Dubai experiences a daily influx of people arriving for work or tourism, with Dubai International Airport alone handling around 210,000 passengers each day. This figure doesn’t account for those arriving by road and sea. When considering additional arrivals from neighboring countries by road and passengers from cruise ships and other maritime transport, the total number of daily arrivals could easily exceed 250,000.Approximately 20% of these arrivals are estimated to be individuals seeking employment. Many of these job seekers often rely on relatives or friends for accommodation. To avoid high rental costs, it is not uncommon for multiple families to share villas or apartments.
However, living arrangements in Dubai are subject to strict regulations. According to Dubai’s guidelines, each person must have at least 5 square meters of living space in villas and apartments. The Dubai Land Department classifies any situation where more people are living in a space than permitted as overcrowding. The municipality enforces this rule, mandating a minimum of 5 square meters per person for living or sharing a room.
Certain residential areas in Dubai are designated exclusively for families, and single occupants, often referred to as “bachelors,” are not allowed in these zones. Violations of these housing rules can result in penalties, including fines. Authorities regularly inspect residential areas to ensure compliance with these regulations.
In labor camps or work-related accommodations, the regulations are slightly different. Each worker must be provided with at least 3.7 square meters of space. These guidelines are strictly enforced to prevent overcrowding, which has become an increasing concern. Employers found in violation of these regulations face severe penalties, including fines and bans.
Additionally, some tenants house more people than allowed without the landlord’s knowledge. If such overcrowding is discovered, landlords have the right to terminate the rental agreement. The Dubai Land Department also takes action against building owners who rent to more people than permitted. Recently, ten building owners in Dubai were banned from renting out their properties after being found in violation of these regulations.
Beyond residential areas, Dubai has set precise space and safety requirements for various public spaces. Schools, colleges, classrooms, and laboratories must adhere to specific space guidelines, with each student requiring 1.9 square meters in classrooms and 4.6 square meters in laboratories. These guidelines also extend to other areas, including retail malls, hospitals, and factories, ensuring safety and compliance across the city.
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