Airbnb and similar online platforms have been gaining loyalty for tourists looking for affordable accommodation. John Macdougall / AFP
Airbnb and similar online platforms have been gaining loyalty for tourists looking for affordable accommodation. John Macdougall / AFP

Dubai Tourism links up with Airbnb as listings of holiday homes surge



Dubai tourism chiefs have teamed up with Airbnb to promote responsible rentals as listings of holiday homes in the emirate surge.

The number of Airbnb guests staying in Dubai properties has nearly doubled over the past year, with nearly 3,500 listings across the emirate, the company said.

Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) said it signed and initial agreement with Airbnb to help to grow and diversify the emirate’s tourism sector.

It comes a month after Dubai Tourism introduced regulations simplifying short-term rentals in Dubai via Airbnb and other short-term home rental websites.

Under the terms of the MoU, Airbnb will work with Dubai Tourism to help prevent breaches of the newly drafted regulations by informing all host members of the Dubai Tourism rules.

Airbnb will also work with Dubai Tourism to promote tourism within the emirate.

“Airbnb is good news for Dubai. It helps grow and diversify tourism, increase consumer choice and will attract new guests to this exciting destination,” said Airbnb’s Emea managing director Olivier Gremillon.

The signing of the MoU comes a month after Dubai Tourism updated regulations to simplify holiday home rentals booked via Airbnb and similar providers.

The new regulations, introduced last month, dropped requirements for homeowners and home renters to register via an approved operator, enabling them to apply directly to Dubai Tourism for a holiday home licence.

To become a holiday home provider in Dubai, home owners are expected to meet quality standards covering amenities, health and safety, insurance necessities and a code of conduct.

They would also be accountable for legislative requirements and complaint management policies, correct listing to visitors and the proper maintenance of their properties.

jeverington@thenational.ae

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Engine: Two-litre four-cylinder turbo
Power: 235hp
Torque: 350Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
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The specs
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Torque: 343Nm / 686Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
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