Image used for illustrative purposes. Photo: File

Real estate management consultancies are experiencing a growing demand from Americans for short-term rentals in the UAE, with consultants noting that US residents have made it into their top five source markets for the first time in a decade. A report on short-term rentals attributes this surge to the historic first visit of a UAE President to Washington DC, which has bolstered UAE-US relations. This trend is emphasized in the Q3 AirDxb Dubai Short-Let Market report.

"Given that Americans already constitute the second-largest nationality of guests at AirDXB properties with 12 per cent in Q3 2024, we foresee a significant rise in demand for short-term rentals in Dubai," the report stated. It further added, "This exemplifies where short-lets align with both corporate travel and holidaymakers. The increasing collaboration between NASA, the UAE Space Agency, and the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center is also fueling this demand. This trend is particularly advantageous for short-let properties in the Meydan and District One areas."

Tourists are drawn to lifestyle-driven communities. The UAE, celebrated as a premier destination in the Middle East, entices visitors with its breathtaking cities, vast deserts, and pristine beaches. Experts observe that short-term renters, especially families, prefer communities that offer dynamic amenities and excellent connectivity.

For consumers, the emphasis is on discovering unique experiences provided by diverse hosts, while investors see this as an opportunity to select properties with robust potential for high returns. Vinayak Mahtani, CEO of bnbme Holiday Homes, remarked, "For the first time in 10 years, we are witnessing US residents in our top five source markets, displacing China. This shift is due to the efforts of Dubai Tourism, who have actively targeted the US consumer base through social media and marketing. Dubai is an aspirational brand in the US, sparking curiosity and excitement among many to visit."

He added, "We are seeing both corporate and leisure guests traveling from North America; Emirates, with its extensive North American destinations, has also played a role."

Beyond the rise in demand, specific areas are gaining recognition for their short-term rental offerings. Anthony Joseph Abou Jaoude, Founder and CEO of Primestay, a holiday home rental company in Dubai, pointed out that areas such as Business Bay, Arjan, Jumeirah Village Circle, Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, and DAMAC Hills are particularly favored. These vibrant neighborhoods offer a mix of world-class amenities and trendy communities, providing unique experiences and easy access to the city's attractions.

Jaoude noted, "In recent years, Dubai has emerged as a luxury travel destination, with visitors willing to pay more for high-end accommodations. A notable trend is that families and groups favor larger holiday homes over multiple hotel rooms, boosting the demand for vacation villas and spacious apartments for short-term rentals."

Jaoude further added, "From early 2023 to the present in 2024, Dubai's escalating demand for short-term rentals presents landlords with lucrative opportunities for high occupancy rates and attractive rental yields. Dubai's vibrant tourism scene ensures a strong demand for short-term rentals, offering landlords and investors a steady and profitable income stream."

Source link:   https://www.khaleejtimes.com