Dubai Cracks Down on Illegal Partitioned Rooms in Residential Areas

DUBAI – In a major move aimed at enhancing public safety and curbing unauthorised housing practices, Dubai cracks down on illegal partitioned rooms in residential buildings across several densely populated neighbourhoods. The campaign, led by the Dubai Municipality in cooperation with the Dubai Land Department and the General Directorate of Civil Defence, targets high-density areas such as Al Rigga, Al Muraqqabat, Al Barsha, Al Satwa, and Al Raffa.

The municipality’s latest enforcement initiative involves field inspections of multi-storey residential buildings, targeting structural alterations made without proper approvals. These modifications, especially temporary or makeshift partitions, have been cited as both unsafe and in direct violation of building codes.

Authorities Enforce Compliance Amid Rising Safety Concerns

In a statement issued this week, Dubai Municipality confirmed the ongoing inspections, emphasizing that the campaign aims to uphold safety standards, enhance communication with property owners, and prevent hazardous living conditions.

“Building owners had been formally informed about the need to abide by the rules through letters,” said the authority. “The campaign strengthens direct communication with building owners to raise awareness about the risks posed by illegal or unapproved structural modifications.”

According to Dubai building laws, landlords and tenants are required to obtain official approvals before making any structural changes within their units, including the installation of partitions to subdivide space for additional occupants.

A Common but Risky Practice in Densely Populated Areas

The practice of installing unauthorised partitions—typically wooden or gypsum walls used to convert rooms into smaller rentable spaces—has become widespread in parts of Dubai. These setups are particularly common among low-income workers and students seeking affordable accommodation.

Listings for such partitioned rooms are regularly found on local classified websites and social media, with prices ranging from AED 600 to AED 1,200 per month, depending on location and amenities.

However, despite the economic appeal, Dubai Municipality reiterated that such modifications violate the emirate’s construction codes and present a direct safety risk, especially in the event of fire, power failure, or other emergencies.

“These alterations raise the risk of serious incidents such as fires and hamper swift evacuation during emergencies,” the statement said. “The campaign ultimately aims to prevent dire incidents related to unauthorised internal modifications.”

Not the First Crackdown: A History of Enforcement in the UAE

Crackdowns on partitioned rooms and villa sharing are not new to the UAE. In the early 2000s, several emirates, including Dubai and Sharjah, introduced regulations banning villa sharing and unauthorised subdivisions. Authorities launched surprise inspections and issued eviction notices, particularly in overpopulated districts.

In recent years, the issue has re-emerged with greater urgency due to rapid urban development and an influx of temporary residents. The pandemic period also intensified housing pressures, resulting in an increase in illegal modifications.

Safety at the Core of the Initiative

The Dubai Municipality stressed that the campaign is part of a larger public safety strategy designed to ensure proper maintenance of residential infrastructure, protect lives, and curb unsafe occupancy trends.

Authorities are particularly concerned about:

Fire hazards caused by overloaded electrical circuits.
Blocked emergency exits due to makeshift walls or furniture.
Ventilation and hygiene issues from overcrowded spaces.
Increased strain on utilities such as water, electricity, and sewage.

These concerns align with findings from previous building fire investigations in which unauthorised room partitions were found to hinder rescue operations and emergency access.

Community Impact and Reaction

While the move has been praised by safety advocates and urban planners, it has also triggered concerns among segments of the population who depend on affordable shared accommodation. For many low-wage earners, students, and jobseekers, partitioned rooms remain one of the few financially viable housing options.

Speaking anonymously, a resident in Al Muraqqabat said:

“We understand the safety concerns, but there needs to be an affordable housing alternative. Not everyone can afford a full studio or one-bedroom apartment.”

A local property manager in Al Barsha noted that while the crackdown is necessary, many landlords have turned a blind eye to tenants installing partitions post-move-in, especially in large unfurnished flats.

Educating Landlords and Tenants

As part of the campaign, Dubai Municipality has launched a public awareness program, sending letters and notices to building owners reminding them of their responsibilities under the emirate’s construction and tenancy laws.

Building owners are being advised to:

Conduct regular internal inspections of their properties.
Prevent subletting without proper authorisation.
Educate tenants on the legal requirements for housing modifications.
Remove any non-compliant internal structures immediately.

Failure to comply can result in fines, disconnection of utilities, or even legal action, depending on the severity of the violations.

Legal Implications of Illegal Partitions

According to Dubai’s housing regulations:

Tenants cannot sublet apartments or make structural changes without written permission from the landlord and relevant municipal authorities.
Landlords who allow illegal partitions may face fines exceeding AED 50,000, depending on the extent of non-compliance.
In extreme cases, buildings may be evacuated, and occupants relocated if the structure is deemed unsafe.

Moreover, unapproved alterations could void insurance claims in the event of property damage or injury due to fire or structural collapse.

Support for Affordable Housing Alternatives

While enforcement continues, Dubai authorities have also acknowledged the need for affordable and safe housing solutions. Recent initiatives include:

Launch of affordable housing projects in emerging communities like Al Warsan and Dubai South.
Incentives for developers to include budget-friendly rental units in new residential projects.
Discussions around co-living models with shared amenities but professionally managed and legally approved partitions.

Urban experts recommend that a balanced approach be taken—upholding safety while ensuring housing inclusivity for Dubai’s diverse population.

Final Word from Authorities

Dubai Municipality concluded its statement by reaffirming that the inspections will continue in the coming weeks. The goal is not only to remove illegal modifications but also to educate residents and landlords about the importance of following proper legal procedures for accommodation alterations.

“This campaign is part of the municipality’s sustained efforts to ensure the highest standards of public safety for residential buildings in the emirate. It also helps contribute to the optimal upkeep of public infrastructure and curb negative practices and the random subletting of apartments and other residential units.”

Summary: Key Takeaways from the Crackdown

Dubai Municipality is inspecting residential buildings for illegal partitions in Al Rigga, Al Barsha, Al Muraqqabat, Al Satwa, and Al Raffa.
Unauthorized modifications violate building codes and pose fire and safety risks.
Landlords and tenants must obtain approvals for any structural changes.
Crackdowns may lead to fines, disconnection of utilities, or legal action.
Affordable housing projects and co-living alternatives are under discussion as sustainable solutions.

This report on how Dubai cracks down on illegal partitioned rooms showcases the city’s ongoing efforts to ensure safety, legal compliance, and responsible urban development, while balancing the housing needs of its ever-growing population.