Dubai Municipality has announced that buildings and villas in more than 44 areas across the city may be used as shared accommodation with an official permit. The initiative aims to reduce overcrowding, regulate informal housing and improve safety and quality-of-life standards.

Areas announced so far include Al Souq Al Kabeer, Al Ras, Al Warqa 1, Al Barsha 1, Al Muraqqabat and Al Rigga. The municipality said additional areas would be added following approval. However, along major tourist and commercial routes such as Sheikh Zayed Road, Jumeirah Road, Al Wasl Road and Baniyas Road, shared accommodation will be permitted only for families.

Under the new regulations, shared accommodation is divided into family and non-family categories, and a residential unit cannot house both groups at the same time. A minimum of 5 square metres of bedroom space is required per person. In family accommodation, each family must have a private bedroom and bathroom. At least one full bathroom is also required for every four occupants.

The regulations apply to apartment buildings as well as detached and attached villas. Property owners must obtain the required permit through the Dubai Building Platform using the services of an engineering consultancy. A shared accommodation permit will be issued once the property meets building, safety, health and occupancy-capacity standards.

Permits are generally valid for one year and are renewable. At the owner’s request, a permit may be issued for two years. Owners and companies that used their properties for shared accommodation before the law took effect have until September 8, 2027, to comply with the new regulations.

The framework was established under Dubai Law No. 4 of 2026. Operating without a permit may result in fines ranging from AED 500 to AED 500,000, with the maximum penalty rising to AED 1 million for repeat offences.