Dubai Municipality has introduced minimum sleeping space standards for workers' accommodation as part of a wider package of projects aimed at improving living conditions in workers' areas across the emirate.

The standards also set a gross floor area allocation of 8.9 to 10.3 square metres per person to support services within workers’ areas. Recreational facilities and outdoor spaces are to be provided at a rate of 0.75 to 1.5 square metres per person.

The updates were outlined on September 18 as the municipality announced the completion of a package of projects and initiatives aimed at improving living conditions in workers’ areas, in coordination with government partners.

Carried out under the Workers’ Accommodation Policy, the programme covered infrastructure improvements, building upgrades and the provision of services, community spaces and recreational facilities.

The municipality launched a unified smart classification system for workers’ accommodation and surveyed 1,417 buildings to assess their structural condition and compliance with public health and safety standards.

Under the Model Workers’ Accommodation initiative, 19 facilities were recognised as model accommodation. Three received Platinum classification, nine were awarded Gold and seven received Silver.

A shared government database has also been established to help authorities plan projects and identify areas most in need of improvements. It brings together statistics and performance indicators to guide decisions and future investment in these communities.

(Source: Khaleej Times)