The Dubai Host's Guide

Local tips, exclusive events, and essential insight for living like a Dubai resident

Blog

By undefined November 10, 2025
Some property owners think managing their holiday home themselves will save them money. They buy a long list of cleaning supplies, download an Airbnb app, and think they're set. But what they don't realize is that they aren't saving money; they're spending something far more valuable: T ime. The Hidden Time Sink: 24/7 Guest Relations: A guest arrives at 2 AM with a problem. Are you ready to take that call? We handle all late-night check-ins, emergency maintenance, and instant communication. You sleep, we work. The Listing Treadmill: Your listing needs constant updates, price adjustments, seasonal photo refreshes, and responding to 50 inquiries to secure one booking. This is a full-time job. Our team uses AI-powered dynamic pricing to optimize rates every hour, ensuring you always earn the maximum. The Small Stuff Adds Up: Restocking soap, fixing a loose cabinet, scheduling the deep clean, coordinating DEWA payments... these small tasks consume hours every single week. The Bottom Line: When you hire a professional management company like Casa Elan , you are not paying an expense; you are investing in your freedom. We turn your asset into true passive income, freeing you up to focus on your career, your family, or your next investment. Stop managing; start earning.
By undefined November 10, 2025
Dubai has a reputation for five-star dining, but eating like a local doesn't have to cost a fortune! If you're staying in one of our beautiful holiday homes near the Marina or JBR, here are a few spots where you can get incredible food without burning through your souvenir budget. Where the Locals Eat: The Best Shawarma (For a Midnight Snack): You have to try Operation: Falafel in JBR. It’s quick, open late, and their original chicken shawarma is the gold standard. Grab one and eat it by the beach—perfect Dubai experience. Affordable Indian/Pakistani (Hearty & Flavorful): Head over to Ravi Restaurant in Satwa (a short taxi ride). It's famous, completely no-frills, and serves legendary curries and biryanis. It’s an authentic Dubai institution. Hidden Breakfast Spot (For Your Morning Fix): Forget the hotel buffets. Find a little café in JLT (Jumeirah Lakes Towers), just across the Marina. Places like The Black Sheep Coffee offer great brews and affordable, high-quality breakfast sandwiches. When you're staying with Casa Elan, you have a fully equipped kitchen, but sometimes you just need to step out. Enjoy these spots and tell us which one was your favorite!
By websites November 10, 2025
The Dubai holiday home market is booming, but there's one big fear that keeps owners up at night: getting fined or running into legal trouble. We get it. If you’re renting out your apartment on a short-term basis—even just for a few weeks a year—you need to know about the DTCM Permit. What is the DTCM Permit, Anyway? DTCM stands for the Department of Economy and Tourism , and they regulate the entire tourism and hospitality sector in Dubai. A DTCM permit is basically a license that certifies your property is legal, safe, and approved to host short-term guests. Why is it essential? It’s the difference between running a legitimate, insurable business and taking a serious risk. Without it, you face hefty fines, property closure, and potential legal action. The Myth: Getting a Permit is a Nightmare Many owners think they need to hire expensive lawyers and spend months wrestling with paperwork. That's the biggest myth! The Reality: The Permit is Our Job. When you partner with Casa Elan , the entire process—from initial documentation to final approval and paying the mandatory Tourism Dirham fees—becomes our responsibility. We handle the paperwork: We prepare all the necessary documents, including Title Deeds and passport copies. We manage compliance: We register your unit, ensure it meets all safety and quality standards, and submit the fees on time. You get peace of mind: Your property is fully legal, insurable, and ready to generate maximum revenue without you lifting a finger. The DTCM permit isn't a hurdle; it's a seal of quality and legality that attracts more reliable, high-paying guests. Don't gamble with your investment. Let us handle the compliance so you can enjoy the returns.
By undefined November 10, 2025
Staying in a holiday home in Jumeirah gives you access to some of the world's best beaches. But skipping the crowds and finding the perfect spot for sun, swimming, and snacks is key. Here’s your local guide to the absolute best beach days in Dubai. Jumeirah's Top Spots (Public & Popular) Jumeirah Public Beach (JBR Beach): The most famous for a reason. It's massive, vibrant, and always buzzing. Vibe Check: High-energy, great for people-watching. Pro Tip: This is your spot for parasailing, jet skiing, and watersports. Come early on weekends to snag a spot! Kite Beach: The name says it all. This is the ultimate destination for the active traveler. Vibe Check: Athletic, fun, and breezy. Perfect for kitesurfing and paddleboarding. Must-Try: Grab a signature burger or acai bowl from one of the food trucks parked along the sand. The Hidden Gem (For Peace & Quiet) Black Palace Beach (Al Sufouh Beach): Often called 'Secret Beach.' It’s tucked away behind Al Sufouh Park and offers one of the best, unobstructed views of the Palm Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab. Vibe Check: Serene, peaceful, and perfect for sunset photos. Heads Up: There are no facilities or vendors here, so bring your own water and towel! It’s purely about the quiet beauty. When you book a holiday home with Casa Elan, you’re not just getting a place to stay—you’re getting local insight. Your perfect Dubai beach day is just steps away!
By undefined November 10, 2025
Every property owner knows the pain of Dubai Service Charges. They are fixed, non-negotiable, and they take a big bite out of your annual return on investment (ROI) . It often feels like you’re just running to stand still. But there is a simple strategy that turns that fixed expense into a smaller percentage of a much larger income: Professional Short-Term Rentals. The Long-Term Trap When you rent your property on a long-term contract (usually 12 months), your rental income is fixed and relatively low. If your service charges are AED 30,000, and your net annual rent is AED 120,000, those service charges consume 25% of your income! The Casa Elan Difference Short-term rentals generate significantly higher gross revenue than long-term leases because you are earning premium, hotel-level rates. Imagine the same property generating an estimated AED 200,000 annually through our short-term rental model. Your service charges of AED 30,000 now consume only 15% of your income! You see the difference? The service charges don't change, but your income does. By earning dramatically more throughout the year, your fixed costs shrink proportionally. We handle dynamic pricing and high occupancy to maximize that gross revenue, ensuring your property is actually making money, not just covering its operating expenses. Stop letting fixed fees kill your ROI. Let your property work harder, smarter, and more profitably.
By websites October 31, 2022
Why Dubai Remains the World’s Favorite Luxury Escape
By websites October 31, 2022
The Rise of Boutique Holiday Homes
By websites October 31, 2022
Choosing the Right Neighborhood for Your Dubai Getaway
By websites October 14, 2022
Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt.