Housing rule violators face fines of up to Dhs100,000 in Abu Dhabi

Those found in violation of the housing rules in Abu Dhabi face strict penalties with fines reaching up to Dhs100,000 ($27,225).

The Abu Dhabi city municipality has recently launched an inspection and awareness campaign to tackle overcrowded housing accommodations in commercial buildings in a number of areas in Baniyas, Shawamekh, and Al Wathba, official news agency WAM reported.

The campaign is being carried out through the municipality centre in Al Wathba and is aimed at ensuring that health and safety standards are met.

Some of the issues noticed in the past include the construction of unlicensed extensions, lack of hygiene, and an increase in insects and rodents inside houses.

Inspections are also being carried out on the exterior of buildings to ensure they comply with the city’s aesthetic appearance standards, the report said.

As a result of 96 inspections, the municipality has issued 14 violations.

Violators face fines ranging from Dhs10,000 ($2,723) to Dhs100,000 while recurrent offenders will be slapped with stiffer penalties of between Dhs100,000 and Dhs200,000 ($54,450).