Abu Dhabi Updates Holiday Home Licensing Rules for Owners and Operators

The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has updated the regulatory framework governing holiday homes in the emirate, with changes covering licensing, operator eligibility, digital listings, compliance and the management of holiday home activity.

The updated framework is intended to make the regulatory process more transparent and efficient while supporting the continued growth of Abu Dhabi’s short-term accommodation market. DCT Abu Dhabi has also upgraded its digital platform to simplify licensing procedures, reduce approval times and strengthen integration with government entities.

Valid licence required for online listings

Holiday homes advertised on websites or digital booking platforms must operate under a valid DCT Abu Dhabi licence, and the licence number must be displayed on the online listing.

For prospective guests, the licence number provides a visible indication that the property forms part of Abu Dhabi’s regulated holiday home market.

For owners and operators, licensing is therefore not only a condition for operating the unit. It is also a prerequisite for advertising it through digital channels.

DCT Abu Dhabi had previously confirmed that enforcement of the requirement for valid licence numbers on holiday-home listings would take effect from 1 January 2026. The current regulatory framework continues and consolidates that approach.

More categories of operators can qualify

The updated rules broaden the categories of persons and entities that may qualify to operate holiday homes in Abu Dhabi. Eligible categories can include:

• individual property owners

• joint owners

• legal entities

• tenants

• persons authorised by the property owner

Eligibility does not by itself constitute permission to operate. The relevant applicant must still satisfy DCT Abu Dhabi’s conditions and complete the applicable licensing process.

For tenants in particular, a tenancy contract alone should not be interpreted as automatically authorising holiday-home activity. The appropriate DCT Abu Dhabi licensing requirements still apply.

Digital licensing and compliance system

DCT Abu Dhabi has also continued developing its digital Holiday Homes System. The platform is designed to streamline applications and permit issuance while strengthening inspection functions, compliance monitoring, revenue management and coordination with other government bodies. DCT Abu Dhabi required owners and operators to use the electronic system for holiday-home operations from 15 April 2026 following a transitional implementation period.

The Department says the latest improvements are intended to provide owners and operators with a more modern and flexible operating environment while improving oversight of the sector.

Holiday home market continues to expand

The regulatory changes come as Abu Dhabi’s holiday-home market continues to grow. According to figures reported in connection with the updated framework, the emirate ended 2025 with 4,771 eligible holiday-home units, representing a 77% increase compared with the previous year. Guest numbers also increased substantially, exceeding 335,000 during the year.

The expansion of the market increases the importance of clear licensing, visible regulatory status and consistent operating standards for owners, operators, booking platforms and guests.

NUR Advisory Note

Property owners, companies and other parties considering short-term rental activity in Abu Dhabi should establish the licensing position before advertising or accepting bookings. Businesses should pay particular attention to:

• whether the proposed operator falls within an eligible category

• whether the property has obtained the required DCT Abu Dhabi licence

• whether the licence number is displayed correctly on digital listings

• whether operational information is maintained through the prescribed DCT Abu Dhabi system

• whether arrangements between an owner, tenant and third-party operator clearly allocate responsibility for regulatory compliance

Companies managing multiple holiday-home units should also review their internal compliance procedures to ensure that licence information, property data and digital listings remain accurate and current.

The licensing framework applies specifically to Abu Dhabi. Operators with short-term rental portfolios across different Emirates should not assume that the same regulatory process applies throughout the UAE.