It’s hard to deny that tourism in the Emirate has grown over the years and the sector is part of the growth driver of the economy. With Expo 2020 approaching, tourists increasingly will flock into the emirate next year and residents will rent out their homes for short-term guests or Airbnb hosts as an opportunity to make extra cash.
Is it legal? If so, in which emirate?
It is legal to host on Airbnb in the UAE. The two emirates, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, have sanctioned the home-hosting service so far.
Since May 2016, the world's biggest accommodation-sharing site has collaborated with Dubai’s Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and a signed MoU, which promotes ‘responsible hosting’ and grow and diversifies tourism in the city.
Do you have to own a home in Dubai?
Even if you’re a tenant and don’t own a property, you can sublet or lease out homes on a short-term basis. However to be able to do so, both home owners or tenants need to register the property through Dubai Tourism’s Holiday Homes provision. A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the property owner is also required.
How is it regulated?
Homeowners or sub-letters who want to rent their properties using Airbnb are highly advisable to register with the Dubai's DTCM in order to obtain a permit to list their properties. They must be responsible and ensure that their activities comply with local legislation and regulation. Quality of standards, safety, health, codes of conduct and more of which the UAE’s hospitality sector is known for. As long as it’s fully legalized by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, residential units are only allowed to be leased and not standalone rooms as it is still illegal.
For holiday rentals in Dubai for short-term travelers, apartments in City Walk are what they are looking for as it’s close to Dubai’s popular districts like Downtown Dubai, Burj Khalifa, and more. Also tenants can easily sublet or lease out homes as holiday homes in Dubai when they’re out of the country on holiday or are frequently flying for work.