‘I could not be happier’: Why some Dubai expats prefer long-term hotel stays

‘I could not be happier’: Why some Dubai expats prefer long-term hotel stays

They have swapped out tenancy contracts, related documents and utility bills for an all-inclusive experience

Alwaleed Osman. Photo by Angel Tesorero.

Published: Thu 6 Apr 2023, 6:00 AM Last updated: Thu 6 Apr 2023, 6:22 AM

Back in 2019, Egyptian expatriate Alwaleed Osman moved out of his rented apartment in Dubai South and opted to live at a hotel relatively closer to the airport due to the nature of his work.

Four years later, he is still staying at the same hotel in Rove Healthcare City, with no plans of leasing his own flat. It was the value for money, convenience and central location of the hotel that hooked him. He also did not have to bother paying monthly utilities and internet bills.

Osman's place is highly secured, and also serves as his de facto office, coupled with pop-up co-working spaces and minus the humdrum of an office environment.

Several UAE residents like Osman are opting not to rent or buy homes, and are instead choosing to live in hotel apartments as long-stay guests. Syrian national Lama moved into Suha Creek Hotel Apartments in Al Jaddaf two years ago. She told Khaleej Times: “As a single woman in the city, I did not want to be