Dubai Airbnb Rules 2025 – Quick Guide for Hosts & Guests

If you’re thinking about renting out a flat on Airbnb or booking one in Dubai, the rules changed a lot in 2025. The city wants short‑term stays to be safe, taxed, and tracked. Below you’ll find the most important points, so you can avoid fines and still have a great stay.

Who Can List a Property?

Only owners or legally registered tenants can list a place. Sub‑letting without permission is a big no‑no and can lead to eviction or a hefty fine. The property must be a whole unit – rooms inside a shared flat are not allowed unless the building has a special co‑living licence. You also need a valid residency visa or a tourist visa that lasts at least six months before you apply for a licence.

Key Licensing Steps

First, register the property with the Dubai Land Department (DLD). This creates a unique title number that the government can follow. Next, apply for a short‑term rental permit from the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM). The permit costs about 5,000 AED per year and must be renewed annually. Once you have the permit, you can list the unit on Airbnb or any other platform.

Don’t forget the tourism fee. Dubai charges a 10 AED “tourism dirham” per night that the host must collect and send to the DTCM. Airbnb usually adds this to the guest’s bill, but you should double‑check that it’s being paid. If you miss the fee, you could get a fine of up to 1,000 AED per violation.

Another rule is the 30‑day limit. A single unit can be rented out for a maximum of 30 nights per year unless you have a special hospitality licence. Exceeding this limit triggers an inspection and possible suspension of your permit. Many owners work around this by rotating different units they own, but each unit still follows the 30‑night cap.

Safety checks are mandatory. Before the first guest checks in, the property must pass a fire safety inspection and have a working smoke detector. You also need an emergency contact number displayed in the listing. These steps protect both you and the guest and keep the city’s standards high.

When you’re a guest, make sure the listing shows the DTCM licence number. It’s usually in the “About this listing” section. If the host can’t provide it, skip that place – it probably isn’t legal. Also, keep in mind that parties and loud gatherings are not allowed. The DTCM can send officers to a property if they receive complaints, and both host and guest can be fined.

Taxes are simple but easy to miss. The tourism dirham is the main charge, but there’s also a 5% VAT on the rental income. Most hosts include this in the nightly price, but you should confirm the breakdown before booking. If you’re a host, you’ll need to file a quarterly VAT return with the Federal Tax Authority.

Finally, stay updated. Dubai’s short‑term rental rules can change with a new decree, and the DTCM posts updates on its website. Signing up for their newsletter or checking the portal every few months ensures you won’t be caught off guard.

Follow these steps and you’ll be able to list or stay in a Dubai Airbnb without worries. Keep the paperwork tidy, respect the night limit, and pay the tourism fee – that’s all it takes for a smooth experience in 2025.