AED1 Million Fines in Abu Dhabi to Tackle Overcrowded Homes

The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) in Abu Dhabi is ramping up efforts to tackle residential overcrowding through its ongoing campaign, “Your Home, Your Responsibility.” This initiative highlights the importance of regulating property use to create safer, more comfortable living conditions across the emirate.

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As part of the campaign, the Abu Dhabi City Municipality has rolled out inspection operations focused on spotting overcrowded housing situations. The goal is simple: make sure everyone in the city has a safe and organised place to live.

What the Campaign Is All About

Launched back in March, “Your Home, Your Responsibility” ties into the Year of the Community 2025 initiative. It’s not just about fines, it’s about raising awareness. Municipal teams are mainly working to educate residents and property owners about occupancy rules. Warnings are issued first, with penalties coming only if violations continue.

That said, if the problem persists, things can get costly. Fines for overcrowding violations start at AED 5,000 and can go up to a hefty AED 1 million.

What Counts as Overcrowding?

Overcrowding is defined as housing more people in a residential unit than it was designed to accommodate. This can lead to safety risks, stress on building infrastructure, and violations of public norms. The campaign’s message is clear: maintaining decent, livable housing is a shared responsibility.

A social media awareness video shared by the Department stresses how overcrowding goes against public safety and decency standards. It also undermines the community vibe that Abu Dhabi is working hard to build.

What Residents and Tenants Should Know

The Department is urging all tenants to:

• Avoid sub-leasing or renting from unofficial channels.
• Use only properties listed on the “Tawtheeq” system to ensure the property is registered and approved.
• Register their vehicles properly under the “Mawaqif” system to avoid parking issues.

Property owners and companies are also being told to house workers in areas designated for labour accommodation and not in family neighbourhoods.

How to Report Violations

Residents are encouraged to report overcrowded housing through the “TAMM” platform, as part of a shared community effort to maintain high living standards. The Department emphasized that it's everyone’s responsibility, from landlords to tenants, to follow the rules and help protect Abu Dhabi’s urban environment.

By sticking to the regulations, residents not only avoid fines but also help build a more cohesive and secure community for everyone.