Serviced Apartments in Dubai (2025): Flexible Stays, Costs & Areas

Dubai doesn’t do one-size-fits-all. If you want hotel comfort with apartment freedom—space to cook, do laundry, take work calls, and still have a pool downstairs—serviced apartments are your best option. They’re designed for both short city breaks and long work relocations, licensed as hotel establishments, and available across prime neighborhoods from Downtown Dubai to Dubai Marina.

What exactly is a serviced apartment in Dubai?

In Dubai, serviced apartments (often marketed as hotel apartments) are fully furnished, self-contained units—from studios to multi-bedroom layouts—that combine hotel services (housekeeping, reception, security, maintenance) with on-site amenities like gyms and pools. They are classified and licensed by the Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism (DET).

Serviced apartments vs. Holiday Homes

Holiday Homes are licensed separately under DET’s Holiday Homes operator framework. They serve a similar purpose but fall under different regulations than hotel/serviced apartments.

Why choose one: the core benefits

• Space & a kitchen: Perfect for families, relocations, or contract projects. Marriott Executive Apartments Dubai highlights full kitchens and laundry.
• Predictable costs: Rates often bundle Wi-Fi, utilities, and housekeeping, avoiding the hassle of setting up services yourself.
• Flexible durations: From nightly stays to long-stay packages like Mercure Dubai Barsha Heights.

What’s typically included

Most serviced apartments come with:

• Furnishings & fully equipped kitchen
• Utilities & Wi-Fi
• Housekeeping (daily or weekly, depending on brand)
• Facilities: gym, pool, 24/7 reception/security
• Parking (in many cases)

For example, Savoy Dubai emphasizes weekly cleaning, family living areas, and self-catering kitchens.

Short stay vs. long stay: fees explained (2025)

Nightly/weekly stays

• Tourism Dirham fee: AED 7–20 per night, per room, capped at 30 consecutive nights.
• VAT: 5% VAT applies to all stays.
  See details on the UAE Government Portal.

Monthly (30+ nights) stays

• Aparthotels often publish discounted monthly rates including Wi-Fi, housekeeping, and utilities.
• The Tourism Dirham only applies to the first 30 nights of a continuous stay under DET rules.

Ejari considerations

Serviced apartments don’t issue Ejari like annual residential leases. If you need Ejari (e.g., for visas), you’ll pay the 5% housing fee added to your DEWA bill. See our Dubai utilities guide for details.

What does it cost in 2025?

Costs vary by area, brand, and unit type:

• Citywide average: Around AED 11,000/month (Property Finder, 2025).
• Downtown Dubai: Up to AED 37k/month near Burj Khalifa (Burj Khalifa guide).
• Dubai Marina / JBR: Around AED 17k/month.

Compare these to long-term leases using our Cost of Living in Dubai 2025 guide. Always factor in all-inclusive costs: utilities, Wi-Fi, deposits, VAT, and the Tourism Dirham.

Popular areas & examples

• Downtown & Business Bay: Walkable, central, close to Dubai Mall.
• Dubai Marina / JBR: Waterfront apartments ideal for families.
• Palm Jumeirah: Luxury resort-style living.
• Media/Internet City: Convenient for business professionals.

Explore real-time options via ServicedApartments.ae or read reviews on Booking.com.

For a full area overview, check our guide on Where to Stay in Dubai.

Who they suit best

• Relocators waiting for visas or school placements.
• Professionals on projects (1–6 months).
• Families and bleisure travelers who need kitchens and extra space.

If you’re staying less than a year, a serviced apartment is often cheaper overall than setting up an annual lease. For long-term, see our Should You Buy or Rent in Dubai guide.

Investor appeal

With 8–10% yields and strong occupancy from expats and tourists, serviced apartments are attractive investments. See Orchid Homes’ investment insights for details.

Quick decision guide

• Want hotel services + home comfort? Choose a serviced apartment.
• Staying 12+ months and need Ejari? Go for a standard lease instead.

For everything else—connectivity, day trips, or the cost of living—our Dubai guides have you covered.

FAQs

1) What’s the difference between a serviced apartment and a Holiday Home?
Serviced apartments are hotel establishments regulated by DET; Holiday Homes are separately licensed short-term rentals.

2) Are utilities and Wi-Fi included?
Usually yes, especially in monthly packages—always confirm with the provider.

3) How much is the Tourism Dirham and VAT?
AED 7–20 per night (max 30 nights) + 5% VAT.

4) Do serviced apartments issue Ejari?
No. Only standard 12-month residential leases include Ejari.

5) Are serviced apartments cheaper than hotels for long stays?
Often yes, thanks to kitchens, laundry, and bundled costs.