Dubai is one of the world’s most dynamic short-term rental markets, offering immense opportunities for business growth. With year-round demand, premium ADRs, and no personal income tax, understanding how to operate effectively in this unique environment is essential. In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast, powered by Hostfully, Oriol Plana – operator, founder, and investor – shares insights on direct bookings, optimising both revenue management and guest experience, and navigating different rules compared to Europe or the United States. Key takeaways include:- Clarity beats hype: Dubai’s returns can be excellent, but success hinges on location, amenities, and high standards of guest experience.- Know the rules: Licensing and business set-up are straightforward if you follow the proper processes, avoiding assumptions from European or US strategies.- Operate like a pro: Treat guests as if they are hotel customers, utilise dynamic pricing, and select assets aligned with Dubai’s demand patterns.0:52 Dubai is an amazing market to invest in1:24 The differences between Dubai and Europe3:49 The pros and cons of investing in Dubai5:14 The return on investment in Dubai (no personal taxation helps!)6:28 Owner expectations in Dubai7:56 The properties which perform best in the United Arab Emirates9:25 The guests and their expectations11:07 Delivering a great guest experience12:35 The different accommodation options in Dubai14:02 The process for setting up a business in Dubai15:19 Regulation in the UAE17:10 How the STR market might grow in Dubai19:11 How countries across the GCC are developing: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, etc.20:31 HiGuests and Mr Alfred21:38 Favourite brand: PriceLabs22:29 Individual shout-outs: Gianpaolo Vairo and Damian Sheridan at SCALE23:13 Top tip for buying a rental in DubaiLooking for a great PMS or digital guidebook? You need Hostfully!Check out these special offers:Property Management Software: Get $500 off onboarding by using the code PLANET500.Digital Guidebooks: Get 30% off for life by using the code HOSTPLANETGB.Click here to sign up for Hostfully: https://www.hostfully.com/influencers/host_planet/?pscd=get.hostfully.com&ps_partner_key=amFtZXN2YXJsZXkzMjAy&ps_xid=SuzwsrHUM40Auh&gsxid=SuzwsrHUM40Auh&gspk=amFtZXN2YXJsZXkzMjAyKeen to book a Hostfully demo? Click here to connect with Frank Bosi: https://tinyurl.com/Frank-Bosi Email Frank:
[email protected] Host Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/Oriol Plana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oriolplana/mr.alfred: https://mralfred.com/HiGuests: https://higuests.com/Episode to check next: Cornwall’s Beach Retreats: The Direct Booking Blueprint for Successful Short-Term Rental Hosting: https://youtu.be/MyoWPRaWU2cThe Host Planet Podcast is presented by James Varley, a holiday let investor and property manager who is also the Founder of Host Planet. Before founding Host Planet, James spent 20 years in the media, including a decade leading corporate communications for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.Contact the show:
[email protected]#HostPlanet #HostPlanetPodcast #HostPlanetBitesize #ShortTermRentals #VacationRentals #HolidayLets #Airbnb #BookDirect #PropertyManagement #PropertyInvestment #BookingCom #Vrbo #JamesVarley #Hostfully #PMS #DigitalGuidebooks #SpecialOffer #OriolPlana #MrAlfred #Dubai #UAE
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