The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has issued updated regulations for the emirate's short-term holiday home rental market, widening the pool of eligible operators and tightening requirements for online advertising.
Under the new rules, no property can be advertised on any website or digital platform without a valid DCT Abu Dhabi licence, and the licence number must appear on every online listing page — a requirement that applies across all digital marketplaces and booking platforms. The category of eligible operators has also been broadened to include individual owners, joint owners, legal entities, tenants, and anyone formally authorised by the property owner.
Owners are required to secure a valid DCT Abu Dhabi licence before listing a property and, if they appoint a third-party operator, to confirm that operator is properly qualified and authorised. Guests, in turn, are advised to check for a valid DCT Abu Dhabi licence number before completing any booking to confirm the property is operating within the regulatory framework.
Hamad Mohammed Sudain, Executive Director of Support Services at DCT Abu Dhabi, said the updated regulations "strengthen governance, enhance transparency and encourage responsible participation while safeguarding quality standards."
Market data released alongside the rules show the sector's rapid growth: eligible holiday home units in Abu Dhabi reached 4,771 by the end of 2025, a 77 per cent year-on-year increase, with more than 2,000 new properties added during the year. Guest visits rose to 335,000 (up 77 per cent), including 252,500 international visitors (up 68 per cent) and 82,900 domestic guests (up 114 per cent). Average daily revenue per unit climbed to Dh1,887, a 28 per cent increase. The original holiday home regulations date back to 2020, the booking platform was redesigned in late 2025, and the latest amendments were announced at the Arabian Travel Market 2026.