Dreaming of staying in a stylish Dubai apartment with views of the Burj Khalifa or unwinding by Palm Jumeirah’s beaches? Airbnb in Dubai allows you to enjoy all this without the strict hotel schedules. Short-term rentals are indeed legal in Dubai, offering an excellent alternative to hotel stays. Here’s how to navigate the registration process and requirements for listing your apartment as a holiday home on Airbnb.
Is Airbnb Legal in Dubai?
Yes, short-term rentals through Airbnb and similar platforms are legal in Dubai. To rent out your Marina or JBR apartment, simply follow Dubai’s regulations for holiday homes. A permit is required from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) to ensure your property meets the necessary standards.
Steps to Register for a Holiday Home Permit
To operate a short-term rental, you need a holiday home permit from DET. Here’s how to apply:
- Visit the DTCM Website: Head to the Holiday Homes portal (https://hh.dtcm.gov.ae/holidayhomes/Welcome.aspx) and log in.
- Add Property Details: Enter essential information like unit type, bedrooms, area, and developer details.
- Submit Supporting Documents:
- Title deed
- Passport or Emirates ID
- Trade license (if applicable)
- Latest Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) bill
- Review and Submit: Confirm your application and submit it for review. The DET processes applications within one business day.
- Payment: Pay the registration fee (Dh1,520), covering a permit valid for 3–12 months.
Once approved, your property will be ready for self-classification.
Rules for Tenants Wishing to List on Airbnb
For tenants, check your lease and obtain landlord approval. You’ll need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the landlord and supporting documents like:
- Lease agreement with subleasing clause
- NOC from the landlord
- Owner’s passport or Emirates ID
- DEWA bill
Ready Your Property for Guests
Before listing on Airbnb, ensure your property meets Dubai’s safety standards, with operational smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and essential furnishings. Ensure utilities like DEWA and internet are connected.
Listing Your Apartment on Airbnb
Once approved, you can start your Airbnb listing:
- Create an Account: Log in to Airbnb and select ‘list your space.’
- Complete Details: Add house rules, pricing, and photos.
- Set Availability: Update the booking calendar.
- Publish: Once the listing is complete, publish it on Airbnb.
Dubai’s Guest Charges and Tourism Fees
Airbnb hosts in Dubai pay a tourism fee per room per night:
- Deluxe Holiday Home: Dh15/room/night
- Standard Holiday Home: Dh10/room/night
Rules and Standards for Dubai Holiday Homes on Airbnb
To comply with UAE regulations, ensure that:
- The entire unit, not just a room, is rented out.
- The property meets DTCM’s technical and safety specifications.
- A 24/7 emergency contact is provided for guests.
- Guest data remains confidential, shared only with government entities if required.
Dubai’s DTCM also specifies over 50 items required in holiday homes, from safes to sufficient towels per guest.
