If you own or manage a holiday home in Abu Dhabi, or plan to book one for your next stay, there are some big changes you should know about.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has issued Circular No. 8/2025, setting out new rules for short-term rentals. These updated regulations are designed to make the holiday home market safer, more transparent, and more in line with the emirate’s world-class hospitality standards.

Licences Now Mandatory for All Holiday Homes

Starting January 1, 2026, every holiday home in Abu Dhabi must have a valid licence before being listed on any booking platform, whether it’s local or global. That means hosts can no longer rent out unlicensed apartments or villas on popular platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, or local sites.

If a property doesn’t have a licence number, it can’t be listed, and guests are encouraged to check for this number before booking.

Online Platforms Must Verify Listings

To keep things transparent, booking websites must now include a clearly visible field where hosts enter their official licence number.

This simple step helps guests know they’re booking a licensed, compliant property, avoiding scams or unauthorised rentals.

Farmhouses Can Now Welcome Guests

In a move that supports both hospitality and agri-tourism, DCT Abu Dhabi has expanded the holiday home licensing policy to include farmhouses.

Farm owners can now open their doors to visitors looking for authentic Emirati experiences, but they’ll need to follow the same licensing rules.

To make the process easier, DCT Abu Dhabi is holding information sessions and has provided a reference manual on its official website. Farmhouse owners will also get a six-month grace period to complete the licensing process.

Shared Rentals No Longer Allowed

The new circular also makes it clear: shared residential units, such as single rooms or shared beds, are no longer permitted on booking platforms. The move ensures that all short-term rentals meet Abu Dhabi’s privacy, security, and quality standards.

Strict Compliance for Online Platforms

Online booking platforms must remove any unlicensed listings within 30 days of being notified by DCT Abu Dhabi. Those who fail to comply could face penalties, as the department enforces a zero-tolerance policy on violations. Platforms are also required to set up a dedicated communication channel with DCT Abu Dhabi to receive official updates and directives.

Why It Matters

These enhanced rules help protect guests, give owners a clear legal framework, and ensure everyone enjoys a consistent standard of service. For travellers, it means peace of mind knowing your stay is licensed, secure, and professionally managed.

And for owners, it’s a chance to be part of a more trusted and sustainable short-term rental ecosystem, one that supports Abu Dhabi’s vision for responsible tourism.

New Rules from January 1

• All holiday homes must have a valid licence from DCT Abu Dhabi by January 1, 2026.
• Licence numbers must appear on every online listing.
• Farmhouses are now eligible for licensing.
• Shared rooms or beds can no longer be listed.
• Booking platforms must remove unlicensed properties within 30 days of notice.