Soaring rents forcing people to live in cars

CAR PEOPLE: Low-income workers are being forced to live in their cars because of the soaring cost of accommodation. (Getty Images)

Soaring rents and living costs in Sharjah, Ajman and Ras Al-Khaimah are forcing residents to live in their cars, highlighting the lack of affordable housing for the hundreds of thousands of low-income workers living in the UAE.

Previously some of the only places those on low-incomes in the UAE could afford to live, the rents in Sharjah, Ajman and Ras Al-Khaimah have shot up in the last year as more affluent people move out of Dubai and Abu Dhabi in search cheaper accommodation.

Now there are several areas in places like Sharjah where early in the morning people can be seen sleeping in their cars, UAE daily The National reported on Sunday.

The practice has become so common they even have a name for those that do, “car people”, according to the newspaper.

“At first I thought I would find another house. I looked for one for about a week and all the deposits, real-estate commission and rent itself was too much for me and my colleagues," one Pakistani man told the newspaper.

“After staying in the car for a week I thought it was normal and I am pushing on with it.”

The practice is actually illegal under UAE law and authorities in Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi have said they will take action against anyone found using their car as a home.

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READERS' COMMENTS

Dubai from the sky!
Posted by SS, Sharjah, UAE on Wednesday 1 October 2008 at 03:22 UAE time


Ladies and gentlemen...we now officially have a basket of subjects that Dubai can be proud of: The Burj Al Arab, Palm Islands, The Burj Dubai and now only for the first time ever...people living in cars.

We all have a role to play to have caused the situation to get to this dark level. When we are too busy making money by betting on properties, we forget the very simple fact that money does not grow on trees but is 'allocated' from one person to another. And mission accomplished. We have taken everything and left them with nothing.

Well done everyone. Very well done.

Car People
Posted by David, Dubai, UAE on Tuesday 30 September 2008 at 12:38 UAE time


A Happy Eid Mubarak to all those poor souls who are forced into having to use a car as a basic means of accommodation; a Happy Eid to those employers who fail to provide basic accommodation and support to these people despite the Labour Laws of this country that should ensure that provision; a Happy and Prosperous Eid to those greedy and selfish nationals and investors alike who collectively exploit like leeches the common working man; a Happy and Peaceful Eid to those in power in the government of this country who allow such shameful things to happen. Please ignore the people of this country - locals and expats alike who are suffering because of your lethargy!

Spiralling rents and action
Posted by Arjun, Dubai, UAE on Monday 29 September 2008 at 12:30 UAE time


I truly honor and respect all the comments above...but my friends i have been using this medium to express opinions, feelings and a lot of other debates as well. Nothing actually comes out of this as they only think of penalising people and collect everything even from those who cant afford a house and sleep in a car. Frankly i really dont mind to move to some other country if i cant make ends meet here which i mean by lifestyle, savings and social life. The authorities right now are too confused to do something and they take their ire on the common man. Peace out.

Car People - Soaring Rent
Posted by francisco r. cabel, jebel ali, UAE on Monday 29 September 2008 at 12:30 UAE time

Today, car is an option for those who cannot find affordable place to rent as their temporary home. Maybe tomorrow we could find people squatting under the bridge, parks, parking areas and public properties where they can find at least a place of shelter.

UAE is soaring like an eagle for those few who can afford but don't forget there are much people who are left behind affected and suffering with all these uncontrollable price hikes in rents and other commodities. Listen also to the cry of simple people who suffered much. As you soar - remember to look back!

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