Dubai Municipality has introduced updated planning regulations allowing home extensions and additional living space within residential properties.
As part of the UAE’s “Year of Community,” announced by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the municipality launched the “Home First” initiative to enhance housing facilities for Emirati families.
This initiative introduces a series of urban planning modifications aimed at promoting family stability, strengthening social bonds, and improving the quality of life for Emiratis.
Updated Residential Planning Code
The “Home First” initiative aligns with the Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme, founded by Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, wife of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.
The programme focuses on fostering family connections, reinforcing social values, and establishing a sustainable residential environment tailored to the changing needs of Emirati households.
As part of the initiative, Dubai Municipality has revised the Dubai Building Code to introduce more flexibility in residential planning, allowing Emiratis to customize their homes based on family and social requirements.
The updated regulations permit the construction of a side family annex before the main villa, providing extra living areas such as bedrooms, kitchens, and lounges.
Additionally, Emirati homeowners can build a separate villa for a son within the family property, maximizing space efficiency while ensuring privacy and maintaining close family ties.
Families now have the option to expand their villas with a full 100% extension on the second floor.
Setback rules have also been adjusted, reducing the minimum villa setback to 1.5m while introducing an extra 1.5m setback for rooftop floors across all construction boundaries.
The revised regulations remove setbacks between service annexes and the main villa, allowing service annexes to be built up to eight meters high across two floors.
Townhouses can now be constructed adjacent to each other across two plots, enhancing urban planning efficiency while maintaining architectural harmony.
Commitment to Sustainable Urban Planning
Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Acting Director-General of Dubai Municipality, emphasized that the “Home First” initiative reflects the municipality’s dedication to a flexible and sustainable urban planning model that prioritizes family well-being and community stability.
“These new regulations provide Emirati families with adaptable housing options that accommodate their evolving needs while maintaining Dubai’s high architectural standards,” he stated.
The initiative aligns with the objectives of Dubai Social Agenda 33, which aims to position Dubai as the world’s leading city for housing, community well-being, and quality of life.
“Through these measures, we are fostering a dignified and inclusive residential experience that enhances the happiness and prosperity of all citizens,” he added.
Dubai Municipality encourages Emirati citizens to explore the initiative’s benefits by visiting its official website for detailed information on documentation requirements or contacting its call center at 800 900.
The municipality remains committed to continuously refining construction-related services, regulations, and building codes while overseeing licensing, urban planning, and construction activities.
These efforts aim to develop a smart, sustainable, and globally competitive construction sector, ensuring the highest living standards in line with international urban planning and sustainability benchmarks.
