Abu Dhabi rolls out registration system for holiday home operators

Holiday home operators in Abu Dhabi have been invited to register their units on the new online system launched by the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT).

The initiative is part of plans to enhance and regulate the holiday home sector, responding to an increased demand for alternatives to established hotels and hotel apartments.

"By taking this step, Abu Dhabi residents and visitors can be assured that operators will be regulated with transparency and in accordance with the highest standards and provided with a variety of accommodation options," said Ali Al Shaiba, Executive Director of Tourism and Marketing at DCT Abu Dhabi.

The requirements for operating holiday home rentals in Abu Dhabi emirate came into effect last year following a decision by the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi.

The rules and regulations, which emphasise the importance of abiding by the requirements to operate registered units, are also available for operators in a comprehensive manual.

As per the decision by the Executive Council, the regulations ensure operators maintain a high standard of service for visitors while providing a wide variety of options.

Additionally, the rules assure governance of business activity and safeguard high-quality holiday homes by supporting the maintenance of residential communities.

In the development of the licensing system, DCT Abu Dhabi has partnered with relevant government entities in the emirate, including the Monitoring and Control Centre (MCC), Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), Civil Defence and Abu Dhabi Police.