Gen Z Travel Trends and Extended Stays Shape Dubai’s Short-Term Rental Market Toward 2026

Friday, 2 January 2026

Dubai’s short-term rental market is evolving as Gen Z travellers, longer European stays, and experience-led demand drive a more mature, quality-focused sector heading into 2026.

Key Highlights:

Gen Z travellers are emerging as a strong growth segment, valuing flexibility, design, and digital-first experiences
European visitors are booking longer stays, supporting stable occupancy levels across prime locations
Price sensitivity is increasing, encouraging operators to focus on value-driven offerings and service quality
Licensed, professionally managed properties are outperforming amid rising competition
Guest experience, compliance, and consistent standards are becoming key differentiators
Market data shows resilient pricing and steady occupancy despite global economic uncertainty
Supply growth is being balanced by demand for well-managed, high-quality STR units