Which Dubai roads allow family shared housing only?
Family housing only applies on Bani Yas Road, Sheikh Zayed Road, Jumeirah Road and Al Wasl Road, under the Dubai Municipality shared housing rules.
The short answer
The DM circular (reported by Khaleej Times on 8 October 2026) restricts shared housing on four major roads, described as tourist and commercial areas, to family housing only: Bani Yas Road, Sheikh Zayed Road, Jumeirah Road and Al Wasl Road. Individual shared housing is not allowed on these roads. A villa or apartment on these roads, in an allowed area, can still be used as family shared housing with the permit and DCD approval.
Official sources: Dubai Municipality · Dubai Civil Defence · Khaleej Times report on the DM circular
Family housing only: what you need to know
- Bani Yas Road: Family housing only.
- Sheikh Zayed Road: Family housing only.
- Jumeirah Road: Family housing only.
- Al Wasl Road: Family housing only.
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 family housing only
Can I rent rooms to individuals on Al Wasl Road?
No, only family housing is allowed there.
Does this apply to villas and apartments?
It applies to the properties on these roads.
Is the area still required to be on the list?
Yes, the area must also be allowed.
Do I still need DCD?
Yes, DCD approval is required.
Related guides