Imlaak News | 8 October 2026
Dubai Municipality has issued a shared-housing guide covering permitted locations, bedroom standards and building requirements, according to an October 7 announcement by Emirates News Agency.
What the Dubai shared housing guide requires
More than 44 areas have been approved. Existing buildings must serve either individual or family accommodation. Bedrooms must provide at least five square metres per person; each family needs its own bedroom and en-suite bathroom.
The requirements cover new buildings and existing properties modified for shared housing. Collective labour accommodation falls under separate legislation.
The law took effect on September 8, 2026. Owners and property-management and leasing companies have one year from that date to regularise existing shared-housing buildings. That period does not excuse unsafe conditions, unauthorised changes of use or building violations.
How the permit framework works
Law No. 4 of 2026, announced in March, requires a permit before a property can be allocated for shared housing. Permits normally last one year, with a two-year option at the owner’s request. Renewal applications must be submitted at least 30 days before expiry.
The law allows leasing by owners or authorised establishments. It prohibits tenants and other parties from subletting part of a unit. It also gives Dubai Land Department responsibility for an electronic shared-housing register and a regularly updated rental indicator.
Imlaak analysis: What owners should review
For owners assessing a shared-housing property, the practical starting points are its permitted use, accommodation category, room layout and permit status. Property-specific questions should be checked against the official requirements before conversion or leasing decisions are made.
Source note: WAM’s guide announcement is dated October 7, 2026. Dubai Media Office’s law announcement is dated March 11, 2026. This is implementation guidance, not a newly enacted October law. Sources checked October 8, 2026.