Dubai Municipality has been ranked first in the Arab and regional level and second in the world in the 'ease of issuing building permits', according to the World Bank Report 2018.

This great achievement emphasises the leading role played by the UAE in international competitiveness, reported state news agency Wam, citing Hussain Nasser Lootah, the director-general of Dubai's civic body.

Lootah praised President HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and chairman of Dubai Executive Council, on the remarkable achievement.

In his meeting with the employees of the Buildings Department, including its director, Layali Abdulrahman Al Mulla, Lootah said that every year the UAE proves its ability to compete globally in various economic sectors and fields, thanks to the directives of the wise leadership of the country, the report added.