Abu Dhabi Expands Holiday Home Market to Tenants Under Updated DCT Regulations

More people in Abu Dhabi can now list their properties as holiday homes following updated rules from authorities that expand the categories of eligible operators. The new framework allows individual owners, joint owners, legal entities, tenants, and people authorised by property owners to operate holiday homes in accordance with conditions set by the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi. The DCT has revised the regulations to clarify requirements including eligibility, licensing, operational obligations, inspections, and compliance.

The updated listing regulations state that holiday homes cannot be listed on any website or digital platform without a valid DCT Abu Dhabi licence. The licence number must also be displayed on the property's listing page to increase transparency in digital listings. These amendments were announced at Arabian Travel Market 2026, held in Dubai, aiming to raise standards of safety, quality, and guest experience while supporting Tourism Strategy 2030 by diversifying accommodation offerings beyond traditional hotels.

“The holiday home sector is an increasingly important part of Abu Dhabi's evolving tourism landscape, responding to changing traveller preferences while broadening the emirate’s accommodation offering,” said Hamad Mohammed Sudain, executive director of support services at DCT Abu Dhabi. “By providing greater clarity for operators and confidence for visitors and investors, we are creating the conditions for sustainable growth, continued investment and innovation across the emirate’s tourism sector,” Mr Sudain added.

The new regulations came into effect this year. In 2025, Abu Dhabi's supply of holiday homes grew 77 per cent from the previous year, adding over 2,000 eligible units and ending the year with 4,771 eligible units. Guest volumes increased 77 per cent to slightly over 335,000, driven by strong growth in both domestic and international visitors.

To list properties, applicants can use the DCT holiday homepage to access guides and permit services by creating an online account. Required documents during registration include personal details, property deeds, valid insurance certificates, lease contracts, and passports or Emirates IDs, with additional documentation potentially needed for companies. Owners must rent out the entire unit—villas, apartments, or townhouses—as partial room rentals are not permitted. Users must also specify their account type and provide a Department of Economic Development license or a valid ADGM Licence if located in the Abu Dhabi Free Zone.

The regulations require holiday homes to be located within approved development projects, commercial hubs, agricultural land, or licensed residential or investment plots. Occupancy is strictly capped at three people per room, and living rooms, lounges, and hallways cannot be converted into bedrooms. The DCT reviews and approves all applications before operators can begin holiday home activities.