Department of Planning and Development - Trakhees was established by Decree No.22 of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and the implementation of its business started in 2009.

The Decree stipulated that the services of "Trakhees" shall include land, complexes and areas owned by Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, Dubai World or entities and subsidiaries of any of them in the Emirate of Dubai or within their jurisdiction or within the areas designated by the Corporation or areas determined by legislation issued by the Ruler and includes, but not limited to Nakheel, Limitless, Dubai Maritime City.