Dubai Municipality lists 44 areas for shared accommodation under new rules

Dubai Municipality has confirmed that additional locations will be announced after approval.

Dubai Municipality has listed 44 areas across Dubai where buildings and villas can operate as shared accommodation under new planning and building rules.

Approved locations include districts where shared housing is permitted throughout and neighbourhoods where only designated sections qualify.

Dubai Municipality issued the Planning and Building Requirements Guide for Shared Housing and Permitted Areas under Law No. 4 of 2026. Existing operators have until September 8 2027, to regularise eligible properties after the law took effect on September 8 2026.

Dubai Municipality maps full and partial zones

Shared housing is permitted throughout Al Ras, Al Dhagaya, Al Buteen, Al Sabkha, Ayal Nasir, Al Murar, Naif, Al Rigga, Al Muteena and Al Muraqqabat. Full approval also covers Rigga Al Buteen, Hor Al Anz, Al Waheda, Al Rashidiya, Al Nahda 1, Al Qusais, Al Twar 5, Al Nahda 2 and Muhaisnah 4.

Al Souq Al Kabeer, Al Raffa, Al Karama, Oud Metha, Al Bada, Al Barsha 1 and Al Warqa 1 are also fully permitted.

Selected sections of Abu Hail, Al Baraha, Al Hamriya, Mankhool, Al Jaffiliya, Al Hudaibiya, Al Satwa, Port Saeed, Hor Al Anz East and Al Mamzar also qualify. Al Qusais Industrial Areas 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are included in the published list. Umm Hurair 1, Umm Hurair 2 and Jumeirah 1 also appear among the approved locations.

Dubai Municipality has confirmed that additional locations will be announced after approval.

Permit rules split family and individual housing

Dubai Municipality requires each shared housing property to serve either individuals or families. Operators cannot combine both resident categories within the same approved building or villa.

Bedrooms must provide at least five square metres per occupant. Family accommodation must allocate each family a separate bedroom with an en suite bathroom.

Shared facilities must correspond with occupant numbers and housing category. Requirements cover kitchens, sanitary facilities, dining areas, recreation space, laundry facilities and clothes drying areas under Dubai Building Code standards.

Tourism and commercial corridors carry separate restrictions. Shared accommodation for individuals is not permitted on Sheikh Zayed Road, Jumeirah Road, Al Wasl Road or Baniyas Road. Eligible properties on those corridors can serve as family shared housing after securing the required approvals.

Owners and licensed establishments control leasing. Tenants cannot independently sublet rooms or bed spaces in properties allocated for shared housing. Dubai Municipality also requires an entire residential building or villa to be designated for shared accommodation rather than only part of the property.

Owners face September 2027 compliance deadline

Property owners and property management and leasing companies receive a one-year regularisation period from September 8 2026. Existing shared housing properties must meet the approved requirements by September 8 2027.

Dubai Municipality requires owners to rectify building violations, unauthorised changes of use and public safety issues without waiting for the regularisation deadline.

Breaches can trigger fines ranging from about $136 (AED 500) to $136,147 (AED 500,000). Repeat violations within one year can reach about $272,294 (AED 1 million) under Law No. 4 of 2026.

Collective labour accommodation sits outside the law because separate legislation governs those properties.

Safety checks precede permit issuance

Buildings and villas need a shared housing permit before operators can allocate them for this use. Dubai Municipality provides issuance and renewal services through the Build in Dubai platform.

Dubai Civil Defence requirements cover fire alarm and firefighting systems before permit approval. Security Industry Regulatory Agency requirements also apply to CCTV systems.

Electronic links with Dubai Land Department and other licensing authorities support tenancy contract registration using permit data from Dubai Municipality and other authorities.

Maryam Al Muhairi, CEO of the Building Regulation and Permits Agency at Dubai Municipality, said the guide sets planning, building, technical, health and public safety requirements alongside approved locations.

Dubai Municipality expects the rules to strengthen oversight, raise compliance and regulate occupancy across the emirate.