Shared housing approval in Karama, Dubai
Karama shared housing is fully allowed under the Dubai Municipality circular, with the permit, 5 m² per person and DCD approval.
The short answer
Karama is a central residential area with many older low-rise buildings and apartments. Under the DM circular (reported by Khaleej Times on 8 October 2026), shared housing in Karama is allowed in all parts of the area. Each unit is individual or family housing, bedrooms need at least 5 m² per person, and the kitchen, bathroom, dining, recreation and laundry facilities are required, with Civil Defence approval and the shared accommodation permit. Existing shared properties must regularise by 8 September 2027.
Official sources: Dubai Municipality · Dubai Civil Defence · Khaleej Times report on the DM circular
Karama shared housing: what you need to know
- Area status: All parts of Karama are allowed.
- Category: Individual or family, one per unit.
- Approvals: DCD approval and the DM permit.
- Tenants: Apply with the owner NOC.
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 Karama shared housing
Is shared housing allowed in Karama?
Yes, in all parts of the area.
Can a tenant apply?
Yes, with the owner NOC.
Do I need DCD approval?
Yes.
What are the fines?
AED 500 to AED 500,000 under the circular.
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