They were warned: Dubai municipality target illegal room partitions in residential neighborhoods
Dubai authorities have intensified efforts to eliminate illegal partitioned rooms in residential buildings across several densely populated neighborhoods. The Dubai Municipality (DM) has launched an inspection campaign aimed at removing unauthorized structural modifications inside apartments, which pose serious safety risks to residents.
Focus on High-Density Areas
According to a statement shared with a local news outlet, Dubai Municipality, in coordination with the Dubai Land Department and the General Directorate of Civil Defense , Dubai, is conducting field inspections targeting multi-storey residential buildings across the emirate. The campaign focuses specifically on neighborhoods known for their dense populations, including Al Rigga, Al Muraqqabat, Al Barsha, Al Satwa, and Al Raffa.
'Dubai Municipality, in coordination with the Dubai Land Department and the General Directorate of Civil Defense , Dubai, carried out a field inspection campaign encompassing several multi-storey residential buildings across the emirate,' the statement said. 'The campaign targets densely populated areas, including neighbourhoods such as Al Rigga, Al Muraqqabat, Al Barsha, Al Satwa, and Al Raffa.'
Advance Warnings and Awareness Efforts
The municipality emphasized that prior warnings were issued to building owners to ensure compliance before inspections began.
'Building owners had been formally informed about the need to abide by the rules through letters,' the statement added.
This campaign also strengthens direct communication with property owners to raise awareness about the risks posed by illegal or unapproved structural changes , whether temporary or permanent. The municipality highlighted the importance of adhering to building codes and the necessity of removing any partitions or modifications that do not comply with regulations.
In Dubai, tenants and landlords are legally required to obtain approvals before making any internal modifications or partitions in residential units.
Affordable Housing Versus Safety Risks
Partitioned rooms serve as an affordable accommodation option, especially for low-income residents in Dubai. On various websites and social media platforms, partitioned rooms are advertised starting from as low as Dh600 per month, making them an accessible choice for many residents.
However, Dubai Municipality cautioned that this practice 'violates regulations' and 'poses a direct threat' to the safety of those living in such units.
'Such alterations raise the risk of serious incidents such as fires and hamper swift evacuation during emergencies,' the statement explained. '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.
'
Part of Ongoing Safety Measures Across the Emirates
The crackdown on illegal partitions is part of a sustained effort to maintain high safety standards in residential buildings. Similar actions have been taken in other emirates, where illegal room partitions and sharing of villas were banned in the early 2000s, and regular inspections continue to ensure compliance.
The municipality also noted that the campaign helps in maintaining the 'optimal upkeep of public infrastructure' and curbing 'random subletting' and other unauthorized practices.
'It 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,' the statement concluded.
What This Means for Residents and Property Owners
Residents and landlords are urged to cooperate with authorities by removing any illegal partitions and obtaining the necessary approvals for any modifications. This move safeguards residents' safety and helps maintain the structural integrity of buildings.
Dubai's crackdown reflects its ongoing commitment to public safety and orderly urban living, balancing the need for affordable housing options with strict adherence to building safety regulations.
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Illegal partitions in Dubai raise evacuation risks during emergencies, prompting authorities to enforce building regulations strictly. (Representational image) Dubai authorities have intensified efforts to eliminate illegal partitioned rooms in residential buildings across several densely populated neighborhoods. The Dubai Municipality (DM) has launched an inspection campaign aimed at removing unauthorized structural modifications inside apartments, which pose serious safety risks to residents. Focus on High-Density Areas According to a statement shared with a local news outlet, Dubai Municipality, in coordination with the Dubai Land Department and the General Directorate of Civil Defense , Dubai, is conducting field inspections targeting multi-storey residential buildings across the emirate. The campaign focuses specifically on neighborhoods known for their dense populations, including Al Rigga, Al Muraqqabat, Al Barsha, Al Satwa, and Al Raffa. 'Dubai Municipality, in coordination with the Dubai Land Department and the General Directorate of Civil Defense , Dubai, carried out a field inspection campaign encompassing several multi-storey residential buildings across the emirate,' the statement said. 'The campaign targets densely populated areas, including neighbourhoods such as Al Rigga, Al Muraqqabat, Al Barsha, Al Satwa, and Al Raffa.' Advance Warnings and Awareness Efforts The municipality emphasized that prior warnings were issued to building owners to ensure compliance before inspections began. 'Building owners had been formally informed about the need to abide by the rules through letters,' the statement added. This campaign also strengthens direct communication with property owners to raise awareness about the risks posed by illegal or unapproved structural changes , whether temporary or permanent. The municipality highlighted the importance of adhering to building codes and the necessity of removing any partitions or modifications that do not comply with regulations. In Dubai, tenants and landlords are legally required to obtain approvals before making any internal modifications or partitions in residential units. Affordable Housing Versus Safety Risks Partitioned rooms serve as an affordable accommodation option, especially for low-income residents in Dubai. On various websites and social media platforms, partitioned rooms are advertised starting from as low as Dh600 per month, making them an accessible choice for many residents. However, Dubai Municipality cautioned that this practice 'violates regulations' and 'poses a direct threat' to the safety of those living in such units. 'Such alterations raise the risk of serious incidents such as fires and hamper swift evacuation during emergencies,' the statement explained. '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. ' Part of Ongoing Safety Measures Across the Emirates The crackdown on illegal partitions is part of a sustained effort to maintain high safety standards in residential buildings. Similar actions have been taken in other emirates, where illegal room partitions and sharing of villas were banned in the early 2000s, and regular inspections continue to ensure compliance. The municipality also noted that the campaign helps in maintaining the 'optimal upkeep of public infrastructure' and curbing 'random subletting' and other unauthorized practices. 'It 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,' the statement concluded. What This Means for Residents and Property Owners Residents and landlords are urged to cooperate with authorities by removing any illegal partitions and obtaining the necessary approvals for any modifications. This move safeguards residents' safety and helps maintain the structural integrity of buildings. Dubai's crackdown reflects its ongoing commitment to public safety and orderly urban living, balancing the need for affordable housing options with strict adherence to building safety regulations.
