Dubai

As of May 2026, Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ajman have 20,974 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 9% increase from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Dubai generates AED151K per year. High-performing properties earn AED399K/year, while low-performing properties earn AED55K/year. The substantial spread between top and bottom performers suggests that revenue outcomes are heavily stratified, likely reflecting a market where property positioning dictates financial viability more than aggregate demand levels.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Dubai. Average annual revenue is AED151K with 49% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to AED399K/year. This performance delta indicates that while baseline yields are moderate, the ceiling for returns remains significant for assets that capture a larger share of the current market demand.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Dubai is 49%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of AED826, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of AED315 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Dubai, with annual revenue of AED401K. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Dubai market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Dubai area. Dubai: Lenient. DTCM permit required, tourism fee registration. Light enforcement, many unlicensed operators exist especially in newer areas. Sharjah: Strict. STRs effectively banned in residential areas, only permitted hotels allowed. Active enforcement with fines and evictions. Abu Dhabi: Moderate. DCT permit mandatory, property must meet standards. Moderate enforcement, some unlicensed activity tolerated. Ajman: Lenient. Minimal formal regulations, tourism department registration recommended. Very light enforcement. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Dubai Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing increasingly competitive conditions. Supply has grown 9% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 25%. This indicates growing competition requiring strong operations. The divergence between supply expansion and revenue contraction suggests that market saturation is putting downward pressure on individual unit performance.

Launch around September, 2-3 months before peak winter season (December peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 48% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (June-April) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Dubai listings include: Air Conditioning (100%), Kitchen (98%), Washing Machine (97%), Tv (96%), Pool (88%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Ev Charger, Air Conditioning, Bbq, with Ev Charger properties earning approximately 22% more (AED264K/year vs AED216K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Dubai over the last 12 months: May: AED7K, June: AED5K, July: AED5K, August: AED6K, September: AED7K, October: AED14K, November: AED16K, December: AED18K, January: AED17K, February: AED11K, March: AED5K, April: AED4K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Dubai is AED826, down 19% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average AED611/night, 2-bedroom properties average AED1K/night, 3-bedroom properties average AED1K/night, 4+ bedroom properties average AED2K/night. Rates peak in December and are lowest in April.

Guests in Dubai book an average of 23 days in advance, down 1% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 23 days, 2-bedroom: 22 days, 3-bedroom: 24 days, 4+ bedroom: 24 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Dubai Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply grew 9%, revenue per listing decreased 25%, occupancy rose 0%, average nightly rates decreased 19%, and lead time decreased 1%. These metrics point to a tightening environment where increased inventory is eroding pricing power and compressing margins for the average host.

In Dubai, Friday sees the highest booking demand while Sunday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Monday.