Hidden Hazards in Doha’s Crowded Homes: The Risks of Partitioned Housing

Omar has spent two years in Doha, sharing a small, subdivided room with 11 others.

“We live together, 12 people, and our room is too small. It’s separated by partitions—two people on one bunk bed and six beds in total,” he says.

Working as a hotel waiter and earning QAR 2,200 a month, Omar pays QAR 300 for a small corner in the crowded space — the only option within his means. “Even that is too much. I wish I could live alone, but it’s impossible with my salary,” he adds.

Afsal*, who arrived from Bangladesh only a few months ago, faces a similar struggle. He shares a studio with seven others, paying QAR 350.

“Our room is very small, and even though we share it among eight people, rent is still high. Living like this is very hard,” he says. With no storage space, he keeps all his belongings packed in a bag.

These living arrangements—common among low-income workers—are illegal under Qatari law. Partitioning residential villas and apartments to house more tenants than permitted is strictly prohibited.

 

What Is Illegal Partitioning?

Illegal partitioning involves dividing apartments or villas without municipal approval to create extra rooms. According to the Ministry of Municipality, such modifications often include removing or adding walls or expanding structures without engineering supervision—posing serious safety risks.

Authorities have recorded violations across several areas, including Thumama, Khalifa City, Fereej Kulaib, Umm Lekhba, Naija, Hazm Al Markhiya, Old Airport, and Fereej Abdul Aziz. Between January and October 2025, 121 violations were reported; 41 were resolved, while 80 remain under investigation.

 

What the Law Says

The Ministry cites two key laws:

Law No. 4 of 1985 — prohibits any construction or modification without municipal approval.

Law No. 15 of 2010 — bans worker accommodations in family residential neighborhoods.

Under these regulations, both landlords and tenants are held accountable. Violations can lead to fines of QAR 50,000–100,000 or imprisonment of up to six months. Additional penalties under Article 19 of Law No. 4 of 1985 include fines ranging from QAR 250 to QAR 500 per square meter for illegal structures.

Even without partitions, exceeding the allowed number of occupants breaches housing standards. Decree No. 17 of 2005 limits residential rooms to four workers (or eight in temporary housing) with at least four square meters of space per person.

 

Landlord and Tenant Responsibility

While some property owners follow the law, others ignore regulations for profit.

“Some landlords just want rent; they don’t check what’s happening inside,” says Faisal, a landlord who monitors his tenants closely. “But if a violation is found, the property owner can face fines or eviction orders.”

 

The Hidden Dangers

The Ministry warns that unapproved modifications increase the risk of structural failure. Overloaded buildings can face partial or total collapse, while electrical and plumbing systems become strained, raising fire risks and blocking escape routes. Overcrowding also affects city planning and reduces tenants’ legal protections.

To combat this, the Ministry of Municipality continues targeted inspections and enforcement campaigns aimed at ensuring safety and preserving Doha’s urban character. “Our goal is to maintain the structural integrity of buildings, protect residents, and preserve the city’s identity,” officials told Doha News.

 

Balancing Rules and Reality

Despite the strict laws, affordable housing remains scarce for low-income workers. For residents like Omar and Afsal, the hope is for more accessible and safe accommodation options as Doha continues to grow.

Names have been changed to protect privacy.