Housing Challenges in Dubai: Room Partitions and Overcrowding

Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) in Dubai is facing a crisis due to severe overcrowding, transforming from a luxury residential area to a hub of makeshift hostels. Long-term residents, like Dr. Waddah Shibib, report a significant decline in living conditions since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Once-quiet apartments are now being converted into budget accommodations, accommodating up to 60 people in units designed for families.

This overcrowding has led to numerous issues, including overcrowded lifts, unsanitary common areas, and safety concerns. Lifts are frequently out of order, hygiene has deteriorated, and there are reports of smoking in common areas. Residents fear for their safety due to the high influx of strangers and potential fire hazards. The situation is also impacting property values, with owners struggling to sell their apartments due to the building's deteriorating conditions.

The problem extends beyond JBR, with areas like Discovery Gardens also experiencing similar issues. Residents are forced to live in cramped conditions, sharing limited space and facilities. This overcrowding strains Dubai's infrastructure, including public transport, sewage systems, and emergency services.

Residents are calling for urgent action, including stricter regulations on converting residential units into hostels, enhanced security measures, and better monitoring of short-term rental platforms. They emphasize the need to balance affordable housing with the preservation of community integrity and the safety of long-term residents.