The capital city is the hub of governmental and administrative activities of a country. Generally, these cities are considered landmarks and representative of a country across the globe. Therefore, special attention is given to maintain the landscapes of any country’s capital. Similar is the situation with the capital city of the UAE Abu Dhabi. The Abu Dhabi Municipality authority is responsible for maintaining the aesthetics of the city. In order to do this, the authority has multiple laws in place including balcony rules and regulations in Abu Dhabi.
Other than maintaining the landscape, these laws are used to spread awareness among the residents regarding the appropriate use of their properties. Let’s discuss these balcony rules in Abu Dhabi in more detail.
Abu Dhabi Balcony Rules
Similar to the balcony rules and regulations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi also drafted its laws on balcony usage. Here are the things that are prohibited as per the balcony rules and regulations in Abu Dhabi.
Hanging Clothes
Hanging or airing clothes on the balcony is strictly prohibited in Abu Dhabi. According to government officials, hanging clothes has a negative effect on the aesthetics of the city and is also considered unhygienic. To inform citizens regarding this law, the government pasted multilingual warning signs near lifts of every building.
On the first breach, authorities will issue a warning to the citizen and on the second breach, a fine of AED 1,000 will be imposed.
Keeping Furniture
Storing or keeping furniture on the balcony is also not allowed as per the law. Specially chairs or tables that can be used by children to climb up. An awareness video was also uploaded by the Abu Dhabi police on their social media pages to elaborate on how this furniture can turn into a safety hazard. To ensure safety, storing any sort of flammable object is also prohibited by the government.
Feeding Birds and Animals
Feeding birds and stray animals are prohibited in the Emirates. Similarly, feeding birds and other animals on the balcony is also prohibited. Apart from aesthetics, it is also necessary for the longevity of the building. The waste materials discarded by animals are generally acidic that can affect the longevity of the building.
Throwing Waste and Cigarette Butts
Throwing any sort of objects like cigarette butts, waste materials or sharp objects is a punishable offence in Abu Dhabi. Regardless of the building type and height of the balcony, it is not allowed to throw anything on the ground. Similarly, water dripping or leaking from the balcony is also a punishable offence.
Cooking and Barbecuing
Cooking, barbecuing or grilling any sort of eatables are not allowed on the balcony. Government has strict regulations against it, as cooking and grilling is a potential source of fire accidents.
Leaving Children Unattended
Apart from furniture, leaving children or elderly people unattended in the balcony is also against the law. Parents are also advised not to hold their toddlers in their arms while standing on the balcony. Also, make sure that the windows and entrances of the balconies are properly locked.
Installing Dishes and Antennas
Citizens are not allowed to install any antenna or dish on the balcony, especially in residential areas. Landlords are permitted to install a maximum of four dishes to facilitate their tenants. Moreover, the government also requested satellite providers to follow safety precautions while the installation and maintenance of satellites.
FAQs
Are balconies and terraces the same?
No balconies and terraces are two different types of open areas. Balconies are referred to as suspended open-air spaces: whereas, terraces are supported by a structure beneath.
Can I put furniture on my balcony in Abu Dhabi?
No, residents are not allowed to keep any sort of furniture on the balcony. However, you can keep the furniture on your terrace.
These were all the balcony rules and regulations in Abu Dhabi. Despite strict laws, balconies can serve multiple purposes. Therefore, if you are living in a house without a balcony, it’s time to browse through these apartments for rent in Abu Dhabi and move into a new home with a balcony.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s property blog for more information on rules and regulations.
