DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – In a stark contrast to the luxurious image of Dubai, migrant worker Hesham, an Egyptian salesman, lives in a dilapidated apartment building marked by flickering lights, doors hanging off hinges, and walls with exposed pipes. His cramped two-bedroom unit is adapted to accommodate nine other men, leaving him with little more than a modified closet space the size of a mattress for himself, all for a monthly rent of $270.
Recently, Hesham was ordered by the government to vacate his already crowded living arrangement as part of a broader crackdown on illegal subletting in Dubai. This initiative specifically targets overcrowded rooms, which often contain bunk beds for multiple occupants and partitioned apartments like Hesham's that are transformed into dormitory-style accommodations using plywood, drywall, and plastic shower curtains. The urgency for enforcement arose after a devastating fire in June at a high-rise, which raised concerns over safety due to these makeshift living conditions.
With the crackdown underway, many of the evicted residents are left without options, fearing homelessness in a city where begging is illegal. Hesham expressed his helplessness, stating, "Now we don’t know what we’ll do." He chose to remain in his residence until formally evicted, speaking to the Associated Press under the condition of anonymity due to fears of repercussions from authorities monitoring illegal housing practices.
Dubai Municipality, which oversees the emirate, declined a request for further comment but issued a statement affirming their inspections aim to enhance fire safety and improve the quality of life for tenants. However, the statement did not address the critical question of where these low-income workers would reside amidst the backdrop of a city known for its luxury yet devoid of affordable housing options.
The real estate market in Dubai has been booming since the pandemic, leading to an anticipated population increase from 3.9 million to 5.8 million by 2040. The demand primarily caters to wealthy expatriates, leaving little room for affordable accommodations for the many migrant workers earning between $300 to $550 a month. As reported, nearly 20% of homes in Dubai are valued over $1 million, increasing overall rental prices. Currently, while partitioned spaces may rent around $220 to $270, shared accommodations can vary in cost but remain significantly cheaper than the average one-bedroom apartment priced at around $1,400.
The United Arab Emirates, similar to its Gulf neighbors, relies heavily on low-paid foreign workers for a variety of essential jobs. Yet, despite the rapid demand for labor, only Emirati nationals qualify for government housing benefits. Laws require large employers to provide housing for workers earning less than $400 monthly, but many migrant workers operate in informal job sectors, making regulation of their living arrangements difficult.
Hassan, a 24-year-old Ugandan security guard, shared his precarious living situation, where he shares a bed in a partitioned apartment, experiencing the constant fear of eviction without any alternatives. The government has previously targeted overcrowded living conditions due to multiple instances of high-rise fires, including a recent incident that prompted emergency evacuations of over 3,800 residents due to safety violations, highlighting the serious risks posed by such housing arrangements.
Ebony, a 28-year-old worker from Ghana, found herself homeless after the authorities identified her partitioned living situation. Living conditions in her new apartment are equally alarming, as she now shares a single room with 14 others, frequently accommodating even more transient residents. With a monthly income of approximately $400, she finds herself trapped in a cycle of inadequate living options, voicing her frustration: "I don’t know what they want us to do. Maybe they don’t want the majority of people that are here in Dubai.”
