How to convert a building to shared housing in Dubai
To convert a building to shared housing in Dubai, it must be in an allowed area, with each unit set as individual or family housing, DCD approval and the DM permit.
The short answer
A residential building can be used for shared housing only in an area on the DM list (Dubai Municipality circular, reported by Khaleej Times on 8 October 2026). Each unit is allocated to one category, individual or family, and bedrooms need at least 5 m² per person with the required facilities. We survey the building, prepare the layout drawings, check the structure where partitions or loads change, and handle Civil Defence (DCD) approval and the DM shared accommodation permit.
Official sources: Dubai Municipality · Dubai Civil Defence · Khaleej Times report on the DM circular
Convert a building to shared housing: what you need to know
- Unit by unit: Each unit has one category.
- Fire safety: DCD approval covers the building use.
- Structure: Partitions and loads checked.
- Main roads: Family only on four main roads.
What to send us
- Title deed (owner), or tenancy contract with owner NOC (tenant)
- Emirates ID or passport
- Affection plan or site plan
- Existing drawings, if available; we can survey
- Photos of the rooms and facilities
- Trade licence, if a company owns or operates the property
Who does what
From check to permit
The order of the DCD and DM steps can vary; we confirm it for your property.
| Step | Approval route | Guides |
|---|---|---|
| Check the area and category You and us | Confirm the property is in an allowed area, and choose individual or family housing. | Allowed areas |
| Owner NOC (tenants) Owner | A tenant applies with a NOC from the owner. The owner NOC is enough; no other NOC is needed. | Tenants |
| Survey and layout drawings Structural Solutions | Rooms of at least 5 m² per person, plus kitchen, bathroom, dining, recreation and laundry. | Layout drawings |
| Structural check Structural Solutions | Partitions and any added loads are checked by our engineers. | — |
| Civil Defence (DCD) Structural Solutions → DCD | Fire and life safety approval for the shared accommodation. | DCD approval |
| Shared accommodation permit Structural Solutions → Dubai Municipality | The permit to operate the property as shared accommodation. | The permit |
How it works
How it works
1. Check
Area, category and occupancy for your property.
2. Drawings
Survey and layout drawings to the DM rules.
3. Approvals
DCD approval and the DM shared accommodation permit.
4. Operate
Rent the property as permitted shared accommodation.
Questions
More questions about convert a building to shared housing
Can different units have different categories?
Each unit has one category.
Do I need DCD?
Yes, DCD approval is required.
Can a tenant apply for a whole building?
With the owner NOC.
Do you prepare the drawings?
Yes.
Related guides