Short Term Rentals are fully furnished homes or apartments rented out for a few days, weeks, or a couple of months at a time. They’re often used as holiday homes in Dubai, perfect for tourists, business travellers, or anyone visiting the city for a short stay.
In Dubai, short term rentals are growing fast. Tourism is stronger than ever. Thanks to events like Expo 2020 and ongoing investment in attractions, more visitors are choosing vacation rentals instead of hotels.
For property owners, this is a great opportunity. You don’t have to commit to long leases. You stay flexible and often earn more from short stays.
Whether you have a flat in Downtown or a villa in Jumeirah, this model could work for you. And with the right help, it doesn’t have to be complicated.
Why Dubai Is Ideal for Short Term Rentals
Dubai is one of the best places in the world for short term rentals. The city attracts millions of tourists and business travellers every year. Many of them prefer the space and comfort of a holiday home over a hotel room.
High demand from tourists and business travellers
There’s strong demand all year round. The warm weather, global events, shopping festivals, and luxury lifestyle keep the city busy no matter the season. Expo 2020 may be over, but it left behind a wave of growth in tourism and real estate. In 2023, Dubai welcomed 17 million international visitors, keeping rental demand high.
Top areas for short term rentals in Dubai
Dubai also has everything short stay guests are looking for. It offers reliable infrastructure, modern transport, and high levels of safety. Most properties are new, fully furnished, and built to a high standard, making them ideal for short stays.
Some of the best areas for short term rentals in Dubai include Downtown, Dubai Marina, and JBR. These locations offer great views, walkable neighbourhoods, and easy access to malls, beaches, and restaurants.
The Dubai holiday home market continues to grow, and more owners are jumping in. If you own property in the city, now is a great time to consider this model.
Legal Requirements for Short Term Rentals in Dubai
To run short term rentals in Dubai legally, you need a holiday home permit from Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), also known as DTCM. This permit allows you to rent out your property for short stays and ensures you follow local rules.
How to apply for a DTCM license Dubai
If you’re an individual property owner, the process is straightforward. You can apply for a DTCM license Dubai through the official website. You’ll need your Emirates ID, title deed or tenancy contract, and some basic property details. Once approved, you’re listed as a registered holiday home operator.
Working with a property management company
If you work with a licensed property management company, they can handle the permit for you. This is often easier and faster, especially if you don’t want to manage the paperwork yourself.
Costs, renewals, and staying compliant
The Dubai holiday home permit comes with a fee and must be renewed every year. The cost depends on the size and number of properties you list.
Make sure to follow the short term rental rules Dubai has in place. Renting without a valid permit can lead to fines starting from AED 5,000. Staying compliant keeps your income safe and your guests happy.
Short Term Rentals vs Long Term Rentals: Which Is Better?
When it comes to renting out your property in Dubai, both options have pros and cons. But short term rentals are quickly becoming the more attractive choice for many owners.
With long term rentals, you get stable income and fewer headaches. But the rent is fixed, and you can’t adjust prices when demand goes up. You’re also locked into a contract, which limits flexibility.
Short term rentals offer more control. You can adjust your rates based on season, events, or trends. This means higher rental yield in Dubai, especially in tourist hotspots. But it also comes with some risks like gaps between bookings, more frequent guest turnover, and the need for regular cleaning and support.
The key is good management. When handled well, short term rentals can bring in more income than traditional leases. Many owners now choose this model for its flexibility and earning potential.
Still deciding between the two? The long term vs short term rental Dubai debate depends on your goals. But if you’re ready to be more hands-on, or hire someone who stays might be the smarter move.
How to Succeed with Short Term Rentals in Dubai
If you want to earn well from short term rentals in Dubai, the details matter. It’s not just about having a nice flat. It’s about how you present and manage it.
Set the right price with a smart strategy
Start with smart pricing. Rates should change based on demand, season, and local events. A good pricing strategy helps you stay competitive and get the most from each booking. Without it, you could miss out on valuable income.
Photos, reviews, and listing quality matter
Next, make your property stand out. High-quality, professional photography can make a big difference. First impressions matter. Great photos attract more clicks and bookings.
Good guest reviews are also key. Cleanliness, quick replies, and small touches like fresh towels or local tips can turn a good stay into a great one. Happy guests leave better reviews, which leads to more bookings.
What to expect when managing it yourself
Your space should be fully furnished, comfortable, and well-equipped. Think hotel comfort with a personal touch. List your property on multiple platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com to reach more guests.
But managing it all on your own can be tough. Constant bookings mean constant cleaning, guest messages, and late check-ins. It takes time and energy to do it well.
That’s why many owners choose Airbnb management Dubai services. A professional property management Dubai company can take care of everything for you. From creating listings and setting prices to cleaning and guest support, they handle the work so you don’t have to.
If you’re new to hosting, you’ll find plenty of hosting tips Dubai owners can follow. But with the right help, short term rentals can become a simple and reliable income stream.
Why Work with a Short Term Rental Management Company
Managing short term rentals in Dubai takes time, effort, and attention to detail. From setting up listings and responding to guests to handling cleaning and pricing, it can quickly turn into a full-time job.
That’s why many property owners choose to work with a professional Airbnb property management Dubai company. These services often handle everything for you, including guest screening, dynamic pricing, cleaning, and maintenance. You still earn income from your property, but without the daily stress of managing it yourself.
This kind of support is especially useful for busy landlords or those living overseas. It allows for hands-off hosting while keeping the guest experience smooth and consistent.
Look for a company that offers transparent pricing, regular updates, and a track record in both local and international markets. A reliable partner can help you get more out of your property with less hassle.
Getting Started: How Keey Can Help You Today
Ready to start with short term rentals in Dubai? Keey makes it easy.
Our onboarding process is quick and straightforward. We’ll guide you through every step, from listing your property to welcoming your first guest. You don’t need any experience to get started.
We offer a free consultation and an income estimate so you can see how much you could earn. Whether you own one flat or multiple units, we’ll help you make the most of them.
If you want to earn more from your property Dubai owners trust Keey for a reason. Let us help you start short term rental Dubai success the smart way.
Get in touch with our team today to request a property review and take the first step.
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