Dubai owners can rent their property out on a yearly contract or, with the right permit, as a holiday home for short stays. Both are legal when done properly — but they are very different businesses.
Long-term rental (yearly contract)
How it works: one tenant, a yearly contract, rent paid by cheques, registered in Ejari.
Good points
Things to consider
Holiday home (short stays)
How it works: guests stay for nights or weeks. In Dubai this needs a holiday home permit from the city's tourism authority, and the building or community must allow it.
Things to consider
Questions to ask yourself
1. Does my building allow holiday homes?
2. Do I have the time, or will I pay an operator?
3. Can I handle months when bookings are low?
4. Would I prefer one stable yearly contract?
Compare honestly
Look at the full costs and time of each option, not just the headline nightly rate. Be careful with anyone who promises a guaranteed return either way.
Prefer a yearly tenant? We advertise with a valid DLD permit, check tenants and handle Ejari. Read our landlord guide or get a free rental valuation.