Dubai Permits Shared Housing in Over 44 Areas with New Regulations

Dubai Municipality has announced that shared housing will be permitted in over 44 areas across the city, with some locations allowing it only in specific parts while others permit it throughout the entire area.

Shared accommodation is allowed in designated parts of areas including Abu Hail, Al Baraha, Al Hamriya, Mankhool, Al Jaffiliya, Al Hudaibiya, Al Satwa, Port Saeed, Hor Al Anz East, Al Mamzar, and all five sectors of Al Qusais Industrial Area.

In contrast, shared housing is permitted throughout all parts of areas such as Al Ras, Al Dhagata (Deira), Al Bateen, Sabkha, Eyal Nasser, Al Murar, Naif, Al Rigga, Al Muteena, Al Muraqqabat, Riqqa Al Bateen near Dubai Creek, Hor Al Anz, Al Waheeda in Deira, Al Rashidiya, Al Nahda 1 and 2, Qusais, Al Twar 5, Muhaisnah 4, Souq Kabeer, Umm Hurair 1 and 2, Al Rafa, Karama, Oud Metha, Jumeira 1, Al Badaa, Barsha 1, Al Warqa 1, among others.

The updated regulations categorize shared accommodation into two types: individual and family housing. Each residential unit must be designated exclusively for one category and cannot combine both. Additionally, a minimum bedroom size of five square metres per occupant is mandated, alongside adequate kitchen, bathroom, dining, recreational, and laundry facilities.

Tourist and commercial districts, including Bani Yas Road, Sheikh Zayed Road, Jumeirah Road, and Al Wasl Road, are restricted to family housing only.

Properties must obtain a permit to operate as shared accommodation. Existing units have until September 8, 2027, to comply with the new framework. Non-compliance may result in fines ranging from Dh500 to Dh500,000.

A Dubai Municipality circular detailing these provisions provides the full list of approved areas and stipulations.