Abu Dhabi authorities have concluded a five-day operation targeting illegal constructions and unlicensed rental units on Abu Dhabi Island.
The campaign, led by the Abu Dhabi City Municipality, sought to enforce laws surrounding the proper licensing and permitting of residential spaces. The crackdown focused on landlords and tenants who were found in violation of construction norms and regulations.
It is essential to note that any modifications to housing units, partitions, or external structures require the necessary permits and licences, as reiterated by the municipal authority in a recent statement.
The municipality stressed the severe implications of overcrowding in residences. According to Law No. 8 of 2019, a housing unit that is occupied disproportionately to its size and available amenities is deemed overcrowded. Violators may face steep fines reaching up to Dh1 million.
Municipal inspectors, during their inspections, scrutinized building signs and residences to ascertain compliance with the established rules. The primary target was the “random constructions” – a term referring to clusters of small, unlicensed rooms for rent.
Authorities highlighted the adverse effects of such illicit practices on the emirate, including the promotion of unjustified population spikes, alteration of the city’s landscape, and potential threats to public health and safety.
The municipality emphasized its commitment to maintaining community safety through more frequent field inspections. The overarching objective is to tackle the surge in random constructions, which often bypass security, safety norms, local customs, and public sensibilities. Such infractions not only jeopardize community welfare for profit but also mar the urban aesthetics and principles of public decorum.