An off-plan project's engineering file passes through more than one body: the building permit authority or Etmam for the compliance letter, then the Real Estate General Authority for licensing. Every round of comments means extra weeks before sales can start, with financing costs running in the meantime. The comments are not random; most recur from project to project and can be anticipated and resolved before submission. This guide sets out the six most frequent reasons for comments, how to resolve each, and a checklist before submission.
1. Drawings That Do Not Match Building Permit Requirements
The regulations require a letter confirming the project complies with building permit requirements, engineering drawings and architectural designs. Any violation in setbacks, floors, parking or safety delays this letter. Read: Why building permits are rejected and Setbacks and building ratios.
2. Inconsistent Unit Areas
The unit's area on the drawing differs from the sorting record or the contract template. This is one of the most serious mistakes because area is the basis of the sale price. Read: Off-plan unit sorting.
3. Undefined Common Parts
The regulations state that ownership and disposal of common parts follow the law on ownership, sorting and management of property units. Parking, roofs and corridors must be defined. Read: A unit's share of the common parts.
4. Vague Specifications
"Luxury finishing" without measurable specifications causes disputes at handover. It is better to specify materials and brands or grades and standards for each main item.
5. Missing Required Studies
Such as a traffic study for large projects, or safety drawings. Read: When does the municipality require a traffic study? and Civil defense comments on safety drawings.
6. An Unrealistic Schedule
It is linked to compensation for delay under the regulations. Read: A delayed off-plan project.
Table: The Comment, When It Appears and How to Resolve It
| Comment | When it appears | Advance resolution |
|---|---|---|
| Non-compliance with permits | When requesting the compliance letter | Reviewing the requirements before submission |
| Differing areas | When reviewing the sorting record and contracts | One unified area schedule for all documents |
| Ambiguous common parts | At sorting | A sorting plan before sales |
| General specifications | Usually at handover | A measurable specification schedule |
| Missing studies | At approval | Identifying required studies early |
| Unrealistic schedule | During construction | A schedule that accounts for approvals and seasons |
Read: Reviewing the Wafi engineering file and Engineering documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the drawing be modified after licensing to address comments?
Modifying approved construction drawings requires the approval of the authority and the buyers, so it is better to resolve issues before licensing.
Is an independent engineering review useful?
Yes; it catches these mistakes before they become obligations.
Which comment delays licensing most?
Usually drawings not matching building permit requirements, because it delays the compliance letter.
Do comments differ between residential and commercial projects?
The principles are the same, but commercial projects face more comments on parking, access and safety.
How do I avoid repeated rounds of comments?
By resolving all comments at once and reviewing the whole file before resubmitting.
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office that reviews your Wafi engineering file against the most frequent comments before submission, unifies areas and specifications, and resolves the authorities' comments until the compliance letter is issued. See our Wafi engineering file review service, or contact us.
Regulatory information is based on the Balady platform and the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, and procedures may be updated by the competent authority. Last reviewed: October 2026.