Abu Dhabi expanded its holiday-home rules to allow tenants and authorised individuals to operate licensed short-term rentals. Every listed property must have a valid Department of Culture and Tourism licence.

The details

Abu Dhabi expanded eligibility to operate holiday homes in September 2026. The revised rules allow individual owners, joint owners, legal entities, tenants and people authorised by property owners to apply to operate short-term rental units.

Every listed holiday home must have a valid Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi licence, and the licence number must appear on digital-platform listings. Operators must also provide the required property, account and business information before the application proceeds to inspection and approval.

The rules set limits on how properties can be used. Partial room rentals are not permitted, occupancy is capped at three people per room and living rooms, lounges and hallways cannot be converted into bedrooms. Units cannot be subdivided for rental purposes, and only properties legally eligible for leasing may operate as holiday homes, subject to the applicable exceptions.

The change creates a clearer route for some tenants and authorised operators to participate in Abu Dhabi’s short-term rental market, while retaining licensing, inspection and occupancy controls.