yes. Older structures may contain asbestos, lead-based paint, PCB oils in electrical equipment, contaminated soils, or other hazardous materials. A best-practice demolition contractor will arrange hazard surveys and use specialised, licensed contractors to remove hazardous materials before main demolition.
How long does it take to demolish a typical villa or small building in Dubai?
For a typical villa, the physical demolition may take 1–2 weeks. However, the overall timeline also includes:

Permitting and NOCs.
Utility isolation.
Mobilisation and temporary works.
Waste removal and site clearance.

Plan several weeks to a few months, depending on complexity and authority processes. DubaiClean

What’s the difference between traditional demolition and deconstruction?
Traditional demolition focuses on fast removal of the structure, usually generating large mixed waste streams.
Deconstruction and selective dismantling aim to systematically remove and separate components (steel, doors, windows, equipment, high-quality concrete) for reuse or high-value recycling, aligning better with circular economy principles. Wikipedia
Why should I consider Stone Beam Demolition for my project?
Stone Beam Demolition positions itself as a specialised demolition company in Dubai that:

Treats every project as an engineering challenge.
Prioritises safety, temporary works, and regulatory compliance.
Deploys advanced methods such as robotic demolition, high-reach excavators, concrete cutting, core drilling, GPR scanning and hydrodemolition.
Designs and executes waste management plans that support Dubai’s drive towards high recycling rates and reduced landfill.

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