Like other parts of the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah is witnessing a growing tourism sector. The city’s natural landscapes and adventure attractions make it a prime location for short-term rentals. With visitors coming for its beaches, mountains, resorts and outdoor activities, homeowners can earn additional income by converting their properties into holiday homes.
What Exactly are Holiday Homes
A holiday home in RAK is any property that is legally registered with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) for short-term rental use. This can include apartments, villas, townhouses and sometimes individual rooms within a unit.
Both homeowners and tenants can operate a holiday home, provided tenants have a valid tenancy agreement and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the landlord.
Properties located in residential, mixed-use or free-zone communities are eligible, as long as they comply with building and community regulations. Holiday homes must meet the minimum safety, maintenance and operational standards set by RAKTDA. Moreover, each guest’s stay must be properly registered through the official portal.
Steps to turn your place into a holiday home in RAK
The following steps have to be followed in order to turn your home into a holiday home in RAK.
Step 1: Apply for a Holiday Home Permit in RAK
In Ras Al Khaimah, holiday homes are regulated by the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA). Homeowners have to obtain a permit before renting their property to guests.
How to Register Your Property
Visit the official RAKTDA Holiday Homes portal to create an account.
- Pay the registration fee (AED 100).
- Select ‘Register New Property’ to apply for a unit permit.
- Provide necessary details such as number of rooms, property type, location and owner/operator information.
- Upload required documents. These include Emirates ID, passport copy, title deed or sales purchase agreement (for owners), tenancy contract or landlord NOC (for tenants) and a recent utility bill. Professional operators may need a trade license and owner authorisation.
Step 2: Undergo Inspection & Classification
Once the submission is complete, RAKTDA will schedule an inspection of the unit. After inspection, the unit must be classified (Standard or Luxury) via the portal before listing. Note that a property can only function as a holiday home after the permit + classification is issued by RAKTDA.
Step 3: Register Guest Check-Ins and Check-Outs
Just like hotels, holiday home owners must record all guest arrivals and departures on the RAKTDA system.
- Log in to your RAKTDA account for each guest arrival and departure.
- For check-in: select ‘New Check-In,’ enter guest details, upload Emirates ID or passport copy and confirm submission.
- For check-out: select the ‘Check-Out’ tab, verify details and submit the record.
This ascertains compliance with tourism regulations and guest safety requirements.
Step 4: Prepare Your Property
After obtaining the permit, prepare the home to meet general holiday-home standards. Consider improving these aspects of your house to turn it into a holiday home in RAK.
- Bedding and Room Essentials: Clean bed linens (preferably white), pillows and blankets, wardrobe space with hangers, blackout curtains and a basket with toiletries.
- Electrical Appliances: Air conditioning, refrigerator, microwave, kettle, smart TV, Wi-Fi router, iron with ironing board and universal chargers.
- Maintenance and Safety: Check plumbing, faucets, drainage, lights, switches, sockets and AC filters; repaint walls if needed; install smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Make sure the guest entry is private and accessible.
- Noise & Comfort: Use noise-reduction curtains, weather stripping or sound-absorbing décor if the property is near busy streets or areas. A peaceful stay increases repeat bookings.
Step 5: List Your Holiday Home
Once your house transforms into a holiday home, you can list it on dubizzle — ideal for local and UAE travellers. Listing on the platform lets you reach verified local users searching for short-term stays across RAK.
FAQs
Do holiday homes in RAK require tourism fees?
Yes, RAKTDA applies a per-room, per-night tourism fee similar to hotel charges. Rates vary by classification.
Are serviced apartments considered holiday homes?
No. Holiday homes and serviced apartments fall under separate categories and have different regulations.
How do I renew a holiday home permit in RAK?
Holiday home permits in RAK can be renewed through the RAKTDA Holiday Homes portal. Owners or operators need to log in to their account, review the unit details, update necessary documents and submit the renewal request. Once approved, the property can continue operating as a legally compliant holiday rental.
Turning your house into a holiday home in Ras Al Khaimah is a promising way to generate income while contributing to the city’s tourism sector. With the right setup, amenities and a legally approved permit, your property can attract guests seeking weekend getaways.
For more short-term rental options, explore holiday homes and properties for rent in Ras Al Khaimah.
Stay tuned to the UAE’s top property blog for more on short-term rental options across the country.
