New UAE visas: Why some residents have made hotels, service apartments their homes in Dubai

New UAE visas: Why some residents have made hotels, service apartments their homes in Dubai

‘Long-stay’ guests are living in the country tenancy contract-free with all-inclusive stays as flat rents hit record highs

Published: Mon 13 Mar 2023, 6:00 AM

From an entrepreneur who moved to Dubai to set up his business to a fitness trainer, many residents are living in the UAE tenancy contract-free. Known as ‘long-stay guests’, these residents have made hotel rooms their homes.

The fitness trainer mentioned above has built a “community of clients and sport enthusiasts” around the hotel, according to Paul Bridger, chief operating officer of Rove Hotels, which had launched its long-stay packages in 2017.

“(The packages) truly began to garner traction after the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. Given the uncertainty, people began scouring for long-term, affordable, and convenient stay options, that did not require them to engage on a yearly contract,” Bridger told Khaleej Times.

Monthly stay packages are inclusive of all utility bills, housekeeping, laundry, Internet connection, as well as pool and gym access. Some hotels offer complimentary breakfast as well.

Bridger claimed these make hotel rooms more affordable than traditional apartment rentals.

The rental market in Dubai continued its upward trend this year, with the average annual rents for apartments surging close to 28 per cent during the first two months