Dubai sets minimum sleeping space standards for workers' accommodation

Workers’ accommodation in Dubai must provide a minimum sleeping area of 3.7 square metres per person under updated planning and design standards announced by Dubai Municipality.

The standards also allocate 8.9 to 10.3 square metres of gross floor area per person for supporting services in workers’ accommodation areas. Recreational facilities and outdoor spaces must be provided at 0.75 to 1.5 square metres per person.

The updates were announced as Dubai Municipality outlined a series of projects and initiatives aimed at improving living conditions in workers’ communities across the emirate.

1,417 buildings surveyed

The initiatives are being implemented under Dubai’s Workers’ Accommodation Policy, covering infrastructure upgrades, building improvements, community facilities and recreational services.

Dubai Municipality has introduced a unified smart classification system for workers’ accommodation and surveyed 1,417 buildings to assess their structural condition and compliance with public health and safety requirements.

Under the Model Workers’ Accommodation initiative, 19 facilities were recognised for meeting model standards. Three received Platinum classification, nine received Gold and seven received Silver.

A shared government database has also been established to bring together statistics and performance indicators on workers’ accommodation. The system is intended to help authorities identify areas requiring improvements and support planning and future investment.

Pedestrian routes and parking assessed

Field surveys in several workers’ communities examined existing infrastructure and identified requirements for pedestrian pathways, bridges, pavements and other facilities.

Dubai Municipality said improvements would be prioritised according to identified needs, alongside the development of additional parking solutions.

The wider programme also includes retail outlets, community facilities and sports amenities to provide workers with greater access to essential services, recreation and physical activity.

Focus on safety and infrastructure

Dr Naseem Mohammed Rafie, acting CEO of the Environment, Health and Safety Agency at Dubai Municipality, said the implementation plan includes updates to the legislative and regulatory framework governing workers’ accommodation.

The municipality is reviewing relevant regulations to align them with engineering, technical, health and safety best practices while supporting compliance and development projects.

She said the objective is to improve infrastructure and public facilities in workers’ areas and upgrade accommodation buildings in line with engineering, technical, health and safety standards.

The programme also aims to expand essential services based on the specific requirements of individual communities.

Dubai Municipality said the initiatives support the objectives of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033.