Illegal Partitioned Rooms, Bed Spaces In Dubai: Safety Risks And The Search For Sustainable Housing Solutions
Recently, Dubai Municipality, alongside the Dubai Land Department and Civil Defense, has launched intensified inspections across key residential hotspots like Deira, Al Riqqa, Satwa, Al Barsha, and Al Raffa. Their target? Illegal partitioned rooms and bed spaces that pose serious safety risks—from fire hazards to blocked emergency exits—in crowded residential buildings.
Partitioned rooms might seem like a quick fix for affordable housing, especially for lower-income residents, but in Dubai, they're a big no-no without official approval. Authorities are taking a firm stand against these unauthorized modifications, emphasizing that safety cannot be compromised for convenience or cost savings.
Scroll through Facebook ads for just a few minutes, and you'll find a shadow housing market thriving in plain sight. Partitioned rooms are being rented out for as much as Dh1,400 a month—often just a slice of someone else's living space, separated by thin walls or curtains.
In Satwa, a loft bed squeezed above a cupboard in a makeshift room can go for Dh600. It's barely enough space to stand, let alone live. In Deira, partitions can be found for Dh650, sometimes higher if they come 'all in'—meaning free Wi-Fi, DEWA, and maybe a balcony shared with several others.
For those chasing affordability, a 'fully closed' partition can go as low as Dh800 in some areas, or Dh700 for a single-person slot. The price varies by location and perks, but the bottom line remains: these setups are often cramped, poorly ventilated, and unregulated.
Yet for many low-income workers, these hidden corners of the city are the only option. The question is—how long can this patchwork system go on before safety, dignity, and affordability collide?
But the problem isn't confined to old Dubai's jam-packed neighborhoods—it's creeping into the city's most upscale corners. Take Dubai Marina's Jumeirah Beach Residences, for example. A British tenant, living in Dubai since 2008, who requested anonymity, blew the whistle on a four-bedroom apartment in Sadaf illegally converted into a seven-bedroom bunker, crammed with up to 60 people sleeping in bunk beds. Some are renting beds at a bargain Dh100 each, openly advertised on Facebook as a 'holiday home' — without a single permit.
This isn't just rule-breaking; it's blatant exploitation and a disaster looming on the horizon. With no proper air conditioning, zero privacy, and fire exits blocked by makeshift bedrooms in utility spaces, the risk isn't hypothetical—it's a disaster waiting to happen. The consequences could be catastrophic.
As Dubai cracks down on illegal partitions, the conversation around affordable and safe housing for low-income workers is reaching a boiling point. The challenge goes beyond enforcement—it calls for bold, creative solutions that balance dignity, safety, and economic realities.
Some experts suggest government-backed subsidized housing schemes tailored for workers earning less than Dh2,000 a month. Imagine safe, regulated homes within the city that don't cost a fortune but meet strict safety standards—a real alternative to cramped, unsafe rooms.
Developers could also play a key role – Builders can include affordable, purpose-built accommodations in their projects, creating a long-term fix rather than a quick patch. Meanwhile, flexible shared housing models—legal co-living spaces with privacy and safety—could offer a modern, community-driven solution that respects workers' needs and budgets.
For those who can't afford Dubai rents, relocating to more affordable cities on the outskirts is an option—but the long commute poses a significant challenge. Some have proposed transport subsidies or dedicated shuttle services to ease the burden on workers' time and finances.
As Dubai continues to grow and transform, safe and affordable housing for its workforce is no longer optional—it's urgent. The crackdown on illegal partitions exposes a deeper crisis that needs real solutions. With smart enforcement, bold innovation, and public awareness, Dubai can build safe, inclusive, dignified homes for everyone who powers the city's success.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Insider
a day ago
- Gulf Insider
UAE Summer Airfares To London, Istanbul, New York Crash - Tickets As Low As Dh1,300
For the first time in years, a last-minute getaway during the busy summer months of July and August is possible even for budget-conscious UAE travellers. For example, connecting Economy airfares from Dubai to London are available for a price as low as Dh1,300 – a sharp drop from the highs of Dh2,500 (one connection) from last year. Fares from Abu Dhabi to global holiday destinations are even more affordable compared to ticket prices for flights departing from Dubai International Airport. For example, tickets from Abu Dhabi to Mumbai are available for Dh708 for travel between July 15 and 31. 'We are seeing a much more manageable increase in airfares this July,' said Rashid Abbas, Managing Director of Arooha Travels. 'In some cases, fares to some CIS and Indian destinations have dropped to lows of Dh610 to Dh800. The prices are certainly more attractive than what travellers have had to contend with in the last couple of years,' he said. Are these airfares the lowest since 2020? 'Yes and no. In some cases, the fares are dramatically low. However, to certain European destinations, travellers still need to shell out Dh2,500 to Dh3,800 for a last-minute ticket. Still, it is far lower than the prices we have been seeing since 2022, where ticket prices rose to exorbitant levels,' said Abbas. 'If you are seeking a direct flight from Dubai to London, Stockholm, Lisbon or Barcelona, fares are still in the Dh2,500 to Dh3,000 levels. However, some European destinations, especially flights operated by budget carriers (Eurowings, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, and Air Arabia Abu Dhabi), are selling tickets from Dubai to Paris for Dh2,815, for example. Flights to Berlin are available for Dh1,860,' said Afi Ahmed, Chairman, Smart Travels. Here are some great last-minute deals for under Dh2,000 for travel from July 15 until 31 From Dubai Dubai to Tbilisi on flydubai Dh1,300 Dubai to Istanbul on AJet Dh653 Dubai to Chisinau, Moldova on Wizz Air Abu Dhabi Dh538 Dubai to Cairo on Air Arabia Express Dh1,430 Dubai to New York on United Airlines Dh2,945 Dubai to Bangkok on Emirates Dh3,763 (direct) From Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi to Yerevan on Etihad Dh618 Abu Dhabi to Manama on Etihad Dh415 Abu Dhabi to Muscat on Etihad Dh485 Abu Dhabi to Istanbul on Etihad Dh1,006 Abu Dhabi to Athens on Etihad Dh1,635 From Sharjah Sharjah to Istanbul on AJet Dh706 Sharjah to Doha on Qatar Airways Dh755 Sharjah to Tbilisi on Air Arabia for Dh1,432 From Ras Al Khaimah RAK to Mumbai on IndiGo Dh742 RAK to Istanbul on AJet Dh653 According to travel agents, one of the main reasons for the drop in fares is the changing behaviour of UAE residents when it comes to travel. 'For example, couples and bachelors usually plan their trips home during off-peak months to take advantage of cheaper airfares,' said Sapna Aidasani, Head of Marketing at Pluto Travels. 'People are no longer travelling for one to two months at a stretch, but rather for shorter durations of two to ten days. Travellers are now returning sooner.' She said the trend has changed towards shorter trips, typically a week, ten days, or fifteen days. 'On return, they break their holiday again and are opting for destinations closer to the UAE, such as Azerbaijan or Schengen nations (if visa allows). Africa is also gaining popularity. Many residents have adjusted their travel plans and are now considering destinations beyond India,' Sapna added. Moreover, corporate leaves rarely exceed twenty days, and employees prefer to break up their travel into two to three trips a year. She said Dubai residents generally prefer not to stay away from home for extended periods, usually returning by the first week of August. 'They then plan their subsequent trips during the winter or Diwali, often breaking their summer travel into two shorter holidays,' she said.
Gulf Insider
6 days ago
- Gulf Insider
Dubai To Launch New Contractor Rating System By 2026; Suspends Two Firms
Dubai Municipality has announced a comprehensive update to its Contractor and Engineering Consultancy Rating System, aiming to implement a more accurate and integrated framework for evaluating the performance of construction firms and engineering offices across the emirate. The new standards are part of Dubai's broader efforts to transform its construction and urban development sector into one that is more intelligent, sustainable, and globally competitive. Set to take effect in early 2026, the updated system will incorporate a wider range of performance indicators and assessment criteria. These changes are intended to enable more precise evaluations of technical capacity, project execution quality, regulatory compliance, and sustainability practices. In a related development, Dubai Municipality also announced that the Licensing and Professional Practice Registration Committee has issued a six-month suspension to two engineering consultancy offices. The firms are barred from obtaining permits for any new projects during the suspension period. The disciplinary action followed investigations that uncovered professional practices in violation of approved regulations and ethical standards—conduct the Municipality warned could endanger the interests of property owners and developers. The names of the suspended firms were not disclosed. As part of its updated evaluation system, the Municipality will introduce new performance criteria for contractors and engineering consultancy offices. The revised framework will assess factors such as: Financial solvency Emiratisation rates Participation in corporate social responsibility initiatives Timely project delivery Adoption of innovative, tech-driven project designs and execution methods Integration of detailed feedback from property owners Eng. Maryam Al Muhairi, CEO of the Buildings Regulation and Permits Agency at Dubai Municipality, stated that the enhanced system is part of the municipality's broader effort to raise construction quality, support innovation, and elevate global competitiveness in the sector. It also seeks to improve proactive services and strengthen the business environment for engineering professionals and consultancy firms in Dubai. 'The evaluation system for contractors and consultancy offices serves as a key driver for improving performance and quality,' Al Muhairi said. 'It reflects our commitment to providing property owners and developers with transparent data on consultants and contractors, enabling informed decision-making when selecting firms for their projects.' Stakeholders will also be able to participate in performance evaluations via electronic surveys through the municipality's 'Build in Dubai' (BID) platform, further promoting transparency and trust. Al Muhairi added that the development of the new standards will involve close collaboration with contracting firms and consultancies. The municipality will host regular meetings and engagement sessions to gather feedback and suggestions before the new system is formally rolled out.
Gulf Insider
26-06-2025
- Gulf Insider
Illegal Partitioned Rooms, Bed Spaces In Dubai: Safety Risks And The Search For Sustainable Housing Solutions
Crackdown on illegal partitioned rooms and bed spaces is underway, targeting serious safety risks—from fire hazards to blocked emergency exits—in crowded residential buildings, particularly in areas like Deira. Recently, Dubai Municipality, alongside the Dubai Land Department and Civil Defense, has launched intensified inspections across key residential hotspots like Deira, Al Riqqa, Satwa, Al Barsha, and Al Raffa. Their target? Illegal partitioned rooms and bed spaces that pose serious safety risks—from fire hazards to blocked emergency exits—in crowded residential buildings. Partitioned rooms might seem like a quick fix for affordable housing, especially for lower-income residents, but in Dubai, they're a big no-no without official approval. Authorities are taking a firm stand against these unauthorized modifications, emphasizing that safety cannot be compromised for convenience or cost savings. Scroll through Facebook ads for just a few minutes, and you'll find a shadow housing market thriving in plain sight. Partitioned rooms are being rented out for as much as Dh1,400 a month—often just a slice of someone else's living space, separated by thin walls or curtains. In Satwa, a loft bed squeezed above a cupboard in a makeshift room can go for Dh600. It's barely enough space to stand, let alone live. In Deira, partitions can be found for Dh650, sometimes higher if they come 'all in'—meaning free Wi-Fi, DEWA, and maybe a balcony shared with several others. For those chasing affordability, a 'fully closed' partition can go as low as Dh800 in some areas, or Dh700 for a single-person slot. The price varies by location and perks, but the bottom line remains: these setups are often cramped, poorly ventilated, and unregulated. Yet for many low-income workers, these hidden corners of the city are the only option. The question is—how long can this patchwork system go on before safety, dignity, and affordability collide? But the problem isn't confined to old Dubai's jam-packed neighborhoods—it's creeping into the city's most upscale corners. Take Dubai Marina's Jumeirah Beach Residences, for example. A British tenant, living in Dubai since 2008, who requested anonymity, blew the whistle on a four-bedroom apartment in Sadaf illegally converted into a seven-bedroom bunker, crammed with up to 60 people sleeping in bunk beds. Some are renting beds at a bargain Dh100 each, openly advertised on Facebook as a 'holiday home' — without a single permit. This isn't just rule-breaking; it's blatant exploitation and a disaster looming on the horizon. With no proper air conditioning, zero privacy, and fire exits blocked by makeshift bedrooms in utility spaces, the risk isn't hypothetical—it's a disaster waiting to happen. The consequences could be catastrophic. As Dubai cracks down on illegal partitions, the conversation around affordable and safe housing for low-income workers is reaching a boiling point. The challenge goes beyond enforcement—it calls for bold, creative solutions that balance dignity, safety, and economic realities. Some experts suggest government-backed subsidized housing schemes tailored for workers earning less than Dh2,000 a month. Imagine safe, regulated homes within the city that don't cost a fortune but meet strict safety standards—a real alternative to cramped, unsafe rooms. Developers could also play a key role – Builders can include affordable, purpose-built accommodations in their projects, creating a long-term fix rather than a quick patch. Meanwhile, flexible shared housing models—legal co-living spaces with privacy and safety—could offer a modern, community-driven solution that respects workers' needs and budgets. For those who can't afford Dubai rents, relocating to more affordable cities on the outskirts is an option—but the long commute poses a significant challenge. Some have proposed transport subsidies or dedicated shuttle services to ease the burden on workers' time and finances. As Dubai continues to grow and transform, safe and affordable housing for its workforce is no longer optional—it's urgent. The crackdown on illegal partitions exposes a deeper crisis that needs real solutions. With smart enforcement, bold innovation, and public awareness, Dubai can build safe, inclusive, dignified homes for everyone who powers the city's success.
