Abu Dhabi Enforces Strict Property Regulations

Abu Dhabi: Neglected Properties May Face Fines up to 20,000 Dirham

In the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, new regulations have been enacted aimed at improving the city's aesthetic appearance and curtailing activities that pose health risks. Under the regulations introduced by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), neglecting equipment, facilities, or properties in public areas can lead to severe fines, which can reach up to 20,000 dirhams.

Objective of the Regulation: Livable and Sustainable Urban Environment

The current regulation is based on the 2012 Law No. 2, which aims to protect the aesthetic image of Abu Dhabi and ensure a sustainable, livable urban environment. The law prohibits any activities that could negatively impact the cultural, architectural, or aesthetic appearance of public spaces such as green areas, promenades, public buildings, markets, and roads.

Expected Fines for Companies and Property Owners

The DMT's new regulations provide clear guidelines on how equipment and properties in public facilities and areas should be maintained. If a company fails to properly maintain the equipment it operates, it can be fined up to 4,000 dirhams.

The same amount applies to neglected or polluted vehicles left in public areas, as well as cases where the bodywork or framework of a vehicle is publicly displayed without a permit.

Unauthorized modifications to the facades of commercial buildings can also result in similar penalties, as these too can distort the city's appearance.

Sanctions on Property Owners

Under the new regulations, property owners also bear significant responsibility. If the fence, covering, or enclosure of a plot or building is aesthetically inadequate, the owner can face fines of up to 10,000 dirhams. In more severe cases—such as when a neglected property poses a direct threat to public safety or significantly deteriorates the cityscape—the fine can reach up to 20,000 dirhams.

Emphasis on Environmental Protection and Cleanliness of Public Areas

The DMT has also imposed stricter rules not only on properties and equipment but also on littering and the disposal of smoking waste. Fines for discarded cigarette butts, for instance, can reach up to 4,000 dirhams for repeated offenses.

Summary

The new regulations on cityscape and public areas in Abu Dhabi send a clear message: maintaining a livable, clean, and safe urban environment is a shared responsibility. Whether businesses or private property owners, everyone is obligated to ensure the proper condition of equipment, buildings, and vehicles placed or affecting public areas.

The new regulations not only signify stricter enforcement but also outline a clear vision: Abu Dhabi aims to remain one of the most modern and livable cities in the region—which requires responsible behavior from all involved parties.

(Source of the article: Official statement from the Department of Municipalities and Transport.)