Dubai Marina Short-Term Rental Yields 2026: Holiday Home ROI, Airbnb Rates & Investment Guide

Dubai Marina short-term rental yields in 2026 represent one of the most compelling income stories in the region's real estate market. As a 7-kilometre waterfront promenade with 200+ towers, Dubai Marina combines the best elements of a global tourist destination - walkability, dining, nightlife, beach proximity - with the fundamentals of a liquid investment market. The result is a short-term rental ecosystem that consistently outperforms comparable waterfront districts globally.

Long-term annual rental yields in Dubai Marina average 7.1% gross (Property Monitor Q1 2026) - already among the highest in any major global city. For investors willing to manage their asset as a short-term holiday home, DTCM-licensed operators report gross yields of 8.5-12% annually, depending on unit type, floor, marina view, and management quality.

According to RERA's Q4 2025 Rental Market Report, Dubai Marina recorded 16.4% year-on-year rent growth - the second-highest rate in the emirate after Business Bay (18.2%). A 1BR renting at AED 88,000 annually in Q4 2024 now commands AED 102,000-115,000 on annual contracts. The same unit as a short-term rental can generate AED 140,000-185,000 annually with professional management.

Dubai Marina Short-Term Rental Nightly Rate Guide 2026

Peak Season (November-March, Formula E, New Year's, DSF): Studio: AED 280-420/night | 1-Bedroom: AED 550-950/night | 2-Bedroom: AED 950-1,600/night | 3-Bedroom: AED 1,600-2,800/night

Shoulder Season (April, October): Studio: AED 200-300/night | 1-Bedroom: AED 380-580/night | 2-Bedroom: AED 650-950/night

Summer Season (May-September): Studio: AED 150-230/night | 1-Bedroom: AED 280-450/night | 2-Bedroom: AED 450-700/night

Annual blended yield calculation at 75% occupancy: AED 560 average nightly rate x 274 occupied nights = AED 153,440 gross revenue. At AED 1.5M purchase price, that's 10.2% gross yield - before management fees (15-20%) and service charges (AED 18.6/sqft).

Top Buildings for Short-Term Rental Investment in Dubai Marina

Marina Gate I and II (Select Group, Marina Promenade): Consistently top STR performers. Full-height glazing, resort-quality amenities, direct Marina Walk access. 1BR purchase range AED 1.45-1.8M in Q1 2026.

Cayan Tower (Marina Promenade): Dubai's iconic 306m twisted supertall. Premium brand recognition drives international booking demand. 1BR range AED 1.6-2.1M.

Princess Tower (101 floors, Al Mamsha Street): World's tallest residential building at original opening. High-floor panoramic Marina views command premium nightly rates. 1BR range AED 1.35-1.65M.

23 Marina (Al Mamsha area): 90-floor luxury tower with Marriott-grade finishes. Strong STR demand from GCC domestic tourists. 1BR range AED 1.55-1.9M.

Elite Residence (Sheikh Zayed Road frontage): 87 floors. Strong year-round occupancy due to proximity to Mall of the Emirates. 1BR range AED 1.2-1.5M.

The DTCM Holiday Home Permit: What Every Investor Must Know

Since 2017, all short-term rental operations in Dubai require a DTCM Holiday Home Permit. Operating without one carries fines starting at AED 5,000, rising to AED 15,000+ for repeat violations. The permit is unit-specific and must be displayed in all listings on Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo. Application requires: proof of ownership, unit photographs, floor plan, and annual fee of approximately AED 315 per bed per year. Processing takes 5-10 business days. Astra Terra Properties guides investors through registration.

Long-Term vs Short-Term: The Dubai Marina Yield Comparison

Long-Term Annual Rental: AED 88,000-130,000 per year for a 1BR. Guaranteed income, no vacancy gaps, minimal management. Yield: 6-8.7% gross. No DTCM permit required.

Short-Term Holiday Home: Potential AED 140,000-185,000+ per year for a 1BR at 72-78% occupancy. Higher gross yield (8.5-12%), requires active management (15-20% operator fee). Greater flexibility for personal use during gaps.

We typically recommend short-term rental for investors who purchase below AED 1.6M, engage a professional operator, and have a 5-year minimum holding horizon. For passive investors, a long-term tenant in a premium Marina building delivers excellent risk-adjusted returns.

Dubai Marina STR Market Forecast 2026-2027

DLD March 2026 data confirms Dubai Marina as number 3 by apartment transaction volume citywide in Q4 2025, with 3,200+ apartment sales. Dubai's tourism sector targets 25 million visitors annually; Dubai Marina remains a top 5 most-searched neighbourhood on Airbnb by international visitors. New transport connectivity improvements will add further convenience premium. The contrarian note: new tower completions will add inventory in 2026-2027, so class-A Marina Walk frontage buildings will maintain their premium while secondary locations face more competitive STR pricing.

Joseph's Take: My Dubai Marina STR Investment Strategy

The clients who've performed best share a common approach: they bought on Marina Walk or with direct marina view, engaged a professional DTCM-licensed operator from day one, and held through at least one full seasonal cycle before drawing conclusions.

The mistake I see most often is buyers purchasing in non-Marina-facing buildings expecting waterfront yields. Views matter enormously - a guest paying AED 700/night expects to wake up to the marina. Pay the extra AED 100,000-200,000 at purchase to secure the right floor and orientation. You'll earn it back in 18 months. Contact me directly for real-world occupancy numbers from my current client portfolio: WhatsApp +971 58 558 0053.

Frequently Asked Questions: Dubai Marina Short-Term Rentals 2026

What yield can I expect from a Dubai Marina STR property?

Well-managed 1BR units in premium Marina buildings achieve 8.5-12% gross yield. Net yield after management fees (15-20%) and service charges: 6.5-9%.

Do I need permission to rent my Marina apartment short-term?

Yes. DTCM Holiday Home Permit required. Fines of AED 5,000+ for unlicensed operations. We assist with permit registration.

Which Dubai Marina buildings perform best for Airbnb?

Marina Gate I and II, Cayan Tower, Princess Tower, and 23 Marina - all with Marina Walk frontage, quality amenities, and strong international recognition.

Can I combine STR income with long-term capital growth?

Yes. Property Monitor Q1 2026 shows waterfront Marina units at AED 1,820/sqft vs inland AED 1,450/sqft. Income plus appreciation creates 14-19% total return potential.

How much does a Dubai Marina 1BR cost in 2026?

Entry-level 1BR: AED 1.1-1.3M in older inland towers. Premium marina-facing 1BR in class-A buildings: AED 1.45-2.1M. See our Dubai Marina listings.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. Rental yields and rates are indicative based on Q1 2026 market data. Past performance does not guarantee future returns.

Ready to invest in Dubai Marina? Joseph Toubia | RERA Certified Agent (BRN: 54738) | Astra Terra Properties. WhatsApp: +971 58 558 0053 | Oxford Tower, Business Bay, Dubai. Also explore our off-plan projects.

Investing in Dubai Marina for short-term rental income requires careful pre-purchase due diligence. Building-specific variables (view, amenities, management quality) have disproportionate impact on actual returns compared to a standard buy-to-let purchase.

Building-Level STR Due Diligence

1. Confirm STR is permitted in the building: Some Marina buildings have community rules limiting short-term rental operations. Check building management regulations before purchase. Buildings managed by branded hospitality operators sometimes have exclusive management clauses.

2. Review owner association minutes: Some owner associations have voted to restrict short-term rentals. Check at least 12 months of OA minutes before committing.

3. Assess service charge sustainability: Marina service charges average AED 18.6/sqft annually - above the Dubai average of AED 14.2/sqft (CBRE Q4 2025). For a 750 sqft 1BR: AED 13,950 per year in fixed costs.

Unit-Level STR Due Diligence

4. Commission a view floor plan analysis: High floors with clear marina views command 25-35% higher nightly rates. A difference of AED 200,000 at purchase can be recovered in 3-4 years of enhanced nightly rate premium.

5. Inspect furnishing condition: STR units require hotel-standard furnishing. Budget AED 80,000-150,000 for a quality fit-out of a 1BR if buying unfurnished.

6. Calculate break-even occupancy: Properties requiring 65%+ occupancy to break even carry higher risk than those that reach break-even at 50% occupancy.

Explore current Dubai Marina listings and browse our property search. Contact Joseph: WhatsApp +971 58 558 0053.