Trusted Short Term Rentals Dubai
Experience the luxury of hotel living with the comfort of a private home. Whether you need a beachfront apartment for a week or a city penthouse for a month, access verified properties managed by top-rated hosts.
Perfect for digital nomads, families on vacation, or business travelers waiting for residency. Enjoy fully furnished units with zero bills, ultra-fast WiFi, and no long-term contracts.
Booking Your Stay Safely
How to secure a legitimate holiday home without issues.
Guest Checklist
Verify DTCM Permit
Every listing must show a valid permit number. This ensures the unit meets safety and quality standards set by Dubai Tourism.
Check 'All-In' Pricing
Confirm the rate includes Tourism Dirham fee, minimal VAT, and cleaning fees. Some platforms add these at the final checkout step.
Security Deposit Terms
Clarify how the deposit is paid (card hold vs cash) and the timeline for refund (usually 7-14 days after departure).
House Rules Review
Check rules on visitors, pets, and noise. Some buildings strictly ban visitors after 10 PM.
Inspect upon Arrival
Take photos of any existing scratches or damages when you first enter and send them to the host immediately to avoid blame later.
Red Flags to Avoid
Search Smarter, Stay Better
We filter the best holiday homes across multiple platforms.
Permit Verification
We automatically check if the listing's permit number is active in the government database.
Internet Speed Test
Hosts on our platform verify their internet speeds, so you can work remotely without lag.
Amenity Matching
Looking for a Nespresso machine? A crib? A gaming console? Filter by specific items, not just generic 'kitchen'.
Neighborhood Vibe
Know if the building is a quiet family tower or a party hotspot before you book.
Price Comparison
See if the same property is listed cheaper on another booking site.
Dubai Short Term Rental Prices 2025
Average daily rates vary by season, location, and property type.
Peak Season
Nov - Mar (Winter & NYE)
Monthly stays: 20-30% discount on daily rate
Mid Season
Apr - May & Sep - Oct
Best time for longer stays - stable demand
Low Season
Jun - Aug (Summer Heat)
Budget travelers & digital nomads flock here
💡 Smart Booking Tips
- Book 2+ months in advance for peak season (Dec-Jan) to lock lower rates
- Monthly bookings (28+ nights) typically save 25-35% vs daily rates
- Summer stays are perfect for long-term remote workers on a budget
- Avoid UAE National Day (Dec 2), NYE, and Ramadan for higher availability
What's Included in Your Rental?
Understand the all-in pricing vs hidden extras.
Always Included
- DEWA (Electricity & Water) – No meter reading or bills
- High-Speed WiFi – Usually 100-500 Mbps fiber connection
- Gas for Cooking – Centralized or LPG cylinders included
- Air Conditioning – No usage caps in 99% of listings
- Weekly/Bi-weekly Housekeeping – Depends on length of stay
- Fresh Linens & Towels – Changed during cleaning visits
- Kitchen Basics – Pots, pans, utensils, coffee maker
- Smart TV with streaming – Netflix, OSN, or similar
- Building Amenities – Gym, pool, parking (usually 1 spot)
- Basic Toiletries – Starter pack of soap, shampoo, toilet paper
- 24/7 Host Support – Via phone or WhatsApp for emergencies
- Tourism Dirham Fee – Sometimes pre-paid, sometimes added
Possible Extra Costs
- Security Deposit – AED 1,000-5,000 refundable (held on card or cash)
- Cleaning Fee – Some hosts charge AED 150-400 one-time fee
- Extra Guest Fee – If you exceed listed capacity (e.g., 4 people in a 2-guest studio)
- Late Check-Out – Half-day or full-day charge if you stay past 12 PM
- Pet Fee – AED 200-500 for deep cleaning if pets allowed
- Smoking Fine – AED 500-2,000 if you smoke indoors despite rules
- Lost Key/Card – AED 200-500 replacement charge
- Extra Parking – Second car spot may cost AED 50-100/day
- Mid-Stay Cleaning – Extra deep clean for stays over 14 days (optional)
- Excessive AC Use – Rare, but some budget hosts cap at 500 kWh/month
- Minibar/Snacks – Not common but some premium units offer paid snacks
- Airport Pickup – Optional concierge service AED 150-300
Pro Tip: Ask Before Booking
Always confirm the "total cost" including VAT, Tourism Dirham, and cleaning fees before you pay. Some platforms show "base price" but add 15-20% at checkout. Request a full breakdown via message to avoid surprises. If the host is vague about fees, that's a red flag.
Where to Book: Platform Comparison
Airbnb, Booking.com, or direct? Each has pros and cons.
Airbnb
Best For:
First-time renters who want platform protection and variety
Booking.com
Best For:
Travelers who want flexible dates and cancellation
Direct Booking
Best For:
Repeat guests or long stays (2+ months) who want best value
How Hayy.AI Helps You Choose
We scan the same property across Airbnb, Booking.com, and direct operator websites. You see side-by-side pricing including all fees, so you can book wherever it's cheapest. We also verify DTCM permits regardless of platform, giving you extra peace of mind.
Host Earnings Calculator: Is It Worth It?
Real revenue breakdown for property owners considering short term rentals.
Example: 1-Bedroom in Dubai Marina
Monthly Revenue (Peak Season)
Monthly Operating Costs
Net Monthly Profit
AED 9,605
Annual Net Profit
AED 95,000
ROI (if unit cost AED 1.2M)
7.9%
vs. Yearly Lease: AED 65,000/year (5.4% ROI) – Short term rental earns 46% more!
Host Advantages
- • Higher cash flow and flexibility to use property yourself
- • No long-term tenant damage or disputes
- • Can adjust pricing based on events (F1, Expo, conferences)
- • Easier to sell furnished units (buyers see rental income potential)
Hosting Challenges
- • More hands-on management (or 20% fee to property manager)
- • Occupancy fluctuates – summer months drop to 40-50%
- • Higher wear and tear on furniture and appliances
- • Must comply with strict DTCM inspections and safety rules
Legal Requirements & Documents
What you need as a guest or host to stay compliant.
For Guests
Required Documents:
- Passport Copy – For tourists (visa page + entry stamp)
- Emirates ID – For UAE residents (both sides)
- Visa Copy – Sometimes requested for residency verification
Registration Process:
Hosts are legally required to register your details with the Tourism Authority within 24 hours of check-in. You'll receive a digital confirmation. This is for security and tourism statistics – it's completely normal and mandatory.
What You DON'T Get:
- ✗ Ejari contract (not applicable for short term stays)
- ✗ Utility bills in your name
- ✗ Proof of address for visa applications
For Hosts/Operators
Mandatory Licenses:
- DTCM Permit – Each unit needs its own permit (AED 370/year + classification fee)
- Trade License – Tourism activity license from DED (for commercial operators)
- NOC from Developer – Proof that building allows short term rentals
- Title Deed / Ownership Proof – Or tenancy contract if you're sub-leasing (requires owner approval)
Classification Levels:
Compliance Checklist:
- ✓ Fire safety equipment (smoke detectors, extinguisher)
- ✓ QR code permit displayed at entrance
- ✓ Guest registration within 24 hours
- ✓ Collect and remit Tourism Dirham fee
- ✓ Insurance coverage for guest liability
Operating Without a Permit = Heavy Fines
DTCM conducts random inspections. Unlicensed operators face fines starting at AED 10,000 for first offense, up to AED 50,000 for repeat violations, plus potential blacklisting from future permits. If you're booking, always verify the permit QR code at the property entrance matches the listing.
First-Time Renter? Your Step-by-Step Guide
Never booked a holiday home before? We'll walk you through it.
Search & Filter
Use specific filters: location, dates, number of guests, and must-have amenities (WiFi speed, pet-friendly, parking). Don't just browse the first page – sort by 'Newest listings' to find hidden gems.
Read Reviews Carefully
Look for recent reviews (last 3 months). Pay attention to mentions of cleanliness, host responsiveness, and WiFi quality. If all reviews are 5-star with generic text, they might be fake.
Message the Host
Before booking, ask: 'Is WiFi speed verified?', 'What floor is the unit on?', 'Is the building family-friendly or party crowd?'. Good hosts reply within 2 hours.
Verify Permit Number
Check if the listing displays a DTCM permit number. You can verify it on the DTCM website or ask the host to show the permit certificate. No permit = Don't book.
Book & Pay Securely
Always pay through the platform (Airbnb, Booking.com) for the first booking. Never wire money to a personal account. Most platforms hold payment until after check-in.
Pre-Arrival Checklist
Confirm check-in time (usually 3 PM), parking spot number, and WiFi password 24 hours before. Ask if there's a welcome pack or if you need to buy groceries in advance.
Check-In Inspection
Take photos/videos of the apartment condition, especially carpet stains, scratches on furniture, or broken items. Send them to the host immediately via chat with timestamp.
During Your Stay
Treat the place like your own home. Report maintenance issues within 24 hours. Don't ignore small problems – a leaking tap can become a flood and you'll be blamed.
Check-Out Prep
Wash dishes, take out trash, and leave the place tidy (you don't need to deep clean – that's included). Return all keys and access cards. Do a final walkthrough with photos.
Post-Review
Leave an honest review within 7 days. This helps future guests and gives you credibility as a reviewer. Mention specific details: WiFi speed, noise level, host communication.
Stay Options Compared
Short term rentals Dubai vs. Hotels vs. Yearly Lease.
| Feature | Short Term Rental | Hotel | Yearly Lease |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commitment | Daily / Monthly | Daily | 12 Months Fixed |
| Bills | Included | Included | Tenant pays separately |
| Furnishing | Fully Furnished + Kitchen | Room only / Kitchenette | Unfurnished usually |
| Price | Moderate | High / Premium | Lowest (Best Value) |
| Ejari Contract | No | No | Yes (Visa eligible) |
| Maintenance | Host handles it | Hotel handles it | Tenant handles minor repairs |
| Guest Policy | Strict registered guests | Check-in desk limits | Flexible (Private) |
| Space | Full Apartment | Single Room / Suite | Full Apartment / Villa |
Top Areas for Holiday Homes
Where tourists and remote workers love to stay.
The #1 spot. Walkable, beach access, tram, and nightlife.
Burj Khalifa views and Dubai Mall. Premium luxury stay.
Right on the beach. Great for families and sun-seekers.
Exclusive villas and beach apartments. Resort lifestyle.
Across from Marina. Better value, great dining scene.
Chic, low-rise, European vibe. Walking distance to Coca-Cola Arena.
Close to Downtown but slightly cheaper. Canal views.
New, quiet, stunning sunset views. 15 mins from airport.
Budget-friendly option. Good for long Monthly stays.
Who is Short Term For?
Flexible solutions for different needs.
The Investor Host
James lists his Palm apartment on Airbnb. In winter (high season), he charges AED 1,500/night. In summer, he lowers it to AED 600. His annual yield cleans up at 9%, higher than a yearly tenant.
The Remote Worker
Elena comes to Dubai for 2 months to work remotely. She rents a fully equipped unit in JLT with a proper desk and 500Mbps internet, avoiding the hassle of utility setup.
The New Resident
Omar moves to Dubai with his family. While house-hunting for a permanent villa, they stay in a furnished 2-bedroom short term rental for 3 weeks to explore neighborhoods.
The Medical Tourist
Families visiting for medical treatments often prefer the privacy and kitchen facilities of an apartment in Dubai Healthcare City over a cramped hotel room.
Rental FAQs
Answers for guests and hosts.
Why choose short term rentals Dubai over hotels?
Short term rentals usually offer more space, a full kitchen, and washing facilities, making them perfect for families or longer business trips. They feel like a 'home away from home'.
What is the check-in and check-out time?
Standard check-in is usually after 3:00 PM, and check-out is before 11:00 AM or 12:00 PM. Late check-outs often incur a half-day charge.
Can I get a discount for monthly stays?
Yes, most hosts offer significant discounts (10-30%) for bookings longer than 28 nights. This is often cheaper than paying a daily rate.
Is VAT applicable on holiday homes?
Yes, a 5% VAT is applied to the booking amount. Ensure your quote includes all taxes and fees to avoid surprises.
Do I get a tenancy contract / EJARI?
No. Short term rentals do NOT provide an Ejari contract. If you need Ejari for visa sponsorship or driving license, you must sign a yearly lease.
How does Hayy.AI verify short term listings?
We check that the host has a valid DTCM permit number required by law. We also aggregate reviews across platforms to give you a 'Trust Score' for the property.
What happens if I break something?
Be honest and report it to the host. Minor breakage (a glass) is often waived, but major damage (stained sofa, broken TV) will be deducted from your security deposit.
Are parties allowed?
Generally, NO. Most residential buildings in Dubai have strict noise policies. Parties can lead to fines from building security or police involvement.
Do they provide toiletries?
Yes, a starter pack of shampoo, soap, and toilet paper is usually provided. For longer stays, you are expected to buy your own consumables.
Can I smoke in the apartment?
Most apartments are non-smoking inside. You can usually smoke on the balcony with the door closed. Smoking inside often results in a steep commercial cleaning fine.