How Illegal Room Sharing Is Impacting Dubai’s Residential Families

04/07/2025

DUBAI, July 4: For Azeem and his family, their apartment near Deira Twin Towers has been more than just a place to live—it’s been home for over 25 years. They've watched their children grow up there, built memories, and run a business just a few streets away. However, in recent years, the quality of life in the building has drastically declined due to the rise in room-sharing and overcrowded accommodations.

“Some flats now house over 35 people,” Azeem said, recalling how the building was once one of the most desirable in the neighborhood. “We love this place—the rooms are spacious, the area has an old Dubai charm, and everything we need is close by.”

Things changed after the COVID-19 pandemic. Many apartments were subdivided with makeshift partitions, turning once-spacious homes into crammed units. “We’ve filed multiple complaints with the building management, but little has improved,” he added, reports Khaleej Times.

To cope with the influx of tenants, the building implemented a restricted access system, limiting each flat to just three entry cards. “When we have guests, they’re forced to wait outside until someone from inside opens the door. It’s embarrassing,” Azeem lamented.

Elevators Overwhelmed, Daily Frustrations Mount

One of the most common frustrations among residents is the prolonged wait for elevators. “It can take 10 to 15 minutes just to get the lift, and it stops at nearly every floor,” Azeem explained. “This building was never meant to handle this many people.”

Despite these challenges, Azeem’s family has chosen to stay, driven by emotional ties and the convenience of the location. “We can’t imagine living anywhere else. Everything we need is within reach, and after so many years, it’s hard to start over.”

Overflowing Buildings Stir Tensions

In nearby buildings across Deira, similar issues are surfacing. Residents complain of constant arguments, sanitation concerns, and increased safety risks.

“Garbage is left in stairwells and hallways. The smell in some areas is unbearable, and we no longer feel safe, especially for our kids,” said one resident. Once prestigious buildings are now becoming points of frustration. “People smoke and drink in the corridors, and loud music has become a daily nuisance. We’ve repeatedly clashed with neighbors. We’d welcome any regulations against partitioned and bed-space accommodations.”

“It Feels Like a Hostel, Not a Home”

Near Union Metro Station, Hiba (name changed), a mother of two, described the growing discomfort caused by noise and disorder. “Neighbors play loud music at night and shout in the hallways. My kids wake up scared,” she said. “I’ve spoken to them, but they don’t care.”

Her husband added, “Visitors often feel uneasy entering the building. People linger in the corridors at all hours. It no longer feels like a proper home—it’s more like a hostel.”

Landlords and Agents Fueling the Problem

Some residents allege that landlords are knowingly leasing entire flats to agents or tenants who subdivide them for profit, converting two-bedroom apartments into 8–10 cubicles housing up to 20 people.

“It’s not always done behind their backs,” said Naveen, another Deira resident. “Some landlords agree because they earn Dh8,000 to Dh10,000 in rent instead of Dh6,000 from a family.”

Residents argue that these practices are directly contributing to overcrowding and urge authorities to implement stricter regulations on how properties are rented and sublet.