Is subletting allowed in Dubai?

With the landlord's written permission only. Under the Dubai rental law (Law 26 of 2007, Article 24), without the landlord's written permission a lessee shall not assign or sublet the rental property. This is also stated in the Unified Tenancy Contract.

Without written consent from the landlord, if a lessee sublets the property, the landlord may submit a request to the Rental Disputes Center for the eviction of the tenant and subtenant prior to the end of the lease. Subleases automatically terminate at the termination of the primary lease unless otherwise agreed by the landlord.

Law 4 of 2026 on shared housing introduces further restrictions. Shared housing is subject to an approval by the Dubai Municipality. Tenants may not sublet any part of a unit, and this can carry a fine of up to AED 500,000. For short term rental of residential properties a holiday home permit is required.