Dubai Municipality has limited shared housing to designated areas under new guidelines. Major tourist and commercial roads such as Sheikh Zayed Road, Jumeirah Road, Al Wasl Road and Bani Yas Road are restricted to family sharing only.
People looking to rent or stay in shared accommodation must ensure the property is within a Dubai Municipality-approved zone. The guidelines aim to protect residential communities and maintain living standards.
The rules apply to new buildings and existing properties adapted for shared housing, with developers and landlords required to comply with the standards by September 8, 2027.
A new law issued in February regulates shared housing in Dubai, covering permits, leasing and safety standards. Violations can attract fines ranging from Dh500 to Dh500,000.
Under the new rules, shared housing is classified into two types: individual housing, where unrelated individuals share a unit or room and common facilities, and family housing, where more than one family shares a residential unit and its facilities.
The rules apply to shared accommodation in apartment buildings, detached villas and attached villas.
The circular sets minimum space, kitchen, bathroom and health facility requirements for shared housing, along with administrative fees and modification procedures.
