· The integrated government effort aimed to modernise infrastructure and promote sustainability in line with the highest urban planning and public safety standards
· A comprehensive shared government database of workers’ areas supports planning, implementation, and informed decision-making
· Dubai Municipality launched a smart accommodation classification system with 1,417 buildings surveyed
· The scope involved updating planning and design standards for workers’ accommodation to provide sufficient space across living areas and amenities
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 18 September 2026: Dubai Municipality has announced the completion of a package of strategic projects and initiatives, aimed at enhancing the living environment, boosting quality of life, and promoting sustainability across workers’ areas, in coordination with strategic partners from the government sector.
In line with the Workers’ Accommodation Policy, the collective government effort encompassed infrastructure development, improvements to the structural condition of buildings, and the provision of integrated services, community spaces, and recreational facilities, contributing to building safe and sustainable communities for workers.
Unified Government Database
The scope included establishing a comprehensive shared database of workers’ areas that enables relevant government entities to plan, implement, and make informed decisions concerning the development of these communities. It features accurate statistics and detailed performance indicators that serve as a reliable reference in identifying priorities for future projects and ensuring that government efforts are directed towards areas with the greatest need.
Dubai Municipality has also launched a unified smart classification system for workers’ accommodation and conducted a comprehensive survey of 1,417 buildings to evaluate their structural condition as well as compliance with public health and safety standards.
Under the Model Workers’ Accommodation initiative, 19 workers’ accommodation facilities were classified as model accommodations. Of these, three received the Platinum classification, nine were awarded Gold, and seven placed in the Silver category.
In parallel, Dubai Municipality conducted field surveys across several workers’ areas to assess the efficiency of existing infrastructure and identify requirements for pedestrian pathways, bridges, pavements, and other facilities. The Municipality is now addressing these requirements according to priority while developing optimal parking solutions within workers’ areas.
Future-Ready Planning Standards
Dubai Municipality, in collaboration with its strategic partners, has also updated the planning and design standards governing workers’ accommodation. The updated standards establish a minimum individual sleeping area of 3.7 square metres, while the gross floor area (GFA) allocation ranges between 8.9 and 10.3 square metres per person, supporting the provision of appropriate services within workers’ areas. They also provide for recreational facilities and outdoor spaces at a rate of 0.75 to 1.5 square metres per person.
Dubai Municipality adopts an integrated approach grounded in data and proactive analysis of future needs to deliver sustainable, long-term development solutions. This supports the objectives of Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033 while reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading global city in developing advanced, people-centred residential environments.
Dr. Naseem Mohammed Rafie, Acting CEO of the Environment, Health and Safety Agency at Dubai Municipality, noted that the implementation plan for the Workers’ Accommodation Policy places significant emphasis on modernising the legislative and regulatory framework. This includes reviewing and assessing relevant laws and regulations to align them with best practices, raising compliance levels, and accelerating the efficient and effective execution of development projects.
She said: “Our objective is to develop infrastructure and public facilities across workers’ areas and upgrade buildings in line with the highest engineering and technical as well as health and safety standards. We are also expanding the delivery of essential service projects that respond to the specific needs of each community. This strengthens integration across service sectors and maximises the benefits of these projects.”
Dubai Municipality’s efforts include providing workers with retail outlets, community facilities, and advanced sports amenities that support a healthy lifestyle. These projects contribute to creating a holistic living environment that meets workers’ needs for shopping, recreation, and physical activity while promoting community interaction and fostering social wellbeing.