DCT Abu Dhabi, Airbnb seal deal to boost holiday home sector in the emirate

A new agreement has been signed between the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and vacation rental platform Airbnb.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), both organisations will collaborate to promote the holiday home sector in Abu Dhabi. The agreement follows DCT Abu Dhabi’s request earlier this year for holiday homeowners to register on its new online licensing system to help regulate the space.

.@dctabudhabi is collaborating with @Airbnb to promote holiday home accommodation options #inAbuDhabi, helping to further diversify and regulate the growing market within the tourism sector. pic.twitter.com/ovnZlARWa2

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) February 16, 2022

Airbnb will provide DCT Abu Dhabi with access to its City Portal, thus sharing data and insights on the Airbnb platform regarding rental activities taking place in the emirate. Airbnb will also launch a dedicated responsible hosting page on the platform, helping new and existing hosts in the city understand and follow local rules for holiday homes, Abu Dhabi Government Media Office reported.

Saood Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “The signing of this agreement with Airbnb demonstrates our commitment to expanding accommodation options available in Abu Dhabi that will enhance the emirate as a premier tourism destination in the region. In partnering with the home rental platform, we are ensuring tourists and residents in Abu Dhabi are provided with more choice for safe and secure short-term accommodation. This cooperation will help us meet the rising demand for high-quality alternatives to established hotels and hotel apartments across Abu Dhabi.”

“This partnership will contribute to help grow and diversify tourism, increase consumer choice and attract new guests to this exciting destination,” adds Velma Corcoran, regional lead Middle East Africa at Airbnb.