Dubai Municipality has introduced the ‘Home First’ initiative, a transformative urban planning program aimed at improving housing facilities for Emirati families. This initiative aligns with the ‘Year of Community’ announced by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and supports the Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme, which promotes family bonds and sustainable residential development.
Key Updates in Housing Regulations
As part of the initiative, Dubai Municipality has updated the Dubai Building Code to introduce greater flexibility in home design and expansion, ensuring Emirati families can tailor their homes to their needs while preserving social and architectural harmony.
- New Residential Planning Flexibility: Families can now construct a side family annex before the main villa, incorporating bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens to enhance living spaces.
- Separate Villas for Sons: Emirati homeowners can build a separate villa for a son within the same property, promoting privacy while maintaining strong family ties.
- Full Second-Floor Extensions: Villas can now be expanded with a 100% extension on the second floor, maximizing space utilization.
- Revised Setback Regulations: Minimum setbacks for villas have been reduced to 1.5 metres, while rooftop floors require an additional 1.5-metre setback.
- Service Annex Expansion: Service annexes can now reach a height of up to eight metres across two floors, with setbacks between annexes and the main villa removed.
- Townhouse Enhancements: Townhouses can now be built adjacent to each other across two plots, improving urban planning efficiency.
Commitment to Sustainable and Inclusive Housing
Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Acting Director-General of Dubai Municipality, emphasized that the initiative reinforces Dubai’s commitment to a flexible and sustainable urban planning framework that enhances family stability. He highlighted that these changes support the Dubai Social Agenda 33, positioning Dubai as the best city for living, housing, and community well-being.
By implementing these measures, Dubai Municipality aims to provide a dignified, inclusive, and adaptable living experience for all Emirati citizens while ensuring compliance with international urban planning and sustainability standards.
How to Apply
Emirati citizens interested in exploring the ‘Home First’ benefits can visit Dubai Municipality’s official website or contact 800900 for more information on documentation and application requirements.
Dubai Municipality remains committed to continuously enhancing construction services, urban planning regulations, and housing standards to support the development of a smart, sustainable, and globally competitive construction sector.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
