Can My Dubai Property Operate as a Holiday Home?

Check the property and the permit

Dubai’s holiday-home rules require eligible premises and suitable fittings. Article 8 also addresses restrictions in the sale and purchase agreement; Article 17 requires developers and property managers to enable licensed activity in accordance with licences and permits. A general building email is therefore not the only relevant authority. See Administrative Resolution No. (1) of 2020, Articles 8 and 17.

Prepare the application documents

The DET permit service lists property ownership documents, owner identification, an authorisation or management letter where relevant, and a current DEWA bill. It also lists a developer no-objection certificate where applicable. Company-owned properties require additional company and signatory documents.

The service checklist and older system-guide wording about the age of a DEWA bill differ. Confirm the current requirement with DET for your application, especially for a newly handed-over home; do not assume a mandatory three-month waiting period.

Confirm building arrangements

• Review the sale and purchase agreement and applicable property documents.
• Ask building management about guest registration, access cards, parking and move-in or furnishing procedures.
• Resolve any conflict between building instructions and the permit position with DET before accepting guests.
• Confirm the documentation and preparation still outstanding before agreeing a launch schedule.

AUREN’s existing assessment process considers whether a property suits its management approach. Explore the owner service and bring any property-specific questions to the assessment.

Reviewed 23 September 2026. General guidance; confirm current requirements and your property’s contractual position before acting.