Yes, you can manage your own short-term rental in Dubai, but it requires significant time, effort, and the use of management tools to do so effectively. Many property owners choose to self-manage their properties to retain full control and maximize profits, but there are several factors to consider.

Advantages of Managing Your Own Short-Term Rental:

1. Full Control: You have autonomy over every aspect of your property, from pricing to marketing. You decide how to list it, manage guest communications, and handle bookings, allowing you to create a personalized experience for guests​
   
   

2. Cost Savings: By managing the property yourself, you avoid the typical 20-30% commission fees charged by property management companies. This can significantly increase your overall return on investment (ROI), especially if your property is located in a high-demand area
   
   

3. Direct Guest Interaction: As a host, you can offer a personalized experience, which can lead to better reviews and higher occupancy. Guests often appreciate direct communication with the property owner, leading to positive feedback and repeat business​.

   
   

Challenges of Managing on Your Own:

1. Time-Intensive: Managing a short-term rental is a full-time job. It involves handling bookings, responding to guest inquiries, managing check-ins and check-outs, organizing cleaning, and maintaining the property. This can be overwhelming, especially if you manage multiple properties​
   
   

2. Technology & Tools: To streamline operations, you’ll need to invest in technology, such as booking platforms, automated guest communication tools, and dynamic pricing software to stay competitive in the market​.
   
   

3. Handling Emergencies: You must be available 24/7 to address guest concerns or emergencies. This level of availability can be demanding, particularly if you live far from the property​.

   
   

Property Management Services: A Time-Saving Option

If you want to minimize your involvement, a property management service can handle everything, including marketing, guest communication, maintenance, and maximizing your booking potential. While these services charge a percentage of your rental income (usually 25-30%), they reduce the workload significantly and often lead to higher occupancy rates due to their professional experience.

Conclusion:

If you have the time and resources, self-managing your short-term rental in Dubai can be highly rewarding and cost-effective. However, if you prefer a more hands-off approach, hiring a property management service may be a better option, allowing you to focus on growing your investment portfolio while ensuring your property is well-maintained and profitable.