UAE: Short-term rentals on the rise among travellers as companies offer flexible working hours, WFH options

UAE: Short-term rentals on the rise among travellers as companies offer flexible working hours, WFH options

UAE - The popularity of short-term rentals is increasing meteorically especially due to post Covid travel preferences, according to industry experts.

“The trend of short-term rentals and staycations (among visitors) has rapidly risen in the past two years with companies offering flexible working hours and work-from-home models,” said Raquel Lopez, VP of Sales and Marketing GCC at Barceló Hotel Group. “Some travellers mainly large families or a group of friends, prefer short-term rentals in serviced apartments where they can enjoy the convenience of a fully equipped house.”

For others, the reason for picking short term rentals is monetary according to Behnam Eghtedari, Partner of Unique Properties. “If a large family is travelling, including the wife, parents, kids and nannies, a hotel isn’t very viable. If they rent a short-term rental, they can accommodate all at a substantial discount. Also, they can shop and cook at home whenever possible. This translates to more savings.”

Short-term rentals refer to guest stays in a home unit or serviced apartment for less than 30 days, irrespective whether they are travelling to the destination for business, leisure, or both.

Trends

Most of those preferring to stay in short-term rentals in the UAE travel from European countries or Russia, according to