As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and a hot spot for expats to live and work, it’s no wonder that there are many short-term rental options available in Dubai. Among them, you will find serviced, fully furnished apartments, townhouses and villas, as well as unfurnished and semi-furnished options. In light of a surge in demand for short-term rentals in Dubai over the past few years, and as a direct result of the increase in work-from-home trends, popular Dubai hotels are now also offering monthly rental options that include co-working spaces, stable internet and other on-site business facilities. Some families are even renting hotel apartments instead of signing rental contracts for the sheer convenience and location, combined with the benefits of not having to pay extra for deposits, utilities and other overhead costs. There is, however, a downside to short-term rentals, as compared to long-term rentals in Dubai, which we will also discuss in this article.
So, without further ado, let’s get started!
Pros of short-term rentals in Dubai
In comparison to long-term tenancy contracts, short-term rental properties in Dubai are generally available to rent out for a week, a month, or even daily. Most short-term rentals are ready to occupy, furnished and equipped with essential equipment like stoves, fridges, washing machines and the like. You will also find that amenities like water, electricity, gas, internet and TV cable connection are also usually included in the rental price.
Short-term renters also have the choice of renting in a villa, studio apartment, residential building, or mixed-use building - and of course, hotel apartments - which leads us to our first and most crowd-pleasing pro of short-term rentals: luxury hotel living.
Luxury hotel living
One would think that living in a hotel for an extended period of time would be absurdly expensive, but not in Dubai! You can rent a hotel apartment on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis for more or less the same price as renting through a real estate agency. An exciting new initiative from Thirty Sleeps rewards you for staying 30+ days at any of their accommodation partners. Rewards include credit and discounts from leading lifestyle brands that you can use to enrich your stay.
Staying at a Thirty Sleeps partner hotel, villa or apartment is not only convenient in terms of the accommodation being fully serviced and furnished, there is no rental contract involved, nor are there any overhead costs. Say goodbye to deposits, admin fees, utility and maintenance costs, and pay only one all-inclusive fee a month. You can take advantage of room service, on-site shops, gyms, spas, swimming pools, restaurants and bars, all within a few steps of your apartment. If that’s not enough, free Wifi, linen and cleaning services are also included, and in some cases even a 24 hour concierge!
Located in prime areas throughout Dubai, you will enjoy the convenience of being well connected to the entire city, and surrounded by (or smack bang in the middle of) Dubai’s most popular attractions and leisure activities.
You can browse through the list of Sleep Partners on the Thirty Sleeps website and check back regularly for newly added Sleep Partners. Here are a few recommended options to browse through:
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
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.
Flexibility
The flexibility of short-term rentals is also a major benefit. If you get tired of the same four walls around you, you can simply pack your bags and move on! See an apartment with better facilities or furnishings you like more? Grab it and move in the same day! Started a new job in a different area? There’s bound to be a perfectly located short-term rental nearby!
Travel, explore and experience life all over Dubai without commiting to a contract or signing post dated cheques to secure accommodation. Life really couldn’t be simpler or more flexible.
Convenience
As we’ve mentioned (a few times already!) fully-serviced and furnished short-term rentals offer the height of convenience. Hungry? Order room service or pop down to the on-site restaurant, bar or coffee shop. Need to sweat it out? Head to the on-site gym or spa. Feeling hot? Enjoy the in-room air-conditioning or jump in the pool. Work from home? Make use of business facilities, coworking areas or free Wifi. Bored children? Send the kids to the games room. We could go on, but you get the point by now, we’re sure!
Cons of short-term rentals
As one of the most expensive emirates in the UAE, Dubai rental costs are high. People in Dubai are reported to spend about 35% - 40% of their income on rental costs alone! So price is definitely a con, especially when it comes to the long-term losses of short-term rentals as compared to long-term rentals or purchasing a home.
Higher costs
Although short-term rentals enable you to pay per month as opposed to a yearly lump sum, you end up paying more in the long run. As with any “bulk” payment or investment, the overall cost for a long-term rental is lower than a short-term rental. If you are in a position to part with a large sum of money in one go, and you’ve found your dream home, a long-term rental is certainly a wiser and more cost-effective choice.
For example, you could rent a studio apartment outside of the city on an annual tenancy contract for less money than you would for a monthly rental in the city. It is important to note here that location has a big influence on the price for both long-term and short-term rentals.
Lack of stability
While this doesn’t necessarily impact all people in the same way, the certainty of having a fixed term contract can provide a strong sense of security - especially for people with dependents, and even more so when school-going children are involved. If you have a long-term rental that is close to work, school and convenient amenities, you are able to settle and not worry about having to look for a place to stay.
Rental options
Long-term rentals have been the norm in Dubai for a long time. The wide availability of short-term rentals has really only become a reality quite recently. This means that there are possibly more long-term rentals available on the market currently. However, things are changing rapidly due to the increase in demand for short-term rentals, and real estate agencies are forced to respond to this demand. Even though the real estate operating costs for short-term rentals are more expensive than long-term rentals, higher returns on investment with short-term rentals are paying off.
As you can see, it really depends on your current situation in deciding whether a short-term rental is a pro or a con in Dubai. If you can’t make up your mind, book a stay with a Thirty Sleeps Sleep Partner to help you decide!
Find a Sleep Partner today!
