News developments
Abu Dhabi: Imposes Fine for Residential Overcrowding
Arabian Business, 7 December 2025: Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has announced strict enforcement measures against residential overcrowding, with fines reaching up to AED50,000 for violations.
The DMT has implemented a two-tier fine structure, with AED50,000 penalties for residential overcrowding and AED25,000 for units failing to meet health and hygiene standards. For repeated violations, fines can escalate to AED500,000, with maximum penalties of AED1 million for persistent offenders.
The authority has intensified on-site inspections and will enforce measures against suspicious residences and violators. Property owners must ensure compliance with occupancy laws and register all rental properties in the Tawtheeq system, while tenants must maintain proper documentation and register vehicles in their respective Mawaqif zones.
The DMT retains the authority to implement additional penalties, including the suspension of Tawtheeq contracts and accounts for non-compliant landlords and investors.
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