Dubai’s partitioned room practice faces heat from authorities after multiple warnings

The practice of partitioned rooms in Dubai has come under the hammer of city authorities who have called the practice risky. Partitioned rooms are a common method of sharing accommodation in many parts of Dubai. In a statement to Khaleej Times, the Dubai Municipality (DM) confirmed that inspections were being carried out in several parts of the city in coordination with the Dubai Land Department and the General Directorate of Civil Defense.

“Dubai Municipality, in coordination with the Dubai Land Department and the General Directorate of Civil Defense - Dubai, carried out a field inspection campaign encompassing several multi-storey residential buildings across the emirate,” the statement read.

According to the statement, densely populated areas and neighbourhoods were targeted as part of the campaign. The statement also informed that several warnings had been issued before the inspections began. The DM underscored that building owners had been formally informed about the need to abide by the rules through letters.


“The campaign strengthens direct communication with building owners to raise awareness about the risks posed by illegal or unapproved structural modifications or partitions — whether temporary or permanent — within residential units and the need to ensure adherence to building norms and remove any non-compliant structures,” the municipality said. It is pertinent to mention that in Dubai it is mandatory for tenants and landlords to seek all necessary approvals to create any partition or changes to an apartment.

Why do Dubai residents prefer partitioned rooms

In Dubai, many residents, mainly from the lower income bracket, opt for partitioned rooms, as it offers an affordable mode of accommodation. The DM, however, asserted that the practice of partitioned rooms “violates regulations” and poses a “direct threat” to the safety of residents. “Such alterations raise the risk of serious incidents such as fires and hamper swift evacuation during emergencies,” it added.

Elaborating further on the need and purpose of the campaign, the municipality said that the campaign ultimately wants to avoid incidents of “unauthorised internal modifications in buildings”. The DM also seeks to raise awareness among property owners and tenants about the importance of complying with building laws and guidelines issued by authorities.