Dubai Municipality has released the final list of areas where shared housing is permitted or restricted, under Law No. 4 of 2026 regulating the occupancy and management of shared accommodation. The list matters directly to landlords and tenants who rent out rooms or beds in shared residential units across the emirate. shared housing is fully permitted in areas including Al Ras, Al Dhagaya, Al Bateen, Sabkha, Eyal Nasser, Al Murar, Naif, Al Rigga, Al Muteena, Al Muraqqabat, Hor Al Anz, Al Waheeda, Al Rashidiya, Al Nahda 1 and 2, Al Qusais, Al Twar 5, Muhaisnah 4, Souq Kabeer, Umm Hurair 1 and 2, Al Raffa, Karama, Oud Metha, Jumeirah 1, Al Badaa, Al Barsha 1 and Al Warqa 1.
A second group of neighbourhoods — Abu Hail, Al Baraha, Al Hamriya, Mankhool, Al Jaffiliya, Al Hudaibiya and Al Satwa — only allow shared accommodation in designated parts, not across the entire area.
The municipality also confirmed that individual shared accommodation is banned outright on four of Dubai's busiest arteries: Sheikh Zayed Road, Jumeirah Road, Al Wasl Road and Baniyas Road, which are reserved exclusively for family housing.
Officials say the measure aims to manage population density in residential neighbourhoods and protect the living standards of long-term residents. Landlords and tenants have been urged to check the official list before signing any shared-accommodation contract to avoid fines or contract cancellation. More than 30 areas appear on the fully-permitted list, while seven neighbourhoods fall under the partial-restriction category.