If you live in a shared flat in Dubai, or you’re a landlord thinking about renting one out, here’s the question on everyone’s mind: is my area on the list? Dubai Municipality has now answered it.
The municipality has named the areas where shared accommodation will be allowed, setting out where landlords and licensed operators can provide shared housing. The list comes through a recent circular issued to put Law No. 4 of 2026 into action. That law covers permits, operators, occupancy limits, resident categories and health and technical standards.
Areas Where Shared Housing Is Allowed in Designated Parts
In some neighbourhoods, shared housing is only allowed in certain parts, not across the whole area. These are:
- Abu Hail
- Al Baraha
- Al Hamriya
- Mankhool
- Al Jaffiliya
- Al Hudaibiya
- Al Satwa
If your area is on this list, you’ll need to check whether your specific building falls inside the designated section.
Areas Where Shared Housing Is Allowed Throughout
In the following areas, shared housing is permitted across the whole neighbourhood:
Al Ras, Al Dhagata (Deira), Al Bateen, Sabkha, Eyal Nasser, Al Murar, Naif, Al Rigga, Al Muteena, Al Muraqqabat, Riqqa Al Bateen near Dubai Creek, Hor Al Anz, Al Waheeda in Deira, Al Rashidiya, Al Nahda 1, Al Qusais, Al Twar 5, Al Nahda 2, Muhaisnah 4, Souq Kabeer, Umm Hurair 1 and 2, Al Raffa, Karama, Oud Metha, Jumeirah 1, Al Badaa, Al Barsha 1 and Al Warqa 1.
Where Shared Housing Is Restricted
The municipality has also put limits on plots along major tourism and commercial roads. Shared accommodation for individuals is not allowed on Sheikh Zayed Road, Jumeirah Road, Al Wasl Road and Baniyas Road. On those roads, shared housing is limited to families.
So even if a building sits inside an area that’s otherwise on the allowed list, being on one of these roads changes the rules.
An Approved Area Doesn’t Mean Automatic Approval
This part matters for landlords. Being in a listed area doesn’t mean any property can simply be turned into shared housing. The property still has to meet the municipality’s planning, building and occupancy requirements, and it needs the right permits.
Who can rent it out is also clear. Only a property owner or a licensed establishment can rent out accommodation designated as shared housing. An authorised operator can manage the property for the owner, or lease it from the owner and sublet it to residents, as long as it follows the law.
Also Read: Dubai Bans Families and Individuals From Sharing the Same Home; Here’s What Changes
Why These Rules Exist
The new framework aims to bring shared accommodation under a formal system. The property, the operator, the location, the type of resident and the number of occupants all have to comply with the law. For tenants, that should mean safer and better regulated homes. For landlords, it means doing the paperwork properly before listing anything.
What to Do Next
If you’re a tenant, check whether your neighbourhood appears on the lists above, and ask your landlord whether the building has the right permit. If you’re an owner, confirm your area and your road before making any plans.
And once the housing questions are sorted, there’s some fun to look forward to. Dubai Miracle Garden has just reopened, and our piece on how Dubai Miracle Garden returns for its 15th season with something new every week is a good place to start planning a weekend out.