Cancellation policy for Dubai hosts
The right cancellation terms win bookings without leaving your peak dates empty. Six points to set them well.
Pick a policy per platform
Airbnb and Booking.com each offer their own set of cancellation options. Choose one on each, and keep them close so guests see similar terms.
Match it to your guests
Business travellers and families booking far ahead value flexible terms. Peak dates and big events can justify stricter ones.
Think about peak dates
A late cancellation over New Year or a major event is hard to refill. Check whether your platform lets you set stricter terms for longer or peak stays.
Use length of stay
Monthly stays often carry their own cancellation terms on the platform. Read them before you open the home to long stays.
Keep refunds and fees clear
Say in the listing what is refunded and when, including cleaning fees and any Tourism Dirham already charged.
Refill fast
When a booking cancels, reopen the dates and review the price straight away so the gap is short.
Next: pricing, house rules and nightly or monthly.
Our pick
fäm Living sets terms per platform
fäm Living lists and runs Dubai apartments and villas on Airbnb, Booking.com and direct, as licensed holiday homes. Its own team handles check-in, cleaning and maintenance, and owners see every booking in the owner portal. Part of the fäm Properties group.
Talk to fäm Living about your home- Holiday home permit handled
- Listing, photos and pricing
- Guest screening and in-person check-in
- Cleaning, linen and maintenance
Questions
Cancellations: host questions
Which cancellation policy should a Dubai Airbnb use?
Many hosts choose a moderate policy for most of the year and a stricter one where the platform allows it for peak dates. It depends on your guests and how easily your dates refill.
Do strict cancellation policies reduce bookings?
They can, because some guests filter for flexible stays. Flexible terms can win more bookings but carry more late cancellations.
What happens to the Tourism Dirham if a guest cancels?
It is charged per night stayed, so it should follow the stay. Ask your platform or operator how it is handled for cancelled nights.
Can a management company set my cancellation policy?
Yes. Most set it per platform and adjust it for peak dates. Agree the approach with them in writing.