Hotel security deposits in the UAE: how much are they and are they mandatory?

From messages by 3 participants in 2 sources · Last activity: 45 days ago

TL;DR

Hotel deposits in the UAE are set by each property rather than by a single national rule. Travelers report amounts of up to US$200, or US$200–300 for a week; ask the reception desk whether the deposit can be waived.

What the community said

One hotel listed a security deposit of AED 500 per night, although a traveler reported that it may not actually have been collected. Confirm the policy with the hotel before arrival.

AED 500 per night

Travelers note that there is no single mandatory hotel-deposit amount across the UAE; each hotel sets its own policy. Ask at check-in whether a no-deposit stay is possible.

The highest reported deposit was approximately US$200–300 for a one-week stay. This was considered unusually high compared with other hotels the traveler had used.

US$200–300 per week

Across several hotels, deposits were usually no more than US$200, but the exact amount was not provided by the tour operator in advance. Keep a card or cash buffer and confirm directly with the property.

up to US$200