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Dubai Municipality Issues Building Guide for Shared Housing in Permitted Areas

Dubai Municipality has released the Planning and Building Requirements Guide for Shared Housing and Permitted Areas to implement Dubai Law No. 4 of 2026. The new guidelines establish updated occupancy and safety standards across more than 44 designated zones. Properties must be categorized strictly for individual or family use, with a minimum bedroom space of 5 square metres per resident.

Issuing authority
Dubai Municipality
Jurisdiction
United Arab Emirates
Publication date
October 7, 2026
Stage
Final rule
Official document
Planning and Building Requirements Guide for Shared Housing and Permitted Areas (Dubai Law No. 4 of 2026)
Official source
alhurra.com
Composite graphic of a crowd holding crosses and Syrian opposition flags in a city street
Photo: Emirates 24|7

Dubai Municipality has issued the Planning and Building Requirements Guide for Shared Housing and Permitted Areas to enforce Dubai Law No. 4 of 2026, according to a report published by Emirates 24|7.

The framework introduces updated standards for the management, occupancy, and public safety compliance of shared accommodation across more than 44 designated zones. Under the regulations, each permitted building must be categorized exclusively for individual housing or for family housing.

To counter residential overcrowding, the municipality has mandated a minimum bedroom area of 5 square metres per resident. Furthermore, family accommodations are required to provide each family with an independent bedroom that includes a dedicated en-suite bathroom.

Sources

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