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Dubai: UAE citizens can build separate villa for son in existing property amid new regulations
The update to the Dubai Building Code also allows the construction of a side family annex with the main villa, offering additional living spaces such as bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens
- PUBLISHED: Tue 18 Mar 2025, 10:41 AM
UAE citizens now have greater flexibility to tailor their home for social and family needs, as Dubai Municipality updated the Dubai Building Code.
The new regulations allow the construction of a side family annex with the main villa, offering additional living spaces such as bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens.
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Emirati homeowners can also build a separate villa for a son within the existing family property, ensuring efficient space utilisation and privacy while maintaining strong family ties.
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The Municipality's 'Home First' initiative aims to enhance quality of life for Emirati families, in line with the 'Year of Community' earlier announced by President Sheikh Mohamed.
The initiative allows families to expand their villas with a full 100 per cent extension on the second floor.
Setback regulations have also been revised, reducing the minimum setback for villas to 1.5 metres and introducing an additional 1.5-metre setback for rooftop floors across all construction boundaries.
Additionally, setbacks between service annexes and the main villa have been removed, with the updated regulations permitting service annexes to reach a height of up to eight metres across two floors. Townhouses can now be built adjacent to each other across two plots, improving urban planning efficiency while ensuring architectural harmony.
Emirati citizens can explore the initiative’s benefits by visiting the official website or contacting its call centre at 800900.
Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Acting Director-General of Dubai Municipality, said: “The ‘Home First’ initiative reinforces Dubai Municipality’s commitment to a flexible and sustainable urban planning framework that supports family well-being and community stability. These new allowances provide Emirati families with adaptable housing facilities that meet their evolving needs while upholding Dubai’s high architectural standards.”
He added: “The initiative aligns with the goals of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which aims to position Dubai as the world’s best city for living, housing services, and community well-being."
‘Home First’ also supports the Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum Family Programme, which was established by Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, wife of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The programme aims to strengthen family bonds, promote social values, and create a sustainable residential environment that meets the evolving needs of Emirati families.