• Dubai is one of the world's most profitable cities for Airbnb landlords. Landlords who own properties surrounding Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, can earn an average of £930 ($1,150) per night. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Dubai is one of the world's most profitable cities for Airbnb landlords. Landlords who own properties surrounding Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, can earn an average of £930 ($1,150) per night. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • 'Billionaire's Row' in Manhattan, New York. Owners of properties near Central Park can charge an average of £767 per night. AP
    'Billionaire's Row' in Manhattan, New York. Owners of properties near Central Park can charge an average of £767 per night. AP
  • Owners of properties near the famous Edinburgh Castle in Scotland can charge up to £416 a night.
    Owners of properties near the famous Edinburgh Castle in Scotland can charge up to £416 a night.
  • The Eiffel Tower in Paris. Homes in the French capital's Arc de Triomphe area can fetch up to £412 a night. AFP
    The Eiffel Tower in Paris. Homes in the French capital's Arc de Triomphe area can fetch up to £412 a night. AFP
  • Owners of properties overlooking San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge can charge up to £403 a night. Reuters
    Owners of properties overlooking San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge can charge up to £403 a night. Reuters

Dubai among world's best cities for Airbnb rentals with close to 16,000 listings


Sophie Prideaux
  • English
  • Arabic

Dubai is one of the world’s top destinations for Airbnb offerings, new data shows.

The emirate has 15,984 active Airbnb listings, making it one of the cities with the most choice for travellers and short-term renters.

Last month, it was announced Dubai is also one of the most profitable cities for Airbnb landlords.

Scroll through the gallery above to see which other cities are the most profitable cities for Airbnb landlords

Dubai is ranked 10th among global cities, with London coming out on top for having the most listings. The UK capital has 34,135 active properties, followed by Paris, with 24,940, and New York with 22,586.

Istanbul is ranked fourth, with 21,625, and Shanghai is fifth, with 20,732. However, Airbnb is reportedly set to cease operating in China.

In total, Airbnb is home to more than seven million rentals around the world. However, since 2019, the number of active Airbnb rentals has fallen, with the total number of listings for the top 10 destinations dropping from 303,535 to 209,682. It marks a 30.92 per cent drop, which coincides with the onset of the global pandemic and subsequent travel bans.

Las Vegas is home to the most expensive rentals, with the average night in the US city setting travellers back $229.02.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, Ankara, Turkey, has the cheapest average cost per night at $21.05.

Earlier this year, Abu Dhabi signed a deal with Airbnb to promote the holiday home sector in the capital.

Under the agreement, Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism and Airbnb will collaborate to help grow and develop the sector for visitors looking for alternatives to traditional hotels.

Since then, several properties have been listed on the short-term accommodation booking service, with hosted stays, unique properties and luxury lodgings all open for reservations.

The cities with the most Airbnb listings

1. London, UK — 34,135

2. Paris, France — 24,940

3. New York City, US — 22,586

4. Istanbul, Turkey — 21,625

5. Shanghai, China — 20,732

6. Chengdu, China — 17,818

7. Rome, Italy — 17,756

8. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — 17,165

9. Mexico City, Mexico — 16,977

10. Dubai, UAE — 15,948

Six of the best Airbnbs in Abu Dhabi, from a private island villa to a rustic farm stay — in pictures

  • 1. A luxury villa on Zaya Nurai island. All photos: Airbnb unless mentioned otherwise
    1. A luxury villa on Zaya Nurai island. All photos: Airbnb unless mentioned otherwise
  • 2. Farm 118 offers cosy accommodation, an outdoor pool and sand dune views.
    2. Farm 118 offers cosy accommodation, an outdoor pool and sand dune views.
  • 3. Enjoy direct access to Soul Beach at Mamsha Al Saadiyat in this loft-style Airbnb stay.
    3. Enjoy direct access to Soul Beach at Mamsha Al Saadiyat in this loft-style Airbnb stay.
  • 4. Relax at the traditional majlis in Al Khateem Art Hub, a local Emirati farmhouse.
    4. Relax at the traditional majlis in Al Khateem Art Hub, a local Emirati farmhouse.
  • 5. Villa Blue is a luxury stay in the heart of Abu Dhabi that is ideal for a family escape.
    5. Villa Blue is a luxury stay in the heart of Abu Dhabi that is ideal for a family escape.
  • 6. The stunning Villa Lazuli on Saadiyat island. Photo: www.villalazuli.com
    6. The stunning Villa Lazuli on Saadiyat island. Photo: www.villalazuli.com
Global state-owned investor ranking by size

1.

United States

2.

China

3.

UAE

4.

Japan

5

Norway

6.

Canada

7.

Singapore

8.

Australia

9.

Saudi Arabia

10.

South Korea

Fifa%20World%20Cup%20Qatar%202022%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFirst%20match%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENovember%2020%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFinal%2016%20round%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDecember%203%20to%206%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EQuarter-finals%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDecember%209%20and%2010%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESemi-finals%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDecember%2013%20and%2014%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFinal%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDecember%2018%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
SPECS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201.5-litre%204-cylinder%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20101hp%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20135Nm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20Six-speed%20auto%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh79%2C900%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Types of bank fraud

1) Phishing

Fraudsters send an unsolicited email that appears to be from a financial institution or online retailer. The hoax email requests that you provide sensitive information, often by clicking on to a link leading to a fake website.

2) Smishing

The SMS equivalent of phishing. Fraudsters falsify the telephone number through “text spoofing,” so that it appears to be a genuine text from the bank.

3) Vishing

The telephone equivalent of phishing and smishing. Fraudsters may pose as bank staff, police or government officials. They may persuade the consumer to transfer money or divulge personal information.

4) SIM swap

Fraudsters duplicate the SIM of your mobile number without your knowledge or authorisation, allowing them to conduct financial transactions with your bank.

5) Identity theft

Someone illegally obtains your confidential information, through various ways, such as theft of your wallet, bank and utility bill statements, computer intrusion and social networks.

6) Prize scams

Fraudsters claiming to be authorised representatives from well-known organisations (such as Etisalat, du, Dubai Shopping Festival, Expo2020, Lulu Hypermarket etc) contact victims to tell them they have won a cash prize and request them to share confidential banking details to transfer the prize money.

UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

Miguel Cotto world titles:

WBO Light Welterweight champion - 2004-06
WBA Welterweight champion – 2006-08
WBO Welterweight champion – Feb 2009-Nov 2009
WBA Light Middleweight champion – 2010-12
WBC Middleweight champion – 2014-15
WBO Light Middleweight champion – Aug 2017-Dec 2017

European arms

Known EU weapons transfers to Ukraine since the war began: Germany 1,000 anti-tank weapons and 500 Stinger surface-to-air missiles. Luxembourg 100 NLAW anti-tank weapons, jeeps and 15 military tents as well as air transport capacity. Belgium 2,000 machine guns, 3,800 tons of fuel. Netherlands 200 Stinger missiles. Poland 100 mortars, 8 drones, Javelin anti-tank weapons, Grot assault rifles, munitions. Slovakia 12,000 pieces of artillery ammunition, 10 million litres of fuel, 2.4 million litres of aviation fuel and 2 Bozena de-mining systems. Estonia Javelin anti-tank weapons.  Latvia Stinger surface to air missiles. Czech Republic machine guns, assault rifles, other light weapons and ammunition worth $8.57 million.

Timeline

2012-2015

The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East

May 2017

The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts

September 2021

Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act

October 2021

Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence 

December 2024

Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group

May 2025

The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan

July 2025

The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan

August 2025

Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision

October 2025

Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange

November 2025

180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDate%20started%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202020%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Khaldoon%20Bushnaq%20and%20Tariq%20Seksek%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Abu%20Dhabi%20Global%20Market%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20HealthTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20100%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%20to%20date%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%2415%20million%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

BMW M5 specs

Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor

Power: 727hp

Torque: 1,000Nm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh650,000

The Written World: How Literature Shaped History
Martin Puchner
Granta

'Avengers: Infinity War'
Dir: The Russo Brothers
Starring: Chris Evans, Chris Pratt, Tom Holland, Robert Downey Junior, Scarlett Johansson, Elizabeth Olsen
Four stars

RESULTS - ELITE MEN

1. Henri Schoeman (RSA) 57:03
2. Mario Mola (ESP) 57:09
3. Vincent Luis (FRA) 57:25
4. Leo Bergere (FRA)57:34
5. Jacob Birtwhistle (AUS) 57:40    
6. Joao Silva (POR) 57:45   
7. Jonathan Brownlee (GBR) 57:56
8. Adrien Briffod (SUI) 57:57           
9. Gustav Iden (NOR) 57:58            
10. Richard Murray (RSA) 57:59       

Business Insights
  • As per the document, there are six filing options, including choosing to report on a realisation basis and transitional rules for pre-tax period gains or losses. 
  • SMEs with revenue below Dh3 million per annum can opt for transitional relief until 2026, treating them as having no taxable income. 
  • Larger entities have specific provisions for asset and liability movements, business restructuring, and handling foreign permanent establishments.
The specs: 2018 Opel Mokka X

Price, as tested: Dh84,000

Engine: 1.4L, four-cylinder turbo

Transmission: Six-speed auto

Power: 142hp at 4,900rpm

Torque: 200Nm at 1,850rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L / 100km

At a glance

- 20,000 new jobs for Emiratis over three years

- Dh300 million set aside to train 18,000 jobseekers in new skills

- Managerial jobs in government restricted to Emiratis

- Emiratis to get priority for 160 types of job in private sector

- Portion of VAT revenues will fund more graduate programmes

- 8,000 Emirati graduates to do 6-12 month replacements in public or private sector on a Dh10,000 monthly wage - 40 per cent of which will be paid by government

Updated: June 30, 2022, 12:31 PM