Is Airbnb Legal in Dubai?

As Dubai continues to thrive as a global hub for tourism, luxury, and innovation, the popularity of Airbnb has surged, prompting regulatory responses from the city’s authorities. Here, we explore the legality of Airbnb in Dubai, demystifying the process for potential hosts.

Is Airbnb Legal in Dubai?

Yes, Airbnb is legal in Dubai. In fact, Dubai is one of the most profitable cities in the world for Airbnb landlords, according to a recent survey by the CIA Landlord. Dubai attracts millions of visitors every year, and many of them prefer to stay in holiday homes rather than hotels. This means that there is a high demand and a good return for Airbnb hosts in Dubai.

However, to operate an Airbnb in Dubai, you need to comply with certain rules and regulations set by the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM). These regulations are known as the Holiday Home Regulations and apply to both residents and non-residents of Dubai.

Understanding Airbnb Regulations in Dubai

Requirement	Description	Fees
Registration with DTCM	Obtain a Tourism Dirham Number to legally list your property.	Varies
Tourism Dirham License	License to collect a tourism fee from guests.	AED 15 per night (Deluxe), AED 10 per night (Standard)
Safety and Quality Compliance	Ensure property meets safety and quality standards.	Subject to inspection
VAT Obligations	Charge VAT if rental income exceeds AED 375,000 annually.	5% VAT rate

Before you dive further into the regulations, Find the Earning Potential of your Holiday Home in Dubai using Manzil’s Rental Calculator.

Holiday Home Regulations in Dubai

The Holiday Home Regulations in Dubai are designed to ensure the quality, safety, and security of holiday homes and their guests. They also aim to promote the tourism industry and the reputation of Dubai as a world-class destination. The Holiday Home Regulations cover the following aspects:

1. Registration:

All holiday homes must be registered with the DTCM through its official website. The registration process involves creating an account, submitting the required documents, paying the fees, and obtaining a license. The license is valid for one year and must be renewed annually.

2. Classification:

All holiday homes must be classified as either Standard or Deluxe, based on the amenities, facilities, and services they provide. The classification is done by the DTCM through an online self-assessment tool and verified by inspections.

3. Compliance:

All holiday homes must comply with the DTCM’s standards and codes of conduct, which include health, safety, hygiene, maintenance, insurance, and customer service requirements. The DTCM conducts regular inspections and audits to ensure compliance and quality.

4. Fees and Taxes:

All holiday homes must pay a registration fee, a classification fee, a license fee, and a tourism dirham fee. The registration fee is AED 1,590, the classification fee is AED 50, the license fee is AED 300 per bedroom, and the tourism dirham fee is AED 10 per night per room. These fees are subject to change and may vary depending on the type and location of the property.

5. Marketing:

All holiday homes must market their properties through approved online platforms, such as Airbnb. They must also display their license number and classification on their listings and advertisements. They must not use any misleading or false information or claim to be affiliated with any hotel or hotel apartment.

Find the Earning Potential of your Holiday Home in Dubai using Manzil’s Rental Calculator.

FAQs

• Is it legal to do Airbnb in Dubai? Yes, it’s legal with necessary registrations and compliance.
• Is Airbnb worth it in Dubai? Given Dubai’s booming tourism, Airbnb can be highly profitable with proper management.
• How much is an Airbnb license in Dubai? The DET imposes a one-time application fee of AED 1,500, plus AED 10 for knowledge and AED 10 for innovation fees.
• Can I list my property on Airbnb in Dubai? Yes, after fulfilling the DET’s requirements and obtaining a holiday home license.
• Does UAE have Airbnb? Yes, Airbnb operates legally in the UAE, including Dubai.
• Do we need permission for Airbnb? Yes, hosts need to register and obtain necessary permits from the DET & DTCM.
• How many Airbnb are there in Dubai? While specific numbers vary, Dubai hosts a significant number of Airbnb listings, catering to its robust tourist influx.

Conclusion

Airbnb hosting in Dubai is a legal and regulated activity, it requires registration, licensing, and compliance with the DTCM’s regulations. With these measures, Dubai maintains its welcoming stance for tourists while ensuring a quality experience for all.