The Dubai Municipality has introduced comprehensive regulations for shared accommodation under Law No. 4 of 2026, setting strict norms such as banning the mixing of families and individuals, enforcing minimum space requirements of five square metres per occupant, and designating specific zones across the city for shared housing. Property owners have been given a one-year grace period to ensure full compliance with the new standards, which aim to enhance public health, safety, and residential organization starting in September 2027.

The Dubai Municipality has introduced comprehensive regulations for shared accommodation under Law No. 4 of 2026, setting strict norms such as banning the mixing of families and individuals, enforcing minimum space requirements of five square metres per occupant, and designating specific zones across the city for shared housing. Property owners have been given a one-year grace period to ensure full compliance with the new standards, which aim to enhance public health, safety, and residential organization starting in September 2027.

The Dubai Municipality has introduced comprehensive regulations for shared accommodation under Law No. 4 of 2026, setting strict norms such as banning the mixing of families and individuals, enforcing minimum space requirements of five square metres per occupant, and designating specific zones across the city for shared housing. Property owners have been given a one-year grace period to ensure full compliance with the new standards, which aim to enhance public health, safety, and residential organization starting in September 2027.

The Dubai Municipality has issued a set of norms about shared accommodation, which includes banning mixing families and individuals in such housing units. The new rules will come into effect in September 2027

The requirement notified under Law No. 4 of 2026 regulates the occupancy and management of shared housing, and owners and establishments have been given one year to bring existing properties into compliance.

The rules include providing at least five square metres of space per occupant and setting aside a complete bathroom for every four residents. In shared family accommodation, each family must have a separate bedroom with its own private bathroom.

Other requirements include services based on the category of accommodation and number of occupants, with regard to kitchens and sanitary facilities, as well as designated areas for dining, recreation, laundry and clothes drying.

Designated areas

The circular also mentions over 44 areas across Dubai that will permit buildings and villas to offer shared accommodation. These include Al Souq Al Kabeer, Al Ras, Al Warqa 1, Al Barsha 1, Al Muraqqabat and Al Rigga. Additional areas may be approved in the future.

Major roads with a tourism or commercial character, like Bani Yas Road, Sheikh Zayed Road, Jumeirah Road and Al Wasl Road, have been designated for families-only shared accommodation.

Though there is a one-year grace period to regularise the status of buildings currently used for shared housing as per the new rules, the regularisation period does not exempt owners from addressing building violations, unauthorised changes of use or other conditions that pose risks to public safety. Such cases must be rectified in accordance with the applicable requirements and legislation.

Maryam Al Muhairi, chief of the Building Regulation and Permits Agency at Dubai Municipality, said the guide provides a clear reference for property owners and management and leasing companies. “It sets out planning, building, technical, health and public safety requirements, as well as the areas where buildings may be allocated for shared housing,” she said. “This will contribute to providing a safe, healthy and well-regulated residential environment for different segments of the community, while translating the provisions of the Shared Housing Law related to protecting rights and enhancing public health and safety.”

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