As a global hub for commerce and tourism, Dubai boasts an exciting and rapidly growing short-term rental sector. With a constant influx of international visitors, the industry has witnessed significant growth over the last few years, fueled by events like Expo 2020 and GITEX Global. The proptech sector plays a pivotal role in the short-term rental industry through new technological advancements that transform how properties are listed, managed and experienced by guests.
Several exciting proptech advancements are set to revolutionize Dubai’s short-term rental market, which will have a lasting impact on Dubai’s broader real estate industry.
The future will see a surge in hyper-personalised guest experiences driven by AI. Platforms will be able to analyse guest preferences, past booking histories and real-time data to offer bespoke recommendations for properties, local experiences and services during the stays. For example, guests who previously had booked family-friendly accommodation could receive suggestions for similar properties with family-friendly facilities and nearby suitable attractions. AI chatbots will be able to provide instant and personalized support and personalized itineraries depending on the individual traveller’s needs.
When it comes to the decision-making stage, proptech is already making waves; however, in the future, proptech will enable guests to fully explore properties through VR and AR. Virtual tours will offer immersive walkthroughs that allow guests to experience spaces remotely before booking. Apps will be able to provide in-property guides, with information about household appliances, local amenities and points of interest directly to guests’ devices. Currently, guests booking properties rely heavily on imagery and video tours to view properties online; however, these often do not provide the real feel of a space’s layout, size and ambience. With these new proptech integrations, guests can feel confident about their booking decisions, having a clearer picture of what they are booking. This will in turn, lead to higher booking conversion rates and reduced cancellations due to unmet expectations. Bookings that offer VR/AR viewing will have a competitive edge over those which do not.
With an increasing global focus on sustainability, technological integrations that advance green practices will be key for the future growth of the sector. Smart systems that manage water and energy will optimize consumption and minimize waste, alongside platforms that promote sustainability and highlight green certifications. In line with the UAE’s broader sustainability goals, new proptech will enhance the appeal of properties that cater to the growing segment of environmentally conscious travellers.
The Internet of Things and robotics will bring a new era of efficiencies to Dubai’s short-term rental industry. Enhanced automation will help to reduce costs for property managers and contribute to smoother and more convenient experiences for guests. For example, digital tools will have the ability to detect unusual activity, such as energy consumption rates that may indicate faulty appliances or running taps that have been left on accidentally. Owners will be able to automate routine tasks like setting the thermostat and switching the lights on and off. Robotic cleaning services will handle routine cleaning. Keyless entry systems will evolve from digital locks to secure systems linked to owners’ devices or individual access codes.
The UAE’s strong digital infrastructure and high smartphone penetration rates consistently rank among the highest globally. This backdrop creates an ideal setting for the adoption of mobile-first proptech solutions. With guests already accustomed to using apps for various aspects of the travel process, the integration of mobile-first solutions will be a streamlined process and a natural progression.
With a love for luxury, the UAE market caters to many high-net-worth individuals. Proptech can enhance this sector by offering sophisticated home optimizations like personalized concierge services through dedicated apps that provide complete control over every aspect of their stay. From automated climate control to pre-programmed entertainment systems, AI can also learn the preferences of returning guests, ensuring that their favorite settings and amenities are in place upon arrival, helping to encourage repeat bookings.
The future of Dubai’s short-term rental market will likely see even more sophisticated and integrated proptech solutions involving blockchain technology. With this technology, payment processes will become more streamlined. Guests will have a more transparent and secure payment process with smart contracts. Blockchain technology will be able to automate certain aspects of the rental agreement, from the handling of a deposit to utility management, increasing trust between property owners and guests.
The advancements in proptech in Dubai’s short-term rental sector will also have a ripple effect across the wider UAE property market. Increased efficiencies and profitability demonstrated in the short-term rental market will encourage the adoption of similar technologies in the long-term rental and property sales sector too.
For the past eight years, Frank Porter has been at the forefront of short-term rental innovation by developing its own proprietary technology. Whereas other companies rely on external proptech solutions, Frank Porter’s in-house platform provides total control and seamless integration across all operations. From managing reservations and guest communications to providing easy-to-use owner portals, handling guest verification and passport submissions, and delivering financial tracking and analysis, this technology streamlines every aspect of short-term rental management. This proprietary system also features a direct integration with Airbnb, a key factor in maximizing booking potential and occupancy rates. This commitment to building an owned technological infrastructure ensures efficiency and allows for continuous adaptation to the evolving needs of the customer.
With many potential areas for proptech to advance the short-term real estate industry, there are many opportunities for technology companies to spearhead innovations in data security, platform integration and proptech training. Collaboration between real estate businesses and proptech companies will be crucial as we look towards the future of these two industries.
By embracing these technological innovations, the UAE can solidify its position as a global leader for short-term rentals with a highly efficient and profitable sector. The future of the short-term rental industry is the ‘smart stay’, where technology is seamlessly integrated and the modern guest has a truly optimized experience.
Biography
Anna Skigin is the founder and CEO of Frank Porter, a leading short-let management company launched in Dubai in 2017.
With a strong background in hospitality and extensive international experience, Anna understands quality and brings that to everything she does. An accomplished leader, she inspires a talented and international team, ensuring five-star guest experiences and higher returns for the hosts. With her extensive professional background, Anna is involved in every aspect of the business, from strategy to operations, and seeing that the Frank Porter standard is never compromised.
Anna’s experience includes having worked with international clients in all domains– from being a private banker in the prominent Rothschild group in Geneva, Switzerland, to client advisory at the world’s leading auction houses, Sotheby’s and Phillips, in London, UK.
The author is CEO and Founder of Frank Porter.
