UAE Updates Villa Rules to Strengthen Family and Community Bonds

The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) in the UAE has recently announced significant updates to the regulations for private villas. These changes are part of a wider initiative aimed at strengthening family connections and fostering a sense of community. The updates are aligned with the objectives of the UAE’s Year of Community, which focuses on encouraging social cohesion, family values, and shared living experiences.

Flexible Villa Designs for Modern Families

One of the key changes introduced by the DMT is the allowance for a closed, lightweight rooftop majlis. This is a traditional sitting area on the rooftop that families can use for gatherings or social events. Under the new rules, building a rooftop majlis does not affect the land use percentage, meaning homeowners can enjoy these spaces without worrying about additional restrictions on the size of their property.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel 

This change is designed to encourage family members to spend more quality time together in their homes while preserving the cultural essence of traditional Emirati living. A rooftop majlis can serve as a peaceful retreat, a space for storytelling, or even a venue for hosting guests. By promoting these communal spaces, the DMT hopes to enhance both family life and community spirit.

Changes in Villa Setbacks and Floors

Another important amendment relates to the front setback of villas. Previously, villas needed a larger distance from the street, which sometimes limited design flexibility. With the new rule, villas can now have a front setback of just 1.5 metres. This change allows homeowners to maximize the use of their plots while maintaining a safe and aesthetically pleasing distance from the street.

Additionally, homeowners now have more flexibility in building additional floors or basements for guest annex buildings. While such constructions are allowed, they cannot be built against the boundary wall. This ensures privacy and safety while giving families the opportunity to expand their homes to accommodate guests or elderly family members.

Rooftop and Shading Structure Flexibility

The amendments also include more options for rooftops and shading structures. Shading structures, such as pergolas or canopies, are now exempt from contributing to the building’s overall footprint. This means homeowners can add shaded outdoor spaces for relaxation or social gatherings without affecting the total permitted size of the villa.

Moreover, families can now build on the complete surface of the flat roof, provided there is a 1.5-metre setback from the edges. This allows for the creation of rooftop gardens, play areas for children, or even additional seating spaces for family activities. These changes reflect a modern approach to villa design while preserving the traditional values of family and hospitality.

Adjacency of Villas and Community Living

In a move that encourages closer community living, the DMT now allows two villas to be placed side by side without a separating wall, as long as both homeowners agree. This change promotes neighborly interaction while respecting privacy and personal space. It opens up opportunities for families to live near relatives or close friends, fostering a sense of unity and mutual support within neighborhoods.

Supporting Families Through Design Options

The department has also launched a campaign to inform residents about the new regulations and the various design options available to them. These options focus on strengthening family bonds, such as:

• Allowing the construction of an extra villa on private plots specifically for parental care or elder family members.

• Implementing a family wing system within villas, which can provide private spaces for different generations while keeping the family connected.

• Offering flexible multi-unit arrangements within homes, so families can adapt their living spaces to changing needs, such as hosting guests, creating study areas, or providing private rooms for children.

These measures aim to create a residential environment that supports extended families, while allowing modern design flexibility to suit the needs of today’s households.

Official Statement from DMT Leadership

His Excellency Abdulla Mohamed Alblooshi, Acting Executive Director of the Planning and Infrastructure Sector at the DMT, emphasized the significance of these updates. He stated:

"Through these measures, we seek to meet the needs of families in a flexible and modern way, upholding the values of social cohesion and providing a residential environment that reinforces the concept of the extended family. These policies also align with the goals of the Year of Community, which strengthens bonds while supporting the preservation of traditional values."

This statement highlights the department’s commitment to balancing modern urban planning with cultural and social priorities, ensuring that residential spaces are not only functional but also nurturing for families.

The Broader Vision: Balanced and Sustainable Living

These updates are part of a larger strategy by the Department of Municipalities and Transport to promote a balanced and sustainable lifestyle across Abu Dhabi. By introducing flexible villa designs and family-oriented regulations, the department aims to:

• Encourage social cohesion and strong community networks.

• Preserve traditional family values in a modern urban setting.

• Support the well-being of residents through functional and thoughtfully designed living spaces.

• Enable families to adapt their homes to suit changing needs over time.

The initiative reflects a forward-thinking approach to urban planning, where the needs of families and the community are placed at the center of development. By fostering stronger family ties and providing design flexibility, the DMT hopes to create neighborhoods that are welcoming, inclusive, and supportive for residents of all ages.

The UAE’s new villa regulations are more than just technical changes. They are a step toward strengthening families and communities, blending modern design principles with traditional values. From rooftop majlis to flexible multi-unit arrangements, these updates provide families with the tools they need to create a home environment that is both functional and socially enriching.

Through these initiatives, the Department of Municipalities and Transport is helping Abu Dhabi residents live better, stay connected, and preserve the cultural heritage of family life, while embracing the modern lifestyle of today. Families can now enjoy more choices, more flexibility, and more opportunities to come together, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to the Year of Community and its broader vision of sustainable, harmonious urban living.