8
min read
8
min read
Pet-friendly STR is one of the most under-explored niches in Dubai's short-term rental market. The supply of pet-friendly holiday homes is small. The demand is growing. And owners who position correctly can access a guest segment that books longer, pays premiums, and has very few alternatives.
But it's not straightforward. Building rules, damage risk, cleaning complexity, and community restrictions all create barriers. This article breaks down when a pet-friendly policy makes financial sense, when it doesn't, and what it actually takes to operate one.
Pet ownership in Dubai has grown significantly in recent years. The city has become more accommodating, with pet-friendly parks, cafes, beaches, and retail spaces expanding across the emirate. More residents own pets. More visitors want to travel with them.
The problem for pet owners is options. Most Dubai hotels either don't accept pets or charge steep surcharges with strict size and breed restrictions. Most STR listings don't allow pets either. The result is a supply gap. Pet-owning travellers and relocating professionals have genuine difficulty finding quality short-term accommodation that accepts their animals.
For owners willing to fill that gap, the opportunity is real. Pet-friendly listings receive a disproportionate share of enquiries from pet-owning guests because the competition is so thin. When you're one of twenty pet-friendly options instead of one of two thousand general listings, visibility and conversion improve dramatically.
Pet-friendly policies can improve revenue in three ways.
Pricing premiums. Pet-friendly properties can charge a nightly premium because guests have fewer alternatives. The exact premium varies by property type and area, but it's not uncommon for pet-friendly listings to command 10 to 20% above comparable non-pet properties. On top of nightly rates, a per-stay pet fee (typically AED 200 to 500) provides additional income that partially offsets extra cleaning costs.
Higher occupancy during soft periods. Pet-owning guests often book during periods that are harder to fill. Relocating professionals need pet-friendly accommodation for weeks or months. Pet owners planning longer Dubai stays book earlier and stay longer. These bookings smooth out the seasonal dips that affect the broader market.
Longer average stays. Travelling with a pet is logistically demanding. Pet owners don't book for two nights. They tend to book five nights or more because the effort of arranging pet travel makes short stays impractical. Longer stays mean fewer turnovers and lower operational costs per booking.
This is the concern that stops most owners. And it's legitimate but often overstated.
The reality is that most pet damage in STR properties is cosmetic and minor. Scratched floors, chewed furniture edges, fur on soft furnishings, and occasional accidents on carpets or rugs. Serious structural damage from pets is rare, particularly when guest screening and house rules are properly enforced.
The costs of pet-related wear are real but manageable:
These costs are offset by the pricing premium and pet fees if the policy is structured correctly. The net financial impact for most properties is positive.
The risk increases significantly with certain property types. A villa with expensive hardwood floors and designer furniture carries more downside than an apartment with tiled floors and durable furnishings. The decision should be property-specific, not blanket.
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Before considering a pet-friendly policy, you need to confirm your building or community permits it.
Many Dubai apartment buildings have strict no-pet rules enforced by building management or the owners' association. Violating these rules risks fines, complaints, and potential restrictions on your STR licence.
Villa communities tend to be more accommodating. Areas like Arabian Ranches, Dubai Hills, Jumeirah Islands, and some Palm Jumeirah communities generally allow pets, though breed and size restrictions may apply.
If your building or community doesn't allow pets, the conversation ends there. If it does, the policy needs to align with whatever specific rules exist around breeds, sizes, common area access, and waste management.
First Class checks building and community pet policies as part of the onboarding process for any owner considering this approach.
Running a pet-friendly listing adds operational layers that need to be built into your management approach.
Enhanced cleaning between stays. Every pet stay requires deep cleaning beyond the standard turnover. Fur removal from all surfaces, allergen treatment for the next guest (who may have allergies), and inspection for any damage or accidents. This takes longer and costs more than a standard clean.
Pet-specific amenities. Water and food bowls, a pet bed, waste bags, and a welcome note for pet owners. These cost very little but signal professionalism and drive positive reviews. They also reduce the chance of guests improvising with your actual crockery and furniture.
Clear house rules. Pets allowed in certain areas only. No pets on beds or sofas (enforced through guest communication and house rules). Maximum number and size of pets specified. Waste management expectations clearly communicated before arrival.
Damage protocol. A pre-stay security deposit or damage waiver specifically for pet stays. Clear documentation of property condition before and after each pet booking. Photographic records maintained by the cleaning team.
Guest screening. Not every pet owner is a responsible one. Screening should include questions about the pet: type, size, breed, and whether the animal is accustomed to staying in rental properties. This isn't about being restrictive. It's about matching the right guests to the right property.
Pet-friendly STR works best when the property ticks specific boxes.
Tiled or hard flooring throughout. Carpeted properties and expensive hardwood floors carry too much damage risk. Tiles and treated stone are durable, easy to clean, and resistant to scratches.
Outdoor space. A garden, terrace, or enclosed balcony gives pets (and their owners) space without confining them to interior areas. Villas with gardens are the strongest fit.
Durable furnishings. Leather or performance fabric sofas over delicate upholstery. Washable cushion covers. Rugs that can be replaced economically. Furniture that can absorb minor contact without visible damage.
Ground floor or villa access. Pets in high-rise apartments create lift complications, common area encounters, and noise issues. Ground-floor units or villas avoid most of these problems.
Pet-friendly community. Parks, walking paths, and nearby green spaces make the listing more attractive to pet owners and reduce the chance of pets being exercised in inappropriate areas.
A pet-friendly policy is not right for every property.
Being honest about suitability protects both your asset and your reviews. A bad pet experience doesn't just cost repair money. It costs the reviews from every non-pet guest who finds fur or smells during their stay.
Pet-friendly STR in Dubai is a genuine opportunity for owners with suitable properties. The supply gap is real, the demand is growing, and the financial case works when structured correctly. But it's not a universal strategy. It works for durable, well-located villas and ground-floor apartments in pet-friendly communities. It doesn't work for luxury high-rises or properties with delicate finishes.
The owners who benefit most are those who treat it as a deliberate positioning decision with the right operational infrastructure, not an afterthought checkbox on a listing form.
Not sure whether a pet-friendly policy suits your property? Request an assessment and we'll evaluate your property type, building rules, furnishing, and location to give you an honest recommendation on whether the opportunity justifies the operational adjustment.
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Estimate your revenueGet in touch with our team to discover the perfect solution for your real estate portfolio.
First Class Property Management
Office 301, Al Zarouni Business Centre,
606 Sheikh Zayed Road,
Al Barsha First, Dubai, UAE
4 min read
Dubai’s dynamic property market presents a clear choice for owners: stick with traditional long-term tenants or tap into the booming short-term rental market through platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com. But which option really gives you the best return on investment? With Dubai’s tourism on the rise and changing tenant behaviour, understanding the differences between short-term and long-term rentals can help you make a smarter decision for your property and your income goals.
Dubai's economy and tourism sector are experiencing remarkable growth, making this a pivotal moment for property investors. The city's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) reported a record-breaking 18.72 million international overnight visitors in 2024, a 9% increase over the previous year. This surge, coupled with a strategic push to diversify the economy and the rise of remote work, has created a golden opportunity for property owners.
Short-term rentals typically refer to fully furnished properties available for stays ranging from a few days to several months. Dubai’s popularity as a global tourist and business hub has fueled demand for short-term accommodation options, attracting both holidaymakers and corporate travellers. Licensed through Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), short-term rentals must meet specific quality and safety standards, giving owners a regulated legal path to higher earnings.
For landlords, this means the flexibility to adjust rates, use their property between guest bookings, and potentially earn up to 20–30% more than with a year-long lease. However, short-term rentals do require more active management, guest support, and regular maintenance, which is why many property owners turn to a specialist like First Class Property Management to take the hassle away.
A long-term rental in Dubai usually involves a 12-month Ejari-registered tenancy agreement, with many landlords offering unfurnished apartments or villas. This traditional route attracts residents, families, and professionals looking for stability and predictable housing costs. Long-term contracts can be appealing because they guarantee occupancy and steady cash flow, reducing the stress of managing constant guest turnover.
However, these leases come with their own challenges: finding reliable tenants, handling maintenance issues, and being tied to fixed rental prices for a full year - even if the market shifts. Owners must also factor in overhead costs such as security deposits, agency fees, and annual housing fees.
Short-term rentals offer maximum flexibility, letting owners reclaim their property for personal use between bookings. These arrangements usually include furnished spaces, housekeeping, and even concierge-style services. Platforms like Airbnb make marketing straightforward, but guest turnover requires ongoing time or a professional manager.
Long-term rentals, meanwhile, lock you into a yearly lease with fewer interruptions. You’ll typically leave tenants to handle their own bills and basic upkeep. However, if you need to move back in or sell unexpectedly, early lease termination can be costly and complicated.
Short-term tenants expect a “home away from home” - modern furnishings, equipped kitchens, strong Wi-Fi, and even premium extras like Netflix subscriptions or a welcome basket. First Class, for instance, uses its expert designers to stage properties to five-star hotel standards, creating a guest experience worthy of a 4.9 Superhost badge.
Long-term tenants usually bring their own furniture and sign for utilities in their name. While this means fewer upfront costs for the landlord, it can lower the property’s appeal to potential guests or premium renters in Dubai’s competitive market.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. If you value stability, long-term rentals can be a safe bet. But if you want higher returns, flexibility, and the ability to adjust with Dubai’s booming tourism trends, short-term rentals can be a powerful strategy.
First Class Property Management offers a proven system - with luxury staging, seamless guest support, and 27% higher returns - to help property owners unlock the full earning potential of Dubai’s short-term rental market. Connect with our team to see how you could elevate your investment, stress-free.
Get in touch with our team to discover the perfect solution for your real estate portfolio.
First Class Property Management
Office 301, Al Zarouni Business Centre,
606 Sheikh Zayed Road,
Al Barsha First, Dubai, UAE
5 min read
Airbnb in Dubai is not just popular - it’s booming. But to stand out among thousands of listings and truly maximize your profit, you need to go beyond simply uploading photos and setting a nightly price. As a property owner, you can capture more bookings, higher nightly rates, and five-star reviews with a smart, data-led approach. Let’s dive into the strategies that will help you achieve that.
Dubai attracts millions of visitors every year, making it a perfect short-let hotspot. However, this also means intense competition. Tourist seasons, Expo events, and global conferences create surges in demand, while quieter months can see occupancy dip. Successful hosts stay ahead of these patterns with dynamic pricing and by partnering with expert management firms like First Class, who have proven systems to maintain 90%+ occupancy year-round.
Additionally, remember Dubai requires all short-term rentals to be licensed with DTCM, ensuring full compliance. Working with a professional operator guarantees your listing meets these strict requirements.
Too many Dubai hosts stick with a single rate throughout the year. This leaves profit on the table. Instead, dynamic pricing allows you to change nightly rates based on: Real-time demand, Competitor pricing, Local events, Holiday periods.
Using advanced software or a management partner’s pricing team can help you earn 20–30% more revenue. First Class, for example, uses data-driven algorithms to optimise rates daily, balancing maximum occupancy with top-tier nightly returns.
Travellers expect more than a place to sleep - they want an experience. Dubai’s Airbnb guests in particular are drawn to properties with luxury finishes, modern appliances, fast Wi-Fi, and hotel-level cleaning. Upgrades like smart locks, automated lighting, and energy-efficient appliances boost appeal while making operations smoother.
First Class ensures all managed properties meet a five-star standard, which is why the average review scores stand above 97.8% - a powerful signal that great features equal higher profits.
Great reviews drive repeat bookings and a stronger Airbnb ranking. That means you must go beyond simple hospitality: offer easy check-in and check-out, communicate proactively, resolve issues fast, provide local recommendations, add personal touches like welcome hampers.
First Class uses a dedicated Guest Experience Manager and 24/7 support so guests feel valued, cared for, and eager to book again. This strategy is what keeps review scores sky-high and maximizes repeat stays.
Automation is the backbone of any profitable Airbnb operation. Whether it’s syncing calendars to avoid double-bookings, scheduling cleaners, or sending automated guest messages, modern tools take the stress off your shoulders.
Combined with a management service like First Class - who handles everything from listing photography to guest reviews - automation ensures you can focus on growing your portfolio instead of fighting fires.
Dubai’s Airbnb market offers incredible profit potential if you do it right. A professional approach to pricing, luxury interiors, guest experience, and compliance can unlock far higher returns than you’d see from a long-term lease.
First Class Property Management helps property owners achieve up to 27% more revenue with a seamless, full-service solution. If you’re serious about maximising Dubai short-let profits, our expert team is ready to help you make it happen.
Get in touch with our team to discover the perfect solution for your real estate portfolio.
First Class Property Management
Office 301, Al Zarouni Business Centre,
606 Sheikh Zayed Road,
Al Barsha First, Dubai, UAE
What Owners Need to Know
4 min read
Dubai’s booming short-term rental market presents a major opportunity for property owners - but before listing your property on Airbnb or Booking.com, you’ll need to understand the legal requirements. The most important? Getting a holiday home license in Dubai. This guide breaks down the full process, costs, rules, and how to stay compliant in 2025.
A Holiday Home License is a government-issued permit that allows individual homeowners or professional operators to legally rent out furnished properties on a short-term basis. It’s issued and regulated by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET, formerly DTCM)
Without this license, you cannot legally operate a holiday home or Airbnb in Dubai.
You’ll need a license if:
- You’re a homeowner looking to rent out your property on a short-term basis
- You’re a tenant renting with a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your landlord
- You’re a management company running short-let properties on behalf of owners
Only individuals (up to 8 properties) and licensed operators can apply.
Step-by-Step Process:
e.g. title deed, passport copy, Emirates ID, DEWA bill
AED 1,500 for individuals (additional tourism fee applies)
Some units may be reviewed for safety and amenities
You can now list your property on platforms like Airbnb
Once licensed, you must:
Avoid hosting in buildings where short-term rentals are explicitly banned by the building management or developer
Operating without a license can lead to:
Yes, but:
- Individuals can license up to 8 units
- For more than 8, you must register as a Professional Operator
- Professional operators must meet additional staffing, office, and record-keeping requirements
The Dubai holiday home license process is straightforward - but getting it right is essential. Whether you manage your own listing or hire a professional operator like First Class, staying compliant ensures smooth operations and maximized returns.
Get in touch with our team to discover the perfect solution for your real estate portfolio.
First Class Property Management
Office 301, Al Zarouni Business Centre,
606 Sheikh Zayed Road,
Al Barsha First, Dubai, UAE
10 min read
Dubai's holiday home regulations aren't bureaucratic obstacles — they're the foundation that separates legitimate operators from those who eventually face fines, suspensions, or forced closure.
With enforcement tightening and regulatory expectations evolving, understanding compliance isn't just about avoiding penalties. It's about protecting your income stream, your asset, and your ability to operate long-term. This guide explains how the regulatory framework works, what's required, and how to stay protected as rules continue to develop.
The Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) oversees all holiday home operations in Dubai. Their jurisdiction covers licensing and permit issuance, operational standards and inspections, guest registration requirements, tourism fee collection and remittance, and enforcement and penalties.
There are no exemptions for small operators, occasional rentals, or owner-managed properties. The rules apply equally to everyone.
Operating a holiday home without a valid DTCM licence is illegal. Full stop.
Anyone renting property short-term in Dubai needs a licence, whether properties are listed on Airbnb, Booking.com, or any platform, or marketed privately. This applies to individual owners and professional operators alike.
The process involves application through the DTCM portal, documentation submission including title deed, ID, and property details, property inspection in some cases, and permit issuance upon approval. With correct documentation, most licences are approved within approximately two weeks. Licences require annual renewal, and lapses create immediate compliance exposure.
Not every property automatically qualifies for holiday home licensing.
Eligibility depends on building approval status for short-term rentals, community and master developer rules, safety and access requirements, and property classification and condition. Both apartments and villas can be licensed, but requirements may differ. Some buildings prohibit short-term rentals entirely, while others have specific approval processes.
Verifying eligibility before investing in furnishing or marketing prevents wasted resources.
Guest registration is where enforcement is most active. Owners must register every guest with DTCM, collect and verify valid identification, submit registration within required timeframes, and maintain accurate records.
Failed registrations are among the most common triggers for penalties. Authorities cross-reference platform bookings against registration records. Automated registration systems eliminate manual errors and ensure every stay is properly documented.
Holiday home operators must collect and remit Tourism Dirham fees. These are charged per room, per night, with amounts varying by property classification. Fees must be collected from guests and remitted to authorities on schedule.
Late payments trigger penalties. Incorrect calculations create audit exposure. Non-remittance can result in licence suspension. This is an area where small errors compound into significant problems, making systematic handling essential.
Dubai actively enforces holiday home regulations. Common triggers for penalties include operating without valid licence, failed or late guest registrations, tourism fee errors or non-payment, breaching building or community rules, and safety standard violations.
Consequences range from financial penalties varying by violation severity, to licence suspension, platform delisting, and in serious cases, forced operational closure. A zero-fines compliance record is only achievable with consistent systems and oversight.
Beyond DTCM requirements, individual buildings and communities may impose additional rules covering short-term rental restrictions or prohibitions, guest access and security procedures, noise and behaviour policies, and parking and common area usage.
Violating building rules can result in fines from building management, complaints triggering DTCM attention, operational restrictions, or forced exit from short-term rental activity. Understanding tower-level policies before committing to a property prevents costly surprises.
While specific 2026 regulatory updates are still being finalised, enforcement trends indicate increased scrutiny of guest registration accuracy, tighter auditing of Tourism Dirham compliance, greater coordination between platforms and regulators, and reduced tolerance for operational errors.
Owners relying on informal approaches or hoping issues won't be noticed face increasing risk. The regulatory environment is maturing, not loosening.
Many owners fall into non-compliance unintentionally. Frequent issues include assuming Airbnb handles compliance automatically (it doesn't), missing guest registrations during busy periods, delaying Tourism Dirham submissions, operating during licence renewal gaps, misunderstanding villa eligibility requirements, and ignoring building-specific restrictions.
Each mistake creates exposure. Compounded over time, they create serious operational risk.
Compliance isn't a one-time task — it's ongoing operational discipline. Professional management protects owners through automated guest registration workflows, systematic tourism fee handling, licence renewal tracking, building rule monitoring, audit-ready documentation, and regulatory update monitoring.
Properties under professional compliance management maintain clean records — zero fines, zero suspensions, zero disruptions
Compliance isn't just about avoiding penalties. It's about protecting income. Licenced properties list on all platforms without restriction. Clean records prevent sudden delisting or suspension. Strong compliance supports premium pricing and guest trust. Regulatory protection becomes a competitive advantage.
Owners who treat compliance as an afterthought eventually pay — through fines, lost bookings, or operational shutdown.
Unsure whether your property meets current requirements? A compliance review identifies gaps, clarifies obligations, and ensures your operation is protected before issues arise. Request an assessment of your regulatory position.
Look for a partner who’s proactive, transparent, and aligned with your goals.
Get in touch with our team to discover the perfect solution for your real estate portfolio.
First Class Property Management
Office 301, Al Zarouni Business Centre,
606 Sheikh Zayed Road,
Al Barsha First, Dubai, UAE
