Dubai Municipality has issued a new decision permitting owners of commercial buildings in Dubai to use the mezzanine floor for any purpose they see fit.

Abdul Rahman Mohammed Al Sharid, Director of Buildings and Housing Department, said that the municipality issued this decision after extensive studies and research into the needs of landlords, the market and investors.

"The municipality allows the mezzanine floor in all commercial buildings in the emirate to be used as any other floor in the building which can be a floor for residents or used as a mezzanine, according to the needs of the market," Al Sharid explained.

He added that in the past, mezzanine floors were only used as shops, offices, or as part of the first floor.

He pointed out that in commercial areas they still need to use the mezzanine floor as offices or shops or showrooms, and that a large number of buildings in Dubai have a mezzanine floor.

Al Sharid said that this is part of the municipality's long-term plan to cope with the rapid development.

"The investment sector is an important part in the development of the emirate. For that reason the municipality is looking to offer the best to the investment and commercial sectors," he added.