Dubai is unique in that it is home to over 200 nationalities with different cultural backgrounds. There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to anything in Dubai, making it an eclectic and all-embracing city in which to live and work. Renting a home in Dubai is no different - you are presented with an array of options which are constantly evolving too.
Whether you’re a nomad traveller who enjoys spontaneity and adventure or someone who is ready to settle and enjoy the comfort of certainty, Dubai has something for everybody.
In this blog we’ll dissect all the options that Dubai has to offer and guide you in choosing a rental that suits your needs, desires and circumstances perfectly.
Short-term rentals in Dubai
The current trend of work-from-home, staycations and regional travel has increased the demand for short-term rentals in Dubai, with monthly rental options topping the list. While short term rentals were primarily popular for tourists and business professionals, more and more residents are searching for affordable month-to-month options to meet their changing needs.
In light of this, even the hotel sector has had to reimagine their accommodation offerings. An exciting new trend for fully-serviced hotels, apartments and villas has emerged, providing extended stay offers of 30 days+ at similar price points as unserviced contract rentals.
Best short-term rentals in Dubai
Thirty Sleeps, the only sleep program that offers monthly rewards for extended stays of 30+ days at selected hotels, apartments and villas, has a wide range of Sleep Partners in the most popular areas of Dubai. All of these options are fully serviced, furnished and have a host of on-site amenities for ultimate convenience. There is no cap on how long you can stay, and the costs are similar to signing a monthly rental contract with an agency or private owner, except you will get the added bonus of not having to pay any overhead costs.
Not only is it cost-effective, flexible and convenient, with no long-term commitments, you can forget the humdrum of contracts, utility bills and maintenance fees, and fulfil your wanderlust instead!
Thirty Sleeps Benefits
- Free to Explore: There are no fees to use the Thirty Sleeps platform, search for lodgings and claim rewards
- Exclusive Rewards: Get vouchers, discounts and benefits simply for staying at our Sleep Partners for 30+ days
- Save Money: Cheaper rent with linen & cleaning, bills & utilities included in your stay
- Commitment-free Living: Pre-approved options, flexible terms, convenient facilities & fully furnished, equipped accommodation
- Exciting Travel Destinations: Enjoy the style and charm of our contemporary Sleep Partner locations
Thirty Sleeps Rewards
Thirty Sleeps has partnered with some amazing lifestyle brands who appreciate a life of convenience.
The rewards concept is unique, free-to-use, and accessible to anyone who stays with a Thirty Sleeps Sleep Partner for 30+ sleeps. Cool new brands and exciting offers are added regularly.
- Unique opportunities for nomads and frequent travellers
- Awesome monthly lifestyle rewards
- Amazing discounts & benefits
- Simple reward validation and claims process
Visit Thirty Sleeps to check out the rewards you stand to receive.
Who would benefit from Thirty Sleeps short-term rentals in Dubai?
Many of the short term rental offers from Thirty Sleeps Sleep Partners suit the needs of business professionals who work from home and enjoy the convenience of co-working spaces, fully equipped business facilities, uncapped WiFi, laundry facilities, cleaning and linen service, room service and on-site amenities such as shops, restaurants, bars, spas and gyms.
Frequent travellers or adventurous thrill seekers on a staycation also enjoy the benefits and rewards for staying and paying month-to-month.
Have a family in tow? No problem! There are bigger spaces available for families. With swimming pools, parks and many other family-friendly activities available on-site or nearby, you’ll have a place to call home, with fun and entertainment included!
How much do short-term rentals in Dubai cost?
Prices vary according to location, with apartments in Downtown Dubai being the most expensive. As mentioned, prices for short-term rentals are more or less the same for Thirty Sleeps Partners and contract rentals.
You can expect to pay anywhere from AED 4,000 to AED 60,000 for short-term rental costs per month in Dubai.
If you opt for an unserviced, unfurnished rental contract, according to Internations, you can also expect to pay the following initial expenses and monthly utility expenses:
Moving in expenses:
- Security Deposit (usually equivalent to one month’s rent): AED 8000
- Agency Fees (2-5% of the yearly rent): AED 4750
- DEWA Deposit: AED 2000
- DEWA connection Fees: AED 100
- Housing Fees (5% of annual rent spread over your DEWA bills for the year): AED 4750
- Ejari Fees: AED 175
Monthly utility expenses:
- Basic (Electricity, Cooling, Water) for 85m2 Apartment: AED 676.89
- Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL): AED 356.18
With Thirty Sleeps the monthly fee is all-inclusive and there are no initial or additional expenses! Check out these Thirty Sleeps accommodation options:
Located near Dubai Parks & Resorts, convenient for access to Dubai Expo 2020
Convenient and stylish living in Bur Dubai
Modern living at the gateway of Dubai's historic area
Fabulous hotel in the heart of Dubai
The booming business hub that’s well connected to the beat of the City
Breathtaking views of the Creek awaits
Modern suites with fantastic views of Dubai
Embrace the energy in the vibrant area of Barsha Heights
An ideal choice for long stay accommodation in Deira
An ideal Sheikh Zayed Road location with stunning panoramic views
Come home and relax in tranquil surroundings
Stylish, modern living with Rove at City Walk
Comfort on a budget! The newly renovated Ibis Al Barsha provides a modern yet relaxed vibe
Downtown living with Rove Hotels
Marina living with Rove Hotels
The chic-urban hotel brand, part of the Millennium Hotels and Resorts
Connected, comfortable and contemporary spaces at the heart of Dubai Digital Park
Centrally located premium 4-star hotel catering to business & leisure needs
Spacious rooms & apartments only 15 minutes from Expo 2020
The Heart of Cosmopolitan Living
Stylish and contemporary furnished apartments located in Jumeirah Beach Residence
Life's a beach at Rove La Mer
Convenient stay near Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Live with stunning views of Dubai Creek and Burj Khalifa from Deira
A luxury hotel in Dubai's Financial Hub
5-Star Luxury Located at #1 Sheikh Zayed Road
Located in the heart of Media City - featuring a modern luxurious style, a home away from home
Premium apartments located on Sheikh Zayed Road, only a short distance from the Mall of the Emirates
An exceptional destination for urban living in Dubai's upbeat Marina
An Arabian oasis set amidst a 160-acre polo estate with contemporary design
*All rates are 'from' and are all subject to availability and changes at any time. Tourism dirham is excluded from the rates displayed.
Long-term rentals in Dubai
The general practice for long-term rentals in Dubai is to pay a single upfront fee to secure an annual tenancy contract. While this has it’s benefits, and can cost less in the long-run, not everybody is able to put down such a large amount of money at once. While there are quarterly and bi-annual payment options for some long-term rentals in Dubai, they are considerably more expensive than a single one cheque option.
Some people take out a loan in order to pay for a long-term rental, however you also need to take into account overhead costs like security deposits, agency fees and furnishing costs. You will also be responsible for setting up and paying for utilities like water and electricity, as well as telephone, television and internet bills.
Once you’ve signed a long-term rental contract, you are legally bound to fulfil the fixed contract term. This means that you have no flexibility to move around or change your mind. This might suit a settled family, but if you’re a young professional with an unpredictable lifestyle, a long-term rental may not be for you.
How much do long-term rentals cost in Dubai?
According to Internations you can expect the following average annual apartment rent and moving in expenses in Dubai:
High End Apartments
- One-Bedroom Apartment: AED 96,670
- Two-Bedroom Apartment: AED 140,000
- Three-Bedroom Apartment: AED 190,000
Lower End Apartments
- One-Bedroom Apartment: AED 56,200
- Two-Bedroom Apartment: AED 79,000
- Three-Bedroom Apartment: AED 105,000
Moving in expenses
- Security Deposit (usually equivalent to one month’s rent): AED 8000
- Agency Fees (2-5% of the yearly rent): AED 4750
- DEWA Deposit: AED 2000
- DEWA connection Fees: AED 100
- Housing Fees (5% of annual rent spread over your DEWA bills for the year): AED 4750
- Ejari Fees: AED 195 0r AED 585 depending on whether you choose online or offline modes.
Who would benefit from long-term rentals in Dubai?
Many couples looking to settle, as well as larger families with children in school and parents with established jobs, would find the most benefit from a long-term rental in a convenient location. A long-term rental is a sound investment for somebody in those circumstances.
Long-term or short-term - which is better?
The choice really depends on your current circumstances. If you can afford a single cheque annual rental contract and you’re ready to settle down for at least a year, then a long-term rental contract is the cheapest option, in the long run. However, if you can’t afford to pay a large lump sum in one go, and you’re not ready to settle down in one place for so long, then a short-term rental is ideal.
