4
min read
4
min read
Are you a property owner in Dubai looking to make the most out of your investment? If so, short-term rentals could be the perfect solution. With a thriving tourism industry and a demand for flexible accommodations, renting your property for short stays can bring higher profits, better maintenance, and greater control over your space.
In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need about short-term rentals, from how they work to the best practices for maximizing your rental income. Whether you're a new property manager or an experienced investor, these insights will help you succeed.
Short-term rentals are properties leased for a few days to several months, offering a flexible alternative to long-term rentals. They are popular among tourists, business travelers, and locals in need of temporary accommodation. Unlike traditional leases, short-term rentals allow owners to manage their schedules, adjust pricing based on demand, and retain greater control over their property.
Dubai has emerged as a prime destination for short-term rentals, driven by its thriving tourism sector, frequent business events, and a growing expat community. The government has also relaxed regulations, making it easier for property owners to list their homes on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com.
1. Higher Rental Income
One of the most significant advantages of short-term rentals is their ability to generate higher revenue. Because they are priced per night or week rather than per month, you can earn significantly more than you would with a long-term lease, especially during peak seasons. Dubai's tourism industry provides a steady stream of visitors willing to pay premium rates for high-quality accommodations.
Moreover, short-term rentals allow for dynamic pricing. During major events like Expo 2020 or the Dubai Shopping Festival, you can increase your rates based on demand, maximizing your earnings.
2. Better Property Maintenance
Since short-term rentals require frequent cleaning and upkeep, your property remains in top condition. Unlike long-term leases, where tenants may neglect maintenance, short-term guests expect well-maintained spaces, which means your property gets cleaned regularly, reducing the chances of major repairs.
Additionally, routine inspections after each guest's stay help you address minor issues before they escalate into costly repairs.
3. More Flexibility and Control
With short-term rentals, you have the flexibility to decide when your property is available for rent. This is ideal if you plan to use the property yourself or make adjustments based on market demand. You also have more control over tenant selection, ensuring a better experience for both you and your guests.
Furthermore, short-term rental agreements are easier to manage and modify compared to long-term leases, allowing you to adapt to changing market conditions.
4. Lower Risk of Problematic Tenants
Long-term leases can sometimes lead to problematic tenants who refuse to pay rent or damage property. Short-term rentals eliminate this risk since guests stay for a limited period and pay upfront. Additionally, platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com provide screening and review systems, making it easier to host responsible guests.
Avoiding prolonged tenancy agreements reduces the risk of legal disputes and lengthy eviction processes.
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First Class Property Management
Business Bay, 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
Business Bay, 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 maximise 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
Business Bay, Dubai, UAE
