Expats living in the UAE can now complete their medical fitness test for residency visa renewal from home, thanks to a new service launched by Emirates Health Services (EHS).

The new initiative, called “Residency Renewal from Home,” allows residents to complete the mandatory medical screening without visiting medical fitness centres.

Instead, a specialised medical team visits the applicant’s home at a scheduled time to conduct the required tests.

How to book home appointment

Under the new service, once a resident books an appointment, a medical team from Wiqayati preventive health centres visits their home to carry out the medical examination.

The tests are conducted following approved health procedures and strict safety standards to ensure accurate results.

After the screening is completed, residents will receive their medical fitness results through SMS or email. They can then continue their residency visa renewal process online through official government channels.

Who can use this service?

The home medical screening service is currently available only for residency visa renewal.

It is especially helpful for residents who:

• Prefer completing government procedures from home
• Have mobility challenges
• Have busy schedules and limited time to visit medical centres

By allowing medical tests to be done at home, authorities aim to make the residency renewal process faster and easier, improve customer experience and reduce crowding at medical fitness centres

The initiative also supports the UAE’s vision of smart healthcare services and a better quality of life for residents.

Dubai authorities have announced the Eid Al Fitr holidays for public sector employees in the emirate, ahead of the nationwide break marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement, Dubai Government’s Human Resources Department said government employees will receive a four-day holiday from Thursday, March 19, to Sunday, March 22. Official working hours will resume on Monday, March 23.

The UAE will sight the crescent moon of the Hijri month of Shawwal on Wednesday, March 18, after Maghrib prayers to determine the start of Eid Al Fitr, as the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle.

Earlier, the UAE’s Federal Authority for Government Human Resources and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced the Eid Al Fitr holiday schedule for federal government entities and the private sector.

For federal government employees, the holiday will run from Thursday, March 19, 2026, until Sunday, March 22, 2026, with work resuming on Monday, March 23.

Private sector employees will observe the holiday from Thursday, March 19, until Saturday, March 21. Employees who normally work on Sundays are expected to return to work on Sunday, March 22.

Authorities also noted that if Ramadan lasts 30 days, the private sector holiday will be extended to Sunday, March 22, aligning it with the public sector break.

Meanwhile, the UAE-based International Astronomy Centre has predicted that sighting the Shawwal crescent moon on March 18 will be impossible. This would mean Ramadan will complete 30 days, placing the first day of Eid Al Fitr on Friday, March 20 in the UAE and several other countries.

According to the centre, the crescent will not be visible because the moon will set before the sun and the conjunction will occur after sunset, making observation impossible on March 18.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has issued Law No. (4) of 2026 to regulate the management and occupancy of shared housing in Dubai.

The new law applies across Dubai’s private development zones and free zones and sets clear rules for property owners, authorised operators, and tenants involved in shared housing arrangements.

What the law aims to do

The legislation is designed to organise shared housing in the emirate and address issues such as overcrowding and informal accommodation. The law aims to:

• Protect the rights of property owners and residents
• Ensure safe and healthy living conditions
• Prevent overcrowding and illegal housing practices
• Address building and land-use violations
• Promote fair rental practices
• Support the stability and appearance of Dubai’s real estate market

Permit required for shared housing

Under the law, no individual or entity may allocate a property unit for shared housing without obtaining an official permit.

Permits will be issued and renewed according to rules set by Dubai Municipality, in coordination with Dubai Land Department and other authorities.

Properties must meet specific technical and safety requirements, including:

• Maximum occupancy limits
• Minimum space per resident
• Adequate shared facilities
• Compliance with building, health, fire, sanitation, security, and electrical standards

Permit validity and renewal

• Permits are valid for one year and may be renewed for similar periods.
• At the owner’s request, a two-year permit may be issued.
• Renewal applications must be submitted at least 30 days before expiry.

Leasing rules

The law states that only the property owner or an authorised establishment can lease a shared housing unit.

Tenants or other parties are not allowed to sublease any part of the unit, ensuring better oversight and compliance with regulations.

Heavy fines for violations

Violating the law can result in fines ranging from Dh500 to Dh500,000.

If the same violation is repeated within one year, the penalty will be doubled, up to a maximum of AED1 million.

Authorities may also impose additional measures, including:

• Suspension of activity for up to six months
• Cancellation of the permit
• Revocation of the commercial licence
• Disconnection of public utilities
• Eviction orders for non-compliant units

Oversight and implementation

Dubai Municipality will set detailed conditions for shared housing, including maximum occupancy levels, required space per resident, and necessary facilities. The authority will also determine which areas in Dubai are permitted for shared housing, based on urban planning, population density, infrastructure capacity, and neighbourhood characteristics.

The law applies to companies licensed to manage or lease properties on behalf of owners, including those operating in special development zones and free zones. However, collective labour accommodation is excluded from its scope.

When the law takes effect

The law will come into force 180 days after its publication in the Official Gazette, and any conflicting provisions in other legislation will be annulled.