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
