Enterprising residents in Downtown Dubai are renting out their homes on New Year’s Eve for as little as Dh250 per night.
Flats with full or partial Burj Khalifa views have been advertised on Airbnb in recent days, many costing a fraction of the many thousands of dirhams that hotels charge when the city celebrates the end of 2020.
On Airbnb, prices for rooms and full apartments with partial or full Burj Khalifa views range from Dh250 ($68) to Dh2,000.
Ahmed Gomaa has rented out his apartment in MBK Tower in Business Bay for Dh250 per night. It is a 15-minute walk from the skyscraper and offers a partial view.
“Hotels usually triple their prices during this time,” Mr Gomaa said.
“Airbnbs and vacation homes offer people a more affordable way to enjoy the New Year’s Eve fireworks.
“Not everyone can pay thousands of dirhams for luxurious hotel rooms.”
Mr Gomaa works for estate agents Baroma Properties and works with owners to let their homes during the peak season.
Along with his own flat, he has leased properties with full Burj Khalifa views for Dh500.
“The lowest price of a private room with a full view of Burj Khalifa starts at Dh300, and for an extra Dh200 you can get an entire studio,” said Mr Gomaa.
Business Bay is within walking distance of Downtown Dubai, enabling guests to avoid crowds waiting for taxis and metro trains after the midnight celebrations.
Mr Gomaa said properties in Dubai Marina – which also hosts fireworks displays – were also in demand this week.
Hotel prices have spiked ahead of December 31, with some peak rates at more than Dh11,000.
The Address Dubai Mall hotel, which looks directly on to the world's tallest tower, costs Dh11,200 for a minimum two-night stay from December 30 to January 1.
Rachiel Jaddou lets her apartment in Avanti Tower in Business Bay. It is a studio with partial view of the Burj Khalifa and is listed for Dh571.
“Our prices are more affordable than what hotels might be charging during the New Year’s Eve celebrations,” she said.
Firework displays will also take place at Burj Al Arab and The Palm, Jumeirah.
New Year’s Eve 2019 celebrations across UAE – in pictures
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Fireworks display on Burj Khalifa for the New Year 2020 celebration at Dubai Mall in Downtown Dubai in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National -
Fireworks display on Burj Khalifa. Pawan Singh / The National -
Fireworks display on Burj Khalifa. Pawan Singh / The National -
Fireworks display on Burj Khalifa. Pawan Singh / The National -
Fireworks illuminate the sky around Burj Khalifa. EPA -
Burj Khalifa is prepared for the fireworks of New Year 2020 celebrations. EPA -
People have their photos taken at the Tim Hortons café outside the Dubai Mall. Pawan Singh / The National -
People gather near to Burj Khalifa prior to the fireworks of New Year's eve. EPA -
Sky divers with special lights flies over Burj Khalifa. EPA -
Light decoration around Dubai Mall. Pawan Singh / The National -
Bruno Mars kept it fun and slick at the du Arena in Abu Dhabi. Courtesy Flash Entertainment -
NYE Fireworks at Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
NYE Fireworks at Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
NYE Fireworks at Al Maryah Island. Victor Besa / The National -
NYE Fireworks at Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
DJ Aboud Rogeh rocks the house down at the NYE celebrations at Galleria Mall, Al Maryah Island. Victor Besa / The National -
NYE Fireworks at Al Maryah Island. Victor Besa / The National -
Ras Al Khaimah puts on a record-breaking fireworks display on New Year's Eve in Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Ras Al Khaimah puts on a record-breaking fireworks display. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Ras Al Khaimah puts on a record-breaking fireworks display on New Year's Eve. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Ras Al Khaimah puts on a record-breaking fireworks display. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
People at the beach. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Street entertainers at the beach in Ras Al Khaimah. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
People arrive at the beach in Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Burj Khalifa's New Year's eve fireworks taken from Shangri-La Hotel's roof top. Ruel Pableo for The National -
Burj Khalifa's New Year's eve fireworks taken from Shangri-La Hotel's roof top. Ruel Pableo for The National -
Burj Khalifa's New Year's eve fireworks taken from Shangri-La Hotel's roof top. Ruel Pableo for The National -
New Year's fireworks celebrations are seen above the Dubai skyline. AFP -
New Year's fireworks celebrations are seen above the Dubai skyline. AFP -
New Year's fireworks celebrations are seen above the Dubai skyline. AFP
