Affordable Housing Demands Rise Among Dubai Renters

Affordable Housing Demands Rise Among Dubai Renters

As Dubai authorities increasingly crack down on illegally subdivided rooms and bed rentals, more residents are raising their voices: they are asking for a solution that meets regulations while remaining affordable for the city's lower-income workers. The goal is not only to reduce overcrowding and prevent health risks but also to create a sustainable and fair housing system in the long term.

The reality from renters’ perspective

Due to Dubai's growing population, many low-income workers have chosen to live in cheap but often overcrowded housing arrangements, such as subdivided rooms, bed rentals, or attic spaces. However, these accommodations often do not comply with safety and hygiene standards.

As a result of strict inspections, many residents were forced to leave their previous homes. Many moved to Sharjah or other emirates, which involves long and tiring commutes and complicates their daily lives. Although the aim of the measures is indisputably positive – improving living conditions – in practice, many workers find themselves in a difficult situation.

What is needed?

Residents believe that the solution is not necessarily to ban all forms of shared housing. Instead, there is a need to officially allow well-regulated, safe, and affordable shared housing options. Suggestions have included:

Introducing clear guidelines regarding bed rentals and shared rooms: minimum cubic meters per person, proper ventilation, and basic fire safety requirements.

Setting rental price ceilings in various districts, considering the size of the apartment and the number of residents.

Creating designated housing zones for workers, especially singles, similar to the previously existing affordable family neighborhoods.

Legal regulations

Under current regulations, a minimum of 5 square meters of usable floor area must be provided per person in residential buildings. Accommodating more persons in smaller spaces violates laws and may result in official actions. Dubai Municipality and other authorities are increasingly conducting inspections and penalizing property owners who overcrowd their properties.

Solution: Legal and sustainable housing

Residents are not against regulations – quite the opposite. They support creating a healthy and safe living environment, but they need options that consider their real financial circumstances. Achieving a balance of legality, safety, and affordability could be crucial for Dubai's future urban strategy.

As Dubai's population continues to grow, city decision-makers urgently need to consider how to ensure modern and high-standard living conditions for those without whom the city's daily operations would be unimaginable – serving staff, couriers, office employees, and other essential personnel. A well-thought-out, legally regulated, affordable housing system could benefit the whole city, not just the residents.

(The article is based on residents' accounts.)