Dubai Removes Car Parking Requirement for Shared Housing, Mandates Bicycle Parking
Dubai exempts shared housing from car parking rules but requires landlords to provide bicycle parking for at least 10% of occupants.
Dubai Municipality has announced that shared housing properties in the city are no longer required to provide a minimum number of car parking spaces. This change is part of new regulations outlined in Circular No. (1-3-1) of 2026, which sets rules for permits, leasing, safety standards, and penalties for violations.
Under these updated rules, landlords operating shared housing units are exempt from the obligation to supply designated car parking bays, a requirement typically enforced for other residential developments. However, this exemption does not absolve property owners from all parking-related responsibilities.
Owners must still adhere to regulations concerning the use of areas adjacent to their properties and any parking spaces within the road reserve. Any such use must receive approval from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and comply with the Dubai Building Code.
While car parking requirements have been waived, landlords are now required to provide bicycle parking spaces equivalent to at least 10 percent of the total number of building occupants. For instance, a shared housing building housing 100 people must have a minimum of 10 bicycle parking spots. These spaces can be located within the road reserve but require prior approval from the RTA and other relevant authorities.
The new regulations apply to both new constructions and existing buildings that are modified to accommodate shared housing. Property owners must ensure compliance by September 8, 2027.
For tenants, this means that shared housing units may not include dedicated car parking, which is an important consideration in a city where private vehicle use is common. Prospective tenants are advised to verify parking arrangements with landlords or building management before signing leases.
For landlords, the rules reduce the burden of providing car parking but introduce a requirement to legally manage any parking near the property and to fulfill the bicycle parking quota. Fines for non-compliance with the shared accommodation regulations can range from Dh500 to Dh500,000.