The Department of Tourism and Culture – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has issued Circular No. 8/2025, setting new and stricter rules for operating holiday homes across the emirate. The directive, aimed at property owners, operators, and online booking platforms, focuses on improving guest safety, ensuring fair competition in the short-term rental market, and maintaining Abu Dhabi’s high hospitality standards amid its growing tourism sector.
Starting January 1, 2026, every holiday home in Abu Dhabi must have a valid licence before being listed on any digital platform, whether local or international. Unlicensed homes will no longer be allowed to appear on short-term rental websites or mobile apps. This enforcement marks a major step in organizing a rapidly expanding segment of the accommodation market.
To boost transparency for travelers, booking platforms must include a mandatory and visible field displaying each property’s licence number. Owners and operators must enter accurate and verifiable licence details for every registered unit. This measure will help guests easily identify licensed properties, avoid illegal rentals, and book with greater confidence.
Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director-General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, highlighted the move as part of the emirate’s broader tourism vision. “Expanding Abu Dhabi’s holiday home licensing policy to include farmhouses will support both our hospitality and agri-tourism industries,” he said. “As tourism grows, we must continue to provide authentic, sustainable experiences that reflect our heritage and Emirati hospitality.”
To assist farmhouse owners, DCT Abu Dhabi is offering guidance sessions on the licensing process and regulatory requirements. A detailed reference manual is available on the department’s official website, while farmhouse owners have a six-month grace period to obtain licences and avoid penalties.
In support of agri-tourism, DCT Abu Dhabi is also developing a policy framework to license and expand farmhouse tourism. The initiative encourages farm owners to create authentic Emirati experiences that enrich the emirate’s diverse tourism offerings.
For public safety and compliance, the circular bans the listing of shared residential spaces—such as individual rooms or shared beds—on any online platform. This rule supports privacy, security, and tourism quality standards across Abu Dhabi. Platform administrators must monitor listings closely, prevent shared-unit ads, and act swiftly to correct violations.
Furthermore, platforms must remove unlicensed listings within 30 days of being notified by DCT Abu Dhabi. Failure to comply could result in penalties, reflecting the department’s strict stance against violations. To ensure smooth communication, platforms are also required to create a single official channel for receiving updates and directives from DCT Abu Dhabi.
These enhanced rules reaffirm Abu Dhabi’s commitment to strengthening its hospitality sector, protecting guest experiences, encouraging responsible investment, and maintaining a globally trusted, well-regulated tourism market.
