Is this mold in my Dubai villa dangerous?« Back to Previous Page

Our villa in Al Barsha had some water damage after the heavy rain a few weeks ago, and I’ve started seeing these small black spots spreading on the wall behind our sofa. Lately, my youngest has been sneezing non-stop and my own throat feels scratchy, especially in the evenings. I’m worried it might be mold. What are the Dubai Municipality guidelines for dealing with this, and who should I contact to get it properly inspected and removed?
Posted by Khaled Bin Rashid
Asked on March 25, 2026 12:09 am
Based on the symptoms you're describing and the visible growth, it is highly probable that the black spots are mold, specifically Stachybotrys chartarum or Aspergillus niger, both of which are common in water-damaged buildings in the UAE's humid climate. This is a serious indoor air quality issue that needs immediate attention.

The Dubai Municipality, through its Public Health & Safety Department, has strict guidelines for dealing with mold. It is classified as a contaminant that must be removed to protect occupant health. For a situation like yours in Al Barsha, where the damage is from a known water event and is actively spreading, a professional inspection is not just recommended, it is practically mandated by DM standards to ensure the remediation is handled correctly and doesn't spread spores. DIY attempts often exacerbate the problem.

The guidelines require identifying and rectifying the moisture source first—in your case, likely residual dampness in the wall from the rains. The remediation itself must be conducted by trained professionals using containment procedures, HEPA filtration, and specific antimicrobial agents approved for use indoors. They will also perform post-remediation verification (PRV) testing to ensure the spore count returns to safe levels, which is a key part of compliance.

Given your child's allergic reactions and your own symptoms, this is a health risk. You should contact a DM-approved environmental services company immediately for a comprehensive inspection and IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) assessment. For immediate assistance and to get a certified specialist on site, you can call the experts at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com. They are fully versed in the municiplaity protocols and can ensure the job is done safely and to code.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 26, 2026 2:16 pm