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Understanding how much is tourism tax in Dubai is essential for travelers and hotel operators alike. Dubai applies a small nightly fee known as the Tourism Dirham, which helps fund the emirate’s world-class hospitality and tourism infrastructure.
In this guide, we’ll explain what is tourism tax in Dubai, how the tourism dirham tax in Dubai works, and how businesses can remain compliant with the tourism license cost in Dubai and travel and tourism license cost in Dubai requirements.
What Is Tourism Dirham?
The Tourism Dirham is a nightly fee charged on stays at hotels, hotel apartments, holiday homes, and guesthouses in Dubai. It’s Dubai’s official tourism fee, introduced by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) to fund destination marketing, hospitality initiatives, and infrastructure projects.
If you’ve ever wondered, “what is tourism dirham?”, it’s not a separate tax on travelers but a per-night room charge added to your hotel bill.
Read more: How to Claim VAT Refund in Dubai Airport?
Why Is There a Tourism Dirham Tax in Dubai?
The tourism dirham tax in Dubai was introduced to support the city’s vision of becoming one of the world’s leading travel destinations. The fee helps fund tourism projects, enhance visitor experiences, and maintain Dubai’s global reputation for exceptional hospitality.
By collecting this small charge from hotel guests, the city reinvests in tourism infrastructure, marketing initiatives, and large-scale events that attract millions of travelers every year. So, when you pay the tourism fee Dubai, you’re actually contributing to improving the city’s future tourism experience.
How Much Is Tourism Tax in Dubai?
Many visitors ask, “how much is tourism tax in Dubai per night?” The tourism dirham tax in Dubai varies by accommodation category:
| Hotel Rating | Tourism Dirham Tax per Room per Night |
|---|---|
| 5-Star | AED 20 |
| 4-Star | AED 15 |
| 3-Star | AED 10 |
| 1- & 2-Star | AED 7 |
| Holiday Homes | AED 15 |
These rates are applied per room, per night, regardless of the number of guests. Some properties include the tourist fee Dubai in the total booking cost, while others display it as a separate line item.
So, if you’re budgeting your stay, knowing how much is tourism tax in Dubai helps estimate your total cost more accurately.
Is There a Tourist Tax in Dubai?
A common question is, “is there a tourist tax in Dubai besides the Tourism Dirham?” The answer is no — the only mandatory levy is the tourism dirham tax.
Dubai does not charge any additional city, occupancy, or environmental taxes. Other fees you might see on your invoice, such as 5% VAT or optional resort service fees, are separate from the tourist tax in Dubai.
Who Pays the Tourism Dirham Tax?
Every guest—whether traveling for leisure or business—pays the tourism fee Dubai. It applies to:
- Hotel rooms and suites
- Serviced apartments
- Guesthouses and holiday homes
These establishments collect the tourism dirham tax in Dubai on behalf of the DET and remit it periodically through their official account.
Is There a Tourist Tax in Dubai for Short Stays?
Yes, the tourist fee in Dubai applies to all hotel stays — whether it’s one night or several weeks. The tourism dirham tax is charged per room per night, based on the type and rating of the accommodation.
For example, a 5-star hotel may charge AED 20 per night, while a 3-star property may charge around AED 10. This means even short visits contribute a small amount toward maintaining Dubai’s world-class tourism facilities. However, private rentals or unregistered accommodations usually don’t apply the fee unless officially licensed.
Read more: Hotel Tax in Dubai
When and How Is the Tourism Fee in Dubai Charged?
The tourism tax in Dubai is automatically added to your final hotel bill at checkout. Hotels, resorts, and serviced apartments collect the fee on behalf of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
Guests don’t need to make any extra arrangements — the tourism fee Dubai is clearly listed as a separate line item on your invoice. The amount depends on the hotel category and number of nights stayed. This transparent process ensures that the tourism dirham tax in Dubai is easy to understand and consistent across the hospitality sector.
Travel and Tourism License Cost in Dubai
If you operate a hospitality business, understanding the travel and tourism license cost in Dubai is crucial.
- Travel Agency License: Typically costs between AED 3,000 and AED 5,000 per year, depending on the business type and office location.
- Tourism License for Hotels or Holiday Homes: Ranges from AED 6,000 to AED 15,000 annually, based on the property size and star rating.
Both licenses are issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, and they enable businesses to legally collect the tourism dirham tax.
Knowing the tourism license cost in Dubai helps businesses remain compliant and transparent with guests.
Read more: Dubai Tourist Tax
Adding the Tourism Dirham to Your Billing
If you already hold a business or hospitality license but need to add accommodation services, you can add an activity to your trade license in Dubai by:
- Checking your existing license on the DET portal.
- Applying for an amendment to include hotel or holiday home activities.
- Paying an amendment fee (usually under AED 1,000).
- Once approved, adding the Tourism Dirham line item to guest invoices.
This ensures full legal compliance and smooth operations for all property managers.
Example: Calculating the Tourist Fee in Dubai
Let’s say you book a 4-star hotel for 3 nights. The tourism dirham tax in Dubai is AED 15 per night:
3 nights × AED 15 = AED 45
Your final invoice will show AED 45 labeled as Tourism Dirham. This simple example clearly answers how much is tourism tax in Dubai during your stay.
FAQs: How Much Is Tourism Tax in Dubai?
How much is tourism tax in Dubai per night?
It ranges from AED 7 to AED 20 per room per night, depending on the hotel’s rating.
Is there a tourist tax in Dubai besides the Tourism Dirham?
No. The Tourism Dirham is the only official visitor levy.
What is Tourism Dirham?
A nightly fee that supports tourism development in Dubai.
Can I add the fee under an existing business license?
Yes, by requesting to add an activity to your trade license in Dubai for accommodation.
Do I need a tourism license to collect the tax?
Yes, a valid tourism or travel license from DET is required.
How much is the Dubai tourism fee?
The Dubai tourism fee, also known as the Tourism Dirham Tax, ranges between AED 7 and AED 20 per room per night, depending on the hotel’s star rating. For example, guests in 5-star hotels usually pay AED 20 per night, while those in budget hotels pay AED 7–10.
How to pay tourism dirham fee?
You don’t need to pay separately. The tourism dirham fee is automatically added to your hotel bill and can be paid along with your total stay amount, either in cash or by card during checkout.
How do I know if I need to pay tourist tax?
All visitors staying in licensed hotels, resorts, and holiday apartments in Dubai must pay the tourism dirham tax in Dubai. It applies to both tourists and business travelers, regardless of nationality.
What is the tourist tax in Dubai 2025?
As of 2025, there has been no change in the tourism tax in Dubai. The fee remains between AED 7 and AED 20 per room per night, depending on the property type.
Can you pay tourist tax by card?
Yes, you can pay the tourist fee in Dubai using your credit or debit card when settling your final hotel bill. Most hotels automatically include the charge on your invoice for convenience.
What is the new tax in UAE 2025?
In 2025, the UAE continues to apply Corporate Tax (9%) on business profits exceeding AED 375,000. This does not affect the tourism fee in Dubai, which remains a separate nightly charge for visitors.
Is Dubai tax free for Indians?
Yes, Dubai is tax-free for individuals, including Indian tourists. Visitors are only required to pay the tourism dirham fee when staying at hotels or serviced apartments — no income or tourist tax applies beyond that.
What will the tax rate be after 2025?
Currently, there are no announced increases in either tourism tax in Dubai or UAE corporate tax after 2025. The government aims to maintain stable and competitive tax rates to support tourism and investment.
Which country has the highest tax rate?
As of 2025, countries like Denmark, France, and Belgium have some of the highest tax rates globally, with personal income taxes reaching up to 55–60%. In comparison, Dubai remains one of the most tax-friendly destinations in the world.
Key Takeaways: How Much Is Tourism Tax in Dubai?
Knowing how much is tourism tax in Dubai helps travelers budget confidently and enables accommodation providers to maintain transparency. The tourism dirham tax—ranging from AED 7 to AED 20 per night—is the only official tourism fee in Dubai.
For hotel operators, understanding the tourism license cost in Dubai and travel and tourism license cost in Dubai ensures full compliance with DET regulations.
With experts like mazeed, businesses can easily manage every step of the process—registration, billing, and reporting—while offering guests a hassle-free stay in Dubai.
References: How Much Is Tourism Tax in Dubai?
- Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)
- Government of Dubai – Tourism Dirham Fee Circular
- UAE Government Portal – Taxes and Fees
Disclaimer: This publication is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional or legal advice. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding completeness or applicability. mazeed, its members, employees, and agents do not accept or assume any liability, responsibility, or duty of care for any actions taken or decisions made based on this content. For tax official guidance, please refer to the Federal Tax Authority.
