Illegal partitions in Dubai. EXPAT MEDIA

Dubai Municipality is continuing a renewed crackdown on illegal partitioned rooms in densely populated residential areas across the city, targeting violations that pose serious safety risks to tenants and residents. According to a statement by Dubai Municipality, inspections are being conducted in coordination with the Dubai Land Department and the General Directorate of Civil Defense – Dubai. The operation is focused on multi-storey buildings in areas such as Al Rigga, Al Muraqqabat, Al Barsha, Al Satwa, and Al Raffa. “The campaign targets densely populated areas, including neighbourhoods such as Al Rigga, Al Muraqqabat, Al Barsha, Al Satwa, and Al Raffa,” the Municipality confirmed. The civic body emphasized that building owners were formally warned before the inspections. “Building owners had been formally informed about the need to abide by the rules through letters,” the municipality said, adding that the initiative aims to strengthen communication with property owners and raise awareness of the dangers of unauthorized structural changes. “The campaign ultimately aims to prevent dire incidents related to unauthorised internal modifications in buildings and to raise awareness among property owners and tenants about the importance of complying with building laws and guidelines issued by the relevant authorities,” Dubai Municipality stated. The Municipality reiterated that illegal partitions—whether temporary or permanent—violate regulations and pose a “direct threat” to resident safety, especially in emergencies such as fires where escape routes can be blocked. As Expat Media earlier reported in May, several residents in Al Rigga dismantled makeshift rooms after receiving inspection notices. “Our landlord received a notice from authorities that no partitions will be allowed. We had to take down everything,” one tenant told Expat Media. Another added, “The real estate company said that inspections are ongoing and that we would not be able to renew our lease if they find that there are illegal partitions in the premises.” The Dubai Municipality has been actively monitoring housing violations, including illegal sub-letting, unauthorized alterations, and overcrowding. In 2024 alone, ten landlords were banned from leasing their properties due to such offenses. In Dubai, any modification to residential units—including partitioning—requires prior approval from relevant authorities. Under UAE Federal Law, overcrowding—defined as housing more people than a residence was designed for—can result in fines ranging from Dh50,000 to Dh1 million. Authorities continue to encourage tenants to report violations and avoid subletting or renting from unregistered properties. Residents in Dubai can report violators via the toll-free hotline 800900, while Abu Dhabi residents can use the TAMM platform. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi has continued its own housing enforcement under the campaign “Your Home, Your Responsibility,” which aims to reduce safety risks and promote awareness about residential laws and public decency standards. ICA/Expat Media
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