What Is DTCM? Dubai Tourism Authority Explained for Property Owners

DTCM is a term you’ll quickly come across if you own a Dubai apartment or villa and want to rent it to short-stay guests.

It stands for the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Dubai’s former tourism authority. 

In November 2021, its responsibilities moved to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), but the DTCM name still appears in Dubai’s holiday home laws and remains widely used.

So when you see DTCM permit, DTCM rules or DTCM compliance, they generally refer to holiday home requirements now administered by DET.

This guide explains what DTCM means, what DET regulates, the permits and fees involved, and how to stay compliant.

TL;DR: DTCM in Dubai 2026

• DTCM stands for the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Dubai’s former tourism authority. Its responsibilities moved to DET in 2021, although the DTCM name still appears in older holiday home legislation.
• If you want to rent out a Dubai apartment or villa as a holiday home, each property needs a DET holiday home permit before you list it.
• DET regulates more than the initial permit. You also need to stay on top of property classification, guest registration, Tourism Dirham payments, insurance, records and ongoing property standards.
• Standard holiday home permit fees are AED 300 per bedroom, capped at AED 1,200 per unit, plus applicable service fees, although a 2026 fee exemption may apply, so check the DET portal before budgeting.
• Homevy can manage the DET permit process and ongoing compliance for the Dubai holiday homes in its care, alongside guest management, bookings, maintenance and other day-to-day operations.

Is DTCM Still Dubai’s Tourism Authority?

Not exactly. DTCM was replaced as part of Dubai’s 2021 government restructuring, when Dubai Tourism and Dubai Economy were brought together under the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). 

Photo by Kaboompics.com

The merger was announced on 6 November 2021, and Law No. (20) of 2021 transferred the functions, assets and obligations of the former Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing to DET.

But the merger did not rewrite every tourism law in Dubai. 

The 2021 law states that legislation made under the former DTCM framework would continue to apply where it did not conflict with the new law, until superseding legislation was issued.

That is why the DTCM still appears in Dubai holiday home legislation. 

So when you see DTCM in older holiday home legislation or industry terminology, look to DET for the current process and administration.

What Is a DTCM Permit in Dubai?

If you’re planning to rent out a Dubai apartment or villa as a holiday home, you’ll need a holiday home permit for each unit you want to list.

You’ll often hear this called a DTCM permit, but today it is a DET holiday home permit. It is the approval that allows a specific furnished property to operate as a short-term rental under Dubai’s holiday home rules. 

As a top property management company in Dubai, Homevy handles DTCM registration and compliance for the properties it manages. 

This includes permit applications, renewals and other regulatory requirements, so property owners don’t have to navigate the process themselves.

Every property needs its own DET holiday-home permit even when a licensed operator such as Homevy manages it. 

DET’s current service explicitly says apartments and villas must be registered and approved before listing. 

What Does DET Regulate for Dubai Holiday Homes?

DET regulates almost every part of running a Dubai holiday home. 

Photo by Homevy

That includes who can operate one, which properties qualify, how units are classified, what hosts must do for guests, how the Tourism Dirham works, and what happens when you don’t follow the rules.

Here’s what each requirement means for you as a property owner:

1. Which properties can become holiday homes?

Not every Dubai property can automatically be used as a holiday home. 

Under Article 8 of the Bylaw, the unit must be in an area where DET allows holiday home activity and must fall into one of these categories:

1. An apartment in a building designated for holiday homes
2. An apartment in a residential building
3. A house or villa inside a residential compound
4. An independent villa

Your sale and purchase agreement must also not prohibit holiday home use.

If you’re renting the property rather than owning it, you’ll need your landlord’s written consent before subletting, unless your tenancy contract already permits it. 

DET also requires a signed Property Management Letter.

2. How Does DTCM Classification Work?

Every permitted holiday home is classified as either Standard or Deluxe.

You complete the classification process after your unit application is approved. DET can also review the property and change its classification if it does not meet the relevant requirements.

Your classification affects the standards your property must maintain and the Tourism Dirham rate that applies to guest stays.

That means property furnishing isn’t just about making your property look good in photos. The fittings, facilities and overall condition of the unit need to match its classification.

3. What Must You Do Once Your Holiday Home Is Live?

Getting a permit is only the start. Dubai’s holiday home regulations place ongoing obligations on operators and licensees.

These include:

• Keeping the property clean, habitable and safe
• Maintaining comprehensive insurance from a Dubai-licensed insurer
• Providing guests with the required lease information and house rules
• Providing 24/7 emergency and guest contact numbers
• Staying within the maximum occupancy stated on the permit
• Keeping guest records for at least three years

You also need to keep up with guest registration, advertising requirements, Tourism Dirham payments and other compliance obligations.

For a property owner, that means running a holiday home involves more than managing bookings. You also need systems for guest communication, maintenance, records and regulatory requirements.

That’s where professional management can help. Homevy manages guest communication, property upkeep, compliance requirements, marketing and bookings for the Dubai holiday homes we operate.

4. How Is Guest Information Shared With DET?

Guest information must be recorded in the DET system as part of the holiday home registration process.

Photo by Ketut Subiyanto

Guest details must be entered before the guest occupies the property. At checkout, the operator must also record the relevant stay information and Tourism Dirham collected.

This is an ongoing requirement, so every booking needs to be handled correctly.

Homevy manages guest registration and the administrative requirements that come with each stay for the properties we operate, so owners don’t have to manage every submission themselves.

5. What Are the Advertising Rules for Your Holiday Home?

Your holiday home listing must accurately represent the property and its classification.

You also cannot rent the property as separate rooms or bed spaces. Dubai’s holiday home rules require the unit to be operated as a whole property.

Your permit number and other required property information must also appear in your holiday home advertising.

For owners, compliance therefore extends beyond the property itself. Your listing needs to be accurate, while the property also needs to be marketed, priced, maintained and managed across the platforms where you accept bookings.

Homevy manages the marketing and bookings for the holiday homes we operate, from listing presentation through the guest journey.

6. How Does the Tourism Dirham Work for Holiday Homes?

The Tourism Dirham is a fee charged to guests based on the number of occupied room nights.

For holiday homes, the rate depends on the property’s classification:

• AED 10 per occupied room per night for a Standard holiday home
• AED 15 per occupied room per night for a Luxury holiday home

The fee applies for a maximum of 30 consecutive nights and must be shown clearly in the applicable pricing information, invoices and receipts.

The collected Tourism Dirham must also be paid to the relevant authority within the required timeframe.

For homeowners, this is another administrative responsibility that comes with accepting short-term bookings. Homevy handles the operational side of Tourism Dirham for the properties we manage, including the related administrative requirements.

7. Can DET Inspect or Close Your Holiday Home?

Yes. DET can inspect holiday homes to check that they continue to meet the applicable permit and classification requirements.

Photo by RDNE Stock project

Compliance does not end when your permit is approved. Your property needs to continue meeting the relevant standards while it operates.

Where a holiday home breaches the rules, DET can take enforcement action. Depending on the violation, this can include warnings, suspension or revocation of the licence.

For property owners, that means maintaining compliance is an ongoing part of running a holiday home.

Homevy manages the operational and compliance requirements for the Dubai holiday homes we operate, helping owners keep their properties maintained, guest-ready and aligned with the applicable requirements.

8. What Happens If You Don’t Follow the Rules?

Dubai’s holiday home regulations include specific fines for different violations.

These can apply to issues such as:

• Operating without the required authorisation
• Providing false or incorrect information
• Renting a holiday home without prior approval
• Failing to maintain required insurance
• Failing to maintain the property properly
• Renting the property as separate rooms or bed spaces
• Failing to respond to certain DET complaints or requirements

The applicable fine depends on the violation. Repeat violations can also result in increased penalties, and DET may take further enforcement action where permitted under the regulations.

For a detailed breakdown of the current permit process, fees, renewal rules and penalties, see our guide to getting a DTCM holiday home permit in Dubai.

For homeowners, the bigger issue is that compliance is ongoing. You need to keep the property operating within the rules while managing guests, bookings, maintenance and revenue.

Homevy can handle these moving parts for the Dubai holiday homes we manage, giving owners a way to earn from short-term rentals without managing every operational and compliance requirement themselves.

What Are the DTCM Holiday Home Fees in Dubai in 2026?

If you’re planning to rent out your Dubai property as a holiday home, you’ll need to budget for the costs involved in getting and operating your permit.

Photo by Kuncheek

Under Dubai’s published holiday home fee schedule, the permit is AED 300 per bedroom, capped at AED 1,200 per holiday home per year. A AED 50 classification certificate is charged separately, while other fees apply for services such as inspections and reopening a closed property.

However, in May 2026, Dubai announced an exemption from holiday home permit and licence fees as part of its AED 1.5 billion economic incentive package.

So, before using the standard fees below to calculate your costs, check the DET Holiday Homes portal to confirm what applies to your property and application.

Standard Holiday Home Fees

If the 2026 exemption does not apply to your property, these are the fees listed in Dubai’s published schedule:

The official schedule also lists AED 1,500 for the Holiday Homes e-Programme subscription. 

Additional service charges may apply depending on the application, so check the current DET service information before budgeting.

How Much Is the Permit Based on Bedroom Count?

The permit fee is calculated by bedroom, with a maximum charge of AED 1,200 per unit.

The AED 1,200 cap applies to the bedroom-based permit fee. The classification certificate and other applicable service charges are separate.

For example, a four-bedroom villa and a six-bedroom villa would both reach the AED 1,200 permit cap.

For homeowners, though, the permit is only one part of the financial picture. The bigger ongoing costs can come from preparing and running the property.

What Other Costs Should Homeowners Budget For?

Beyond regulatory fees, your operating budget may need to cover:

• Furnishing and setting up the property
• Cleaning between bookings
• Maintenance and repairs
• Utilities and internet
• Marketing and listing costs
• Guest services and support
• Property management fees
• Applicable taxes and government charges

Managing all of this yourself can quickly become another job on top of owning the property.

Homevy can manage the property for you. Our team handles day-to-day operations, marketing, bookings, guest communication, maintenance and compliance for the holiday homes we manage.

Want to know what your property could earn? Use Homevy’s Airbnb income calculator to estimate your Dubai property’s potential rental income, then compare it with our short-term property management fees.

DET Holiday Home Compliance Checklist

The rules are easier to manage when you turn them into a routine. Use this checklist before your first booking, throughout the year and whenever you renew your permit.

Before you list

• Confirm your building or community allows holiday homes and that your SPA does not prohibit them.
• If you’re a tenant, get your landlord’s written consent and the required Property Management Letter.
• Register your Holiday Homes account.
• Prepare the required documents, including your title deed, ID, DEWA bill and Property Management Letter.
• Arrange comprehensive insurance from a Dubai-licensed insurer.
• Submit your holiday home permit application.
• Self-classify the property as Standard or Deluxe after approval.

Before your first guest arrives

• Add your approved trade name and permit number to your listings and advertisements.
• Set up a 24/7 emergency and guest contact number.
• Prepare the guest lease contract, house rules and complaints policy.
• Display the required licensee notice board, including the property’s classification.
• Check that the property meets the applicable safety requirements, including fire and pool safety where relevant.

For every stay

• Register guests through the Holiday Homes system as required by DET.
• Show the Tourism Dirham on the applicable guest invoice.
• Collect and pay the Tourism Dirham within the required timeframe.
• Keep guest records for at least three years.

Every year

• Renew each holiday home permit before it expires.
• Check that the property still meets the requirements for its classification.
• Review your insurance and other compliance documents.

Managing all of these requirements yourself can become a lot to keep track of, especially when you’re also handling bookings, guests, cleaning, maintenance and marketing.

Homevy can manage these moving parts for you. For the holiday homes we manage, our team handles the day-to-day operations and compliance requirements, so you can remain focused on owning the property rather than running every part of the business yourself.

Want a second pair of eyes on your setup? Talk to Homevy and we’ll help you understand what your property needs before you start accepting guests.

How Homevy Handles DET Compliance

Managing a Dubai holiday home involves more than getting a permit. You also need to keep up with renewals, guest requirements, property standards and the day-to-day work that keeps the property operating.

Homevy manages these responsibilities for the holiday homes in our care. Our team handles the DET permit process, including applications, renewals, cancellations and appeals, so owners don’t have to track every requirement themselves.

Across our managed portfolio, we have:

• Around 91.1% average occupancy
• Hosted 10,000+ guest nights
• A 4.9-star average rating and Airbnb Superhost status
• Been named Best Short-Term Rental Management Company in Dubai at the 2026 Arabian Best of the Best Awards

Our management fee is 20%, with no onboarding fee. We earn from managing your property, so our interests are aligned with helping your home perform.

Want to understand what professional management could look like for your property? Compare our pricing with other Dubai holiday home operators in our guide to holiday home onboarding fees in Dubai

Frequently Asked Questions About DTCM 

1. What does DTCM stand for?

DTCM stands for the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Dubai’s former tourism authority. 

It was established in 1997 and merged into the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) in November 2021.

2. How can I apply for a DTCM permit online?

Log in to DET’s Holiday Homes portal, add your unit, upload your documents and submit. DET says it reviews applications within one business day. Once approved, you self-classify the unit and pay the permit fees.

3. What are the DTCM holiday home fees in Dubai?

The permit costs AED 300 per bedroom, capped at AED 1,200 a year, plus AED 70 in fixed fees, so AED 370 to AED 1,270 per unit. 

A one-off account fee of about AED 1,520 applies when you first register. Check the portal for any 2026 exemptions.

4. Can tenants run a holiday home in Dubai?

Yes, with the landlord’s written consent. DET also requires a signed Property Management Letter from the owner. 

Without that consent, you risk breaching your tenancy contract as well as DET rules.

5. What happens if I operate a holiday home without a permit?

Leasing out a holiday home without DET approval carries a AED 2,000 fine, and operating without a licence carries AED 5,000. 

Repeat violations double, up to AED 100,000, and DET can suspend or close the home.

6. Can Homevy handle my DET permit?

Yes. For properties we manage, Homevy handles DET permit applications, renewals, cancellations and appeals, alongside the day-to-day compliance work.

Need Help Keeping Your Dubai Holiday Home DTCM-Compliant?

Yes, you can run a compliant Dubai holiday home yourself. But compliance isn’t a one-time form. 

It means staying on top of permits, guest registration, Tourism Dirham requirements, classification and other DET rules for as long as your property is operating.

And when you’re managing everything yourself, these requirements become part of your ongoing workload.

That’s where Homevy comes in. We manage Dubai holiday homes from the initial DET permit through ongoing operations, guest stays and compliance requirements, so you don’t have to spend your time keeping track of every regulatory detail.

Want to see what that could look like for your property? Speak with Homevy about managing your property.

Tell us about your unit and we’ll show you how Homevy can manage it, keep the operation compliant and work to maximise its rental potential.