If you want to rent out an Airbnb in Dubai, you must first make sure your property is eligible, register it as a Holiday Home with Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), obtain the required permit and then list it on Airbnb.
You should also check your ownership or tenancy agreement, prepare the property for guests and understand the fees and rules that apply. Dubai welcomed 19.59 million international overnight visitors in 2025, up 5% from 2024, showing the strength of the holiday rental market.
Can I legally rent out my property on Airbnb in Dubai?
Yes, but the property must be registered and approved by DET before you list it.
Dubai treats short-term holiday rentals as Holiday Homes. Apartments and villas must be registered with DET and have the appropriate permit before being advertised to guests.
If you are renting rather than owning the property, you should check your tenancy agreement and obtain the necessary permission from the landlord. Like a property or subletting an office, you usually cannot do this without the landlord’s permission or you could be in breach of contract.
How do I register as a Holiday Home operator?
You need to register through the DET Holiday Homes system before applying for the property permit.
Individual owners can register as Holiday Home operators. Professional operators require the appropriate commercial licence, with the listed activity being Vacation Homes Rental. Individual homeowners can register up to eight Holiday Home units.
The current DET registration fee is AED 1,520, including the knowledge and innovation fees.
What documents do I need to rent out my home?
You will normally need proof of ownership or authority to use the property, identification and a current DEWA bill.
For an individual owner, DET lists documents including the title deed, passport or Emirates ID and a current Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) bill. A developer’s No Objection Certificate may also be required.
Make sure the documents are accurate and up to date before starting the application.
How do I get the Holiday Home permit?
You apply for a permit for the individual apartment or villa through the DET Holiday Homes portal.
After registering your account, you add the property, upload the required documents and submit the application. DET currently states that applications are reviewed within one business day.
Once approved, you self-classify the property, pay the relevant fees and receive the permit. The permit must be displayed inside the property.
How much does a Dubai Airbnb permit cost?
The permit currently costs AED 300 per bedroom, plus additional charges, subject to the annual maximum.
DET states that the new permit fees include AED 300 per bedroom, AED 50 for the Holiday Home classification certificate, and AED 10 each for knowledge and innovation fees. The total is capped at AED 1,200 per Holiday Home each year.
You should also account for cleaning, maintenance, utilities, Airbnb fees, management costs and applicable taxes or government charges when calculating your potential profit.
How should I prepare the property?
You should make the property safe, clean, comfortable and suitable for short-term guests.
Provide good-quality beds, towels, basic kitchen equipment, Wi-Fi and clear instructions for using the property. Professional photographs can also make your listing more attractive.
Think about what tourists need, including easy check-in, information about transport and clear house rules.
How do I create the Airbnb listing?
Create an accurate Airbnb listing that clearly explains the property, location, facilities, rules and total cost. You can do this yourself or use an Airbnb management company for added expertise.
Use honest photographs and a clear description. Avoid making claims about views, facilities or distances that are not accurate.
Set your nightly price after comparing similar properties in your area. You may need different prices during weekends, school holidays, major events and quieter periods.
What other rules do I need to follow?
You must continue to comply with DET’s Holiday Home rules after the property is listed.
This includes managing guest check-in and check-out and dealing with the Tourism Dirham requirements. For standard Holiday Homes, the Tourism Dirham is AED 10 per room per night, while deluxe properties are charged AED 15 per room per night.
Holiday Home permits are granted for one year and must be renewed before they expire.
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