Mohamed Al Bahri, Director, Zoning Authority Development Control, DTMFZA, said: "We have cancelled plans of several projects that have been over-designed. There are many cases where they are designing the foundation five times more than what is required – a wastage of time, money and material. In fact one of the KPI's for our structural engineer is to find plans with over-designs," said Al Bahri.

Meanwhile, demand for new permits have been coming in and there is even an upsurge in the requests for fast-tracking approvals for designs. "We are still busy with issuing permits to new buildings. Some developers are even demanding fast-track options for approvals," he said.

Usually, when a submission is made it takes about five working days for preliminary design and 18 working days for final design, which include structural, mechanical and electrical aspects.

However, if developers are willing to pay extra, the approval for preliminary design will be given in two working days and within 10 days for the final design.

"The rates were Dh10,000 but we increased the fees to Dh20,000 just to minimise fast-track submissions, but the demand has only increased," he added.