Many people immediately associate Dubai with luxury cars and large villas, but there is also a completely different side. Imagine you have a studio apartment, but you share it with seven or eight other people. This means very little privacy and often just one room where everyone sleeps. This is known as ‘partitioning’: one bedroom subdivided for multiple occupants.
Sharing a room with seven others? That can already cost around 250 euros per person per month. For that amount, you live with eight people in one room, sometimes literally on top of each other. It is not ideal, but it is how some migrants manage when they do not have large budgets.
How does this work exactly, and is it even legal?
Partitioning might sound strange, but it is a matter of having money left over for other essential things. For 250 euros a month, you live in very close quarters, but it makes it financially feasible to work, save, or send money back to your family. It is a temporary compromise. You trade comfort for financial possibilities: cohabiting is cheaper, even if the space is extremely tight. Everyone pays a fraction of what a standard rent would cost, and it is purely about survival.
But is it legal? Partitioning is, in many cases, not permitted by the local authorities in Dubai. Subdividing apartments into multiple units or housing too many people in one property without permission is often considered a violation of building and housing regulations. If landlords or tenants are caught, they risk fines and eviction. And in Dubai, you do not want to break the law.
What can you conclude from this?
There is a harsh reality in Dubai: the glitz and glamour are certainly there, but behind the scenes, many people live in very limited circumstances. In this way, you can achieve your goals, even on a modest income, but it comes with challenges such as a lack of privacy, limited space, and sometimes uncomfortable living conditions. Furthermore, in some cases, you may be breaking the law, so it is important to research this thoroughly first.
Edward Clarke is a seasoned property expert with extensive experience in international real estate investment, with a particular focus on Dubai’s fast-growing property market. Drawing on both personal investment experience and years of client advisory work, he helps investors make informed, realistic decisions when purchasing apartments, villas or off-plan developments in Dubai. With a pragmatic mindset, a sharp focus on returns and a strong commitment to transparency, Edward is a trusted point of contact for anyone considering a property investment in Dubai.
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