Dubai Designates Over 44 Areas for Permitted Shared Housing and Sets Guidelines

Dubai Municipality has issued the 'Planning and Building Requirements Guide for Shared Housing and Permitted Areas' pursuant to Law No. (4) of 2026, which regulates the occupancy and management of shared housing in the emirate. More than 44 areas have been approved for shared accommodation, including Al Souq Al Kabeer, Al Ras, Al Warqa 1, Al Barsha 1, Al Muraqqabat, and Al Rigga, with additional areas to be announced following approvals.

Under the technical guidelines, an entire building or villa must be designated exclusively for one category: either individual accommodation or family accommodation. Individual units must provide a minimum bedroom area of 5 square metres per occupant, while family accommodation requires a separate bedroom with an en-suite bathroom for each family. Properties on designated major commercial corridors—including Sheikh Zayed Road, Bani Yas Road, Jumeirah Road, and Al Wasl Road—are restricted to family shared housing only.

The framework also establishes facility standards, including a minimum of 1 square metre of kitchen space per occupant, specific bathroom ratios based on combined or separate fixtures, and bicycle parking capacity equal to at least 10 percent of the total occupants. The regulations apply to new developments and existing buildings undergoing modification in permitted zones, while excluding collective labour accommodation, which remains under separate legislation.

Property owners and management companies have been given a one-year grace period starting from September 8, 2026—the law's effective date—to bring existing shared properties into compliance. Dubai Municipality noted that permits must be obtained via the Build in Dubai platform, and the regularisation timeline does not waive liability for existing building violations or unauthorised structural alterations posing risks to public safety.