Mass Evictions in Dubai: Illegal Partition Crackdown

Mass Evictions in Dubai: Combatting Illegal Apartment Partitions

In recent weeks, the Dubai Municipality has launched a large-scale crackdown on unauthorized apartment partitions aimed at guaranteeing resident safety and enforcing fire safety regulations. The authorities inspected numerous neighborhoods, including Al Rigga, Al Muraqqabat, Al Barsha, Al Satwa, and Al Raffa, targeting apartments where temporary partitions, mezzanines, or room conversions from kitchens were used to increase usable space.

Crowded Living Conditions Due to Limited Options

One affected tenant, living with his brother in the mezzanine of a two-bedroom apartment, shared that 16 people were sharing the apartment. The space may not have been luxurious, but shift rotations made it work for them. They moved in two months ago, assured by the broker that the arrangement was legal. However, they were now ordered to vacate the apartment immediately following an unexpected inspection by the municipality and fire department.

From Kitchen to Room, Separated by a Curtain

Another resident, who works at a beauty salon, previously lived in a "room" converted from a kitchen. Her living space consisted of a curtain, a fan, and a monthly rent of 600 dirhams. However, she too had to move out as the municipality deemed the arrangement hazardous. Currently, she is staying with a friend but is unsure how long she can remain there.

Low Wages Insufficient for Legal Housing

A food delivery courier stated that although he knew the plywood partitions were unauthorized, he had no choice as he couldn't afford a standalone apartment. He rented the space for 700 dirhams and shared utility costs. When inspectors arrived, there was no argument; they packed up and vacated that night.

A young man working in a watch store shared a living room with five others. He mentioned that the landlord had the partitions installed, and they weren't at fault. While they were aware the municipality warned landlords, they never received official notice. Despite this, he acknowledged the setup was illegal—but with a salary of 2,000 dirhams, he couldn't afford anything else.

Warnings Were Given, But Many Were Ignored

The Dubai Municipality emphasized that the campaign's goal is not to penalize tenants but to protect lives and property. Authorities previously warned landlords and property owners that all architectural modifications, temporary or permanent, require a permit. The campaign aims to raise awareness and remove structures that do not meet standards.

Forced Relocations—What's Next?

The removal of illegal partitions and mezzanines could affect hundreds, if not thousands, of low-income residents in various Dubai districts. While authorities claim the goal is to enhance safety, many people have nowhere to go because affordable, legal rentals are hard to find. The situation highlights the societal challenge where rising housing costs and low immigrant wages force more individuals into unofficial, hazardous living arrangements.

(Source of the article: Dubai Municipality statement.)