Holiday homes in Dubai now need QR codes on entrances, here’s why

Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has launched a new QR Code initiative for Holiday Homes in Dubai.

This move aims to improve transparency and increase confidence among investors and visitors in the short-term rental market.

As part of the initiative, owners of holiday homes will now be required to display a QR code on the main entrances of their vacation properties in Dubai.

This code enables visitors and guests to conveniently scan it and access essential information about the operator of the holiday home and the relevant contact details for DET.

The initiative will also facilitate oversight and inspections conducted by the Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade, part of DET, ensuring strict compliance with procedures.

DET’s Dubai Business License Corporation (DBLC) will oversee the implementation of the QR Code project, which will further enhance the city’s diverse hospitality infrastructure catering to the varied preferences and budgets of international travellers.

Shaikha Al Mutawa, director of Hospitality Affairs Department at Dubai’s Department of Economy & Tourism (DET) said: “As we continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the tourism industry, we recognise the importance of innovation and technology in further bolstering Dubai’s image as a must-visit destination.

“To ensure the effective governance of the holiday homes segment, we are introducing QR codes, as a part of the ongoing digital transformation process across customer and visitor touchpoints in the city.

“We are also continuously taking steps to offer flexible and multiple options year-round in the short-term rental market, thereby strengthening confidence among investors and potential guests.”

Holiday homes market registered robust growth by end of March

According to DET data, the holiday homes segment has registered excellent growth, reaching 21,132 units (+45.5 per cent YoY), with 32,794 rooms (+40.7 per cent YoY) by the end of March, compared to the same period in 2022 (14,518 units and 23,299 rooms). Additionally, holiday homes hosted 137,144 guests in Q1 2023.

The emirate has also established itself as a top tourist destination, welcoming 4.67 million visitors in the first quarter of 2023, a 17 per cent YoY growth, which is 98 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, making Dubai the fastest recovering destination globally.

Holiday homes in the emirate feature a diverse range of residential units, including studios, apartments, and villas in gated communities, as well as properties in farms located in the Hatta area, providing privacy and ample space for families as well as a vacation opportunity for guests that goes beyond traditional hospitality experiences.

.@DubaiDET announces the launch of a new QR Code initiative for Holiday Homes in #Dubai, as part of efforts to improve transparency and increase confidence among investors and visitors in the short-term rental market. This code enables visitors and guests to conveniently scan it… pic.twitter.com/3rMAV8X7Jq

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) May 29, 2023

Permits and licences from DBLC

The DBLC offers licences and permits for licensed establishments to manage and document their activities based on the holiday homes classification system.

Dubai’s holiday homes market has a rigorous classification process, periodically categorised into tourist and luxury units and villas, based on the conditions set by DET, which conducts inspections to ensure that the units meet the approved classification criteria.

Detailed information can be found by accessing a guide for operating vacation homes, available on DET’s website for holiday homes.

The guide is updated regularly to align with updates in the sector and as per the needs of stakeholders.

The department also addresses complaints and disputes, offering solutions in a timely manner via [email protected].

According to the DET, non-compliance with required standards, rules and requirements will result in warnings for violators, and if there is any recurrence in violations it could lead to the imposition of penalties on the operator.

The department will also not issue a classification certificate to the holiday homes property unless all specified conditions, specifications, requirements, and technical equipment are met.

Read: Sharjah tourism authority launches ‘Holiday Homes Project’