New Dubai Rules for Short-Term Stays—Tourists Must Know This 2025

Lifestyle1 month ago

Dubai is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. Tourists love its luxury hotels, famous skyscrapers, and sunny beaches. But many visitors today are also choosing short-term rentals like apartments or villas instead of hotels. Platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and others have made this easier. However, there are strict rules in Dubai about short-term stays that every tourist and property owner must follow.

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the legal rules for short-term stays in Dubai, written in simple language for easy understanding.

What is a Short-Term Rental?

A short-term rental means renting a home, apartment, or room for a period shorter than 6 months. This is usually done for vacations or business trips. In Dubai, this type of rental is legal, but only if the rules are followed.

Who Regulates Short-Term Stays in Dubai?

Short-term rental activity is regulated by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), which was formerly known as the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM). The DET ensures that all short-term rentals meet the required safety, quality, and legal standards.

Key Legal Rules for Short-Term Stays in Dubai

1. All Rentals Must Be Registered and Licensed

Property owners or tenants who want to rent their homes on a short-term basis must:

Register the property with the DET.
Get a holiday home license.
Renew the license every year.

Unlicensed short-term rentals are illegal and can result in heavy fines.

2. Only Certain Property Types Are Allowed

Short-term rentals are only allowed in residential areas and must be fully furnished. Rooms within shared accommodations are not allowed unless licensed as part of a hotel apartment setup.

3. No Subletting Without Permission

If you are a tenant and not the owner, you must get written permission from your landlord before listing the property for short-term rental.

4. Proper Guest Records Must Be Kept

Property managers must collect and keep copies of:

Guest passports or Emirates ID.
Check-in and check-out dates.
Payment records.

This information may be required by the DET or other government agencies for security reasons.

5. Tourism Dirham Fee Must Be Paid

Guests must pay a “Tourism Dirham” fee per night, depending on the type and rating of the property. This fee is collected by the host and paid to the DET.

6. Maximum Guest Limit and Safety Rules

There are limits to how many guests can stay in a rental, based on:

The number of bedrooms.
The size of the property.

Smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and emergency plans are also required.

Penalties for Not Following the Rules

Dubai has strict penalties for breaking short-term rental laws. These include:

Fines starting from AED 500 to AED 100,000, depending on the offense.
Suspension of the license.
Permanent ban from renting property.

In 2023, several property owners were fined for not renewing their licenses or renting out homes without permission. Authorities are actively monitoring platforms like Airbnb to catch illegal listings.

Benefits of Legal Short-Term Rentals

Following the law may seem like extra work, but it offers many benefits:

Legal protection for both guests and hosts.
Higher guest trust because of verified licenses.
Better listing performance on travel platforms.
Contribution to the local economy and tourism growth.

Advice for Tourists Using Short-Term Rentals

If you are a tourist planning a trip to Dubai, here are some tips:

Book only licensed properties. Look for official DET registration numbers in listings.
Avoid cash-only bookings, which may be illegal.
Read reviews and verify host information on rental platforms.
Report suspicious listings to the platform or DET.

Remember, booking an unlicensed property could mean your stay gets canceled, or you may face legal trouble.

How to Get a Short-Term Rental License in Dubai (For Hosts)

If you own a property in Dubai and want to legally rent it out, follow these steps:

Register as a host on the Dubai DET portal.
Submit property details, including location, size, and ownership documents.
Pay the license fee, which depends on the size and type of property.
Receive your Holiday Home Permit, which is valid for one year.

You can manage the property yourself or hire a licensed holiday home operator.

Final Thoughts

Dubai welcomes millions of tourists each year, and the city is working to make sure everyone enjoys a safe, comfortable, and legal stay. If you are visiting Dubai or thinking about becoming a short-term rental host, it’s important to understand and follow the local rules.

With the right knowledge and proper licensing, short-term rentals can be a great way to explore Dubai or earn extra income from your property—without risking legal trouble.