Summer in Dubai is famous for two things: high temperatures and a change in tourism. For many property owners, the months between June and September can feel difficult. The number of international tourists goes down, and outdoor activities are limited.
However, experienced hosts know that summer is not a dead season. It is simply a different season. By changing your strategy to attract local residents and focusing on property care, you can keep your bookings high and protect your investment.
This guide outlines the essential steps to prepare your holiday home business for the Dubai summer.
The Shift to Staycations
During winter, your guests are often travelers exploring the city. In summer, your target audience changes. Many UAE residents choose to stay in the country, looking for "staycations" to escape their daily routine without flying.
Domestic tourism is very popular during this time. Families often look for properties that offer more space than a standard hotel room. A holiday home with a full kitchen, large living area, and private laundry facilities is perfect for a family of four or five.
To capture this market, align your marketing with local events. The Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) festival is a major driver of activity, offering weeks of retail discounts and indoor entertainment. Highlighting your property's closeness to major malls or indoor attractions can make your listing stand out.
The Power of Mid-Term Rentals
Another effective strategy for summer is targeting mid-term stays. These are bookings that last between one to three months. Demand for these stays often comes from:
- New residents arriving in Dubai who need a place to stay while house hunting.
- Residents renovating their own homes.
- Digital nomads or business consultants on extended projects.
While the nightly rate for a monthly stay is generally lower than a short-term rate, the occupancy is 100% guaranteed for that period. This provides stable income during the off-peak season and reduces cleaning and check-in costs.
Operational Heat-Proofing: A Maintenance Checklist
The extreme heat and humidity of a Dubai summer can be tough on buildings. Proper maintenance protects your asset. If your AC fails in July, you risk refunding guests and damaging your property with mold.
Air Conditioning (AC)
- Schedule Professional Servicing: Have your AC units serviced every three months. A major service should be done right before June. Coils should be cleaned and gas levels checked.
- Smart Thermostats: Install smart thermostats to monitor the temperature remotely. This ensures guests are comfortable but prevents the AC from running at freezing temperatures with windows open.
- Humidity Control: Even when the property is empty, keep the AC running at a moderate setting (around 24-27°C). Turning the AC off completely can lead to humidity build-up and mold growth on furniture and walls.
General Property Care
- Blackout Curtains: Ensure all bedrooms have high-quality blackout curtains. This keeps the room cool and helps the AC work more efficiently.
- Seal the Gaps: Check window and door seals. Cool air escaping means higher electricity bills and a warmer home.
Elevating the Indoor Experience
Since guests will spend less time outdoors, your indoor amenities become the main selling point. You are selling a lifestyle, not just a bed.
Consider upgrading the following for the summer season:
- Entertainment: Ensure you have high-speed Wi-Fi and access to streaming services like Netflix. Large smart TVs are a huge plus for families staying indoors during the afternoon heat.
- Kitchen Equipment: Staycation guests often cook more than tourists. Ensure your kitchen is fully stocked with high-quality cookware, a blender for smoothies, and a coffee machine.
- Welcome Kits: Adjust your welcome pack to be seasonal. Cold water in the fridge upon arrival, fresh fruit, or vouchers for nearby indoor activities can result in 5-star reviews.
Pricing and Revenue Management
It is important to be realistic about pricing. Summer rates will naturally be lower than winter rates. However, competitive pricing leads to higher occupancy, which is often better than holding out for a high rate and leaving the property empty.
Dynamic pricing is essential here. You may want to lower your minimum stay requirement to attract weekend staycationers or offer discounts for weekly and monthly bookings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I block my calendar for maintenance during summer?
A: It is better to do heavy maintenance (painting, deep repairs) in short blocks of 2-3 days between bookings rather than blocking a whole month. Summer demand exists, so stay open for business unless major renovations are needed.
Q: How do I handle electricity bills in summer?
A: DEWA bills will inevitably be higher due to AC usage. We recommend factoring this average increase into your nightly rate or management fee structure so it does not come as a surprise.
Q: Is it worth listing on platforms other than Airbnb?
A: Yes. To maximize visibility during the low season, your property should be listed on multiple channels including Booking.com and local property portals that residents use to find short-term rentals.
Q: Can I leave the AC off if the property is empty for a week?
A: No. In Dubai's summer humidity, leaving the AC off can cause moisture damage to wood, fabrics, and paint. Keep it at a set point of 24-27°C to circulate air.
Conclusion
Summer in Dubai requires a shift in mindset, but it remains a profitable time for proactive property owners. By targeting the domestic market, ensuring your AC is robust, and offering a premium indoor experience, you can keep your calendar busy.
If you want to know how much your property could earn this summer, get a free estimate today.