News
Zabeel Stables clinch Commemoration Day Cup after Al Shedi and Nil Boy shine at DIEC
A tactical ride from Mansoor Al Shedi aboard Nil Boy 16 ensured Zabeel Stables won the DIEC 101km Commemoration Day Cup for Private Stables at Dubai International Endurance City in Seeh Al Salam on Thursday.
Partnering the nine-year-old gelding, Al Shedi won the four-loop ride in a time of three hours, 25 minutes and one second (3:25:01), the pair going about their business at an average speed of 29.56kph, which was marginally faster than the average speed recorded by second finishing pair of Fares Al Mansoori and Al Tantawy, representing SS Stables, who completed the ride in 3:25:27.
Placing a distant third, with 3:26:53 on the clock, were Ahmed Al Marzooqi and Adrar, who competed in the colours of Al Qubaisi Private Stables.
Al Shedi and his mount were third at the end of the first loop, where the lead was secured by Anan Al Katheeri aboard Dakar who were quickest in the opening stage.
In a race that saw the lead change hands constantly, Khalifa Salem Al Ameemi of SS Stables took over at the end of the second phase aboard Ras Trovador. However, their elimination during the course of the third loop, left Al Marzooqi and Adrar in charge of the leaderboard.
Al Shedi had dropped four places during the second loop, but worked his way up from that seventh position he found himself at to reach second going into the fourth and final phase.
And as he turned on the heat, leader Al Marzooqi and his mount Adrar failed to keep pace and ceded the initiative to them with Al Mansoori and his racing partner Al Tantawy doing well to sneak into second with Al Marzooqi forced into the third and final podium spot.
Board Member and General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club, Major General Dr. Mohammed Essa Al Adhab, presented the winners with their trophies, commenting: “It was a terrific effort from the winning combination to finish the way they did and I would like to congratulate the winners for their efforts. I would like to thank the stables for participating in the event and getting their horses and riders ready for this very important ride.
“We have a long season ahead of us that is going to be very exciting and we wish all of those involved all the very best for what lies ahead.”
The season at Dubai International Endurance City includes a series of top rides with the world-renowned HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival and Crown Prince of Dubai Endurance Festival, the two showpiece events on its calendar.
News
Crackdown on Illegal paying guests: Dubai’s new shared housing law takes effect with fines up to Dh1m
Dubai’s new legislation governing shared accommodation officially came into effect on August 26. Applying across the entire emirate, including free zones and special development zones, the comprehensive framework is designed to eliminate dangerous, overcrowded, and unauthorised partition rentals while establishing formal licensing standards for communal living.
What qualifies as shared housing?
Under the law, shared housing is defined as any residential property where individuals or families occupy private designated living spaces while sharing common facilities like kitchens, bathrooms, and dining areas.
Who is permitted to rent out shared units?
The new framework strictly bans unauthorised subletting by tenants. A primary tenant can no longer rent out individual bedrooms, partitioned spaces, or bed spaces directly to roommates or third parties.
Only the following entities can legally offer shared housing:
- Registered Property Owners: Leasing spaces directly to occupants under formal contracts.
- Licensed Management Companies: Authorised operators contracted by the owner to run and lease the property.
- Licensed Operators Subletting Master Leases: Approved commercial entities leasing an entire property from the owner to sublet authorised units to tenants.
Penalties for violations
Authorities have introduced strict financial and operational consequences for non-compliance:
- Initial Fines: Dh500 up to Dh500,000, depending on the severity of the violation.
- Repeat Violations: Fines double for repeat offences committed within one year, capped at Dh1,000,000.
- Operational Sanctions: Authorities may suspend operations for up to 6 months, revoke commercial licenses, cancel permits, disconnect utilities, seize equipment, or order the direct evacuation of non-compliant properties.
Grace period & tenant protection
- Compliance deadline: Existing shared housing operators and property owners have until August 26, 2027, to obtain permits and bring their properties into full compliance.
- Protection from sudden eviction: If an operator’s permit is suspended or cancelled, authorities can grant occupants an interim stay period to secure alternative accommodation rather than facing immediate eviction.
Approved property/resident categories
The regulation permits shared accommodation across six distinct property types:
- Residential apartments
- Detached/standalone houses
- Residential complexes
- Mixed-use buildings
- Attached / adjoining houses
- Multi-storey buildings
Permitted occupant groups include families, single men, single women, university students, government personnel, and private sector corporate employees. Corporate and student housing provided directly by employers or educational institutions does not require individual tenancy contracts.
No tolls, free parking in Abu Dhabi this Friday
Crackdown on Illegal paying guests: Dubai’s new shared housing law takes effect with fines up to Dh1m
