Dubai plans new rental initiative for holiday homes

Although Dubai already enjoys a thriving tourism and hospitality market, the holiday home sector is soon to get an even bigger spike in rentals thanks to a QR code-based initiative announced by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). As of right now, Dubai boasts at least 21,000 holiday homes available for rent, with that number expected to only increase.

The DET is focusing on improving the overall ease and transparency of the short-term rental market and aims to build trust with investors and tourists. It is planned to attach a QR code to each of the holiday homes in order to quickly and easily provide all the necessary information as well as booking details to interested tourists. This step perfectly supports Dubai’s digital technology transformation plans to firmly place Dubai in the top 3 leading smart cities in the world.

The initiative will also improve the city’s hospitality infrastructure. Shaikha Al Mutawa, Director of Hospitality Affairs Department at the DET believes that the QR Code project will help to transform tourism industry, advance the use of technology, govern and manage the holiday home short-term rental market, increase confidence with investors and visitors, grow the hospitality industry even further and make Dubai the best city to live in, work in, and visit.

As of Q1 2023, approximately 137,144 guests were hosted in Dubai’s short-term rentals. And, according to data presented by the DET, these rentals have seen marked growth: 21,132 units and 32,794 rooms, up +45.5% and +40.7%, respectively, compared to the first quarter of the previous year where there were 14,518 units and 23,299 rooms.

The holiday home sector boasts all types of possible rentals, including studios, apartments and villas, and even farms in the area of Hatta, meaning that any holiday goer can and will find the perfect place to relax and experience a world-class vacation.

The short-term rental market adheres to a strict classification system, categorizing units into tourist or luxury, in order to maintain optimal conditions in each rental. Classification certificates will only be issued to holiday homes that meet all the guidelines, restrictions, standards and technological equipment.

There are licenses and permits, issued with the DBLC (Dubai Business License Corporation) for establishments to regulate and document all activities and rentals based on their classification. There are also constant updates and guidelines by the DET that are regularly reevaluated. The DET handles problems and conflicts that arise to provide and support solutions as needed. Any operators of rental units found violating the standards and regulations of the rental sector will be warned, then eventually fined or may even face more severe penalties.