Qatar’s Minister of Municipality, HE Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al-Attiyah, has approved more than 20 amendments to residential villa and palace building regulations to provide greater flexibility in housing development and expansion.
Key amendments include:
Maximum residential villa height increased to 16 metres, including the privacy wall (warish).
Palace heights increased to 17–25 metres, depending on plot size and design features.
A single internal mezzanine floor is now permitted in residential villas and palaces for the first time.
Villas may be expanded up to the neighbouring property boundary under specified regulations.
First-floor extensions above external majlis areas and annexes are now allowed.
Residential designs may include dedicated internal family wings.
External majlis height increased to 7.5–10 metres, with mezzanine floors permitted under specific conditions.
External annexes may now include a first floor with a maximum height of 7.5 metres.
Setback requirements eased, including first-floor projections of up to two metres.
Reduced side and rear setbacks are permitted while maintaining privacy and urban planning standards.
Decorative architectural projections are now allowed for villas and palaces.
Maximum boundary wall heights have been increased to 3.4 metres for villas and 5 metres for palaces.
Independent service staircases for domestic workers are now permitted.
Designated mail and parcel delivery boxes may be installed on external walls.
The Ministry said the amendments are among the most significant updates to residential villa and palace regulations in recent years, aimed at improving land use, enhancing quality of life, and supporting Qatar National Vision 2030.
The new rules will take effect upon publication in the Official Gazette and will be applied across all municipalities, with workshops planned to explain the changes to consultants and engineering offices.
