How to list your Dubai apartment on Airbnb
Eight steps from an empty apartment to a licensed listing that books, whether you do it yourself or hand it to a company.
Check your building
Some towers and communities restrict short stays or ask for a no-objection certificate. Ask the building management before you spend anything.
Get the holiday home permit
Register the home with Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism, yourself or through a licensed operator who registers it under its own licence.
Furnish to the standard
Holiday homes are classified by the Department of Economy and Tourism, so furnish to the standard for the home's category: good beds, a working kitchen, fast Wi-Fi, blackout curtains.
Photograph it properly
Guests choose from photos. Daylight, every room, the view and the building's pool and gym.
Write the listing
Lead with what guests search for: area, bedrooms, view, walking distance to what matters. Show the permit number, as the rules require.
Set prices that move
Prices should change with season, weekends, events and length of stay, not sit at one rate all year.
Register every guest
Guests are registered from their ID, the way hotels do it, normally at or before check-in.
Plan the turnovers
Cleaning, linen and restocking between every stay, with someone checking the home before the next guest arrives.
Read the rules for Airbnb in Dubai, compare Airbnb management companies, or see published management fees.
Our pick
Or let fäm Living do all eight
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.
Get an estimate for your home- Holiday home permit handled
- Listing, photos and pricing
- Guest screening and in-person check-in
- Cleaning, linen and maintenance
Questions
Listing on Airbnb in Dubai: questions
Can I list my Dubai apartment on Airbnb myself?
Yes, with your own holiday home permit, if your building allows short stays. You then handle guest registration, messages, check-in, cleaning and repairs yourself, or hire a licensed company to do it.
Do I need to show a permit number on Airbnb in Dubai?
Yes. Holiday homes in Dubai must show their permit number on every listing.
How long does it take to get a Dubai apartment on Airbnb?
It depends on the building's approval, the permit and how much furnishing is needed. Ask a licensed operator for a timeline for your specific home.
Is it better to list myself or use a management company?
Listing yourself keeps the full income but takes real time at all hours. A licensed company charges a share of income and takes the work, the permit and the guest registration off your hands.