Dubai Approves 44 Areas for Shared Housing: Here is the List

Under the new legislation, Dubai has granted approval for permits for shared housing in 44 residential areas where buildings and villas have to overcome the serious issues of overpopulation and ensure the health and safety of residents in multi-dwelling housing societies. The framework, under the enactment of Dubai Law No. (4) of 2026, specifies detailed guidelines for property owners, landlords and operators.

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Dubai Approves More Than 44 Shared Housing Areas

The sites covered are Al Souq Al Kabeer, Al Ras, Al Warqa 1, Al Barsha 1, Al Muragqat Al Kabeer and Al Rigga etc. Dubai Municipality will continue to add more at the appropriate locations, as soon as approvals are received and as promoted on official planning and government platforms.

Planning and Building Requirements Guide for Shared Housing and Permitted Areas (SHAPA) outlines the technical, health and safety requirements for shared housing that is subject to planning permission across Dubai.

Strict Rules for Occupancy and Facilities

All buildings will be allocated exclusively for individual and/or family housing under the new system. If a property has a combination of these two types, it is not allowed to pair both together. Each bedroom needs to have at least 5 square metres per person.

Family accommodation should have an en-suite bathroom and a separate bedroom for each family. They also need adequate facilities to prepare, consume, enjoy, wash and dry the laundry, to give privacy and comfort to living.

One-Year Grace Period for Property Owners

Owners, management companies and leasing companies have until 8 September 2027 to regularise existing buildings being used for shared housing within 1 year. Once all conditions are fulfilled, buildings and villas can be given permits via the Build in Dubai platform.

Approval will also require adherence to Dubai Civil Defence standards and specifications for fire alarms and firefighting systems and to SIRA standards and specifications in the installation of CCTVs.

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