Abu Dhabi cracks down on overcrowding in residential buildings

Authorities in Abu Dhabi are stepping up efforts to tackle overcrowding in residential areas and improve living conditions.

The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has launched the latest phase of its awareness campaign, 'Your Home, Your Responsibility,' which aligns with the 'UAE Year of Community' and emphasises the need for compliance with property occupancy laws.

Property owners and investors are reminded to adhere to occupancy rules and cooperate with leasing standards, while companies are encouraged to provide housing for lower-income groups in approved accommodations.

The campaign also urges residents to avoid renting units with undisclosed contracts and ensure their rental properties are registered in the Tawtheeq system, with all vehicles properly registered in their Mawaqif zones.

The DMT is stepping up inspections and will enforce strict penalties against violators, including fines ranging from AED 5,000 to AED 500,000, with repeated offences potentially incurring fines of up to AED 1 million. Non-registered cars in residential zones may also be impounded.

In line with the aspirations of the UAE’s Year of the Community 2025, @AbuDhabiDMT has launched the latest round of the Your Home, Your Responsibility awareness campaign, which aims to enhance quality of life for all residents across #AbuDhabi. pic.twitter.com/RC0xMu7Ugb

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) March 5, 2025