- Airbnb is now recognizing the Arabic language on all its platforms, part of a wider push into the Middle East
- There are more than 70,000 listings from the region alone
- More than 10,000 listings in the UAE, and welcome 145,000 guests per year
- The company says it wants to inspire more Arabic-speaking travelers to explore the world
Staying in houses across the world just got easier for Arabs in the Middle East. Airbnb has just flicked the switch on Arabic-support on both its app and website.
The decision comes as new data shows just how important the travelers in the Middle East and North-Africa are to the world.
Together the region boasts 70,000 listings, and as of this 2019, the UAE alone has more than 10,000 registered residences. Last year, more than 145,000 people visitors to the UAE stayed in an Airbnb.
In 2017, Airbnb launched the ‘Experiences’ platform in Dubai. These are tours and activities with an Airbnb twist led by locals. This allows people visiting the Emirates to enjoy Arab hospitality first hand.
Right now in the Middle East and North-Africa, there are 750 Experiences on Airbnb. These take place in Jordan, Morocco, and Egypt and of course the UAE.
As part of its commitment to the region, Airbnb signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Dubai Tourism (DTCM) in 2016 and with Ras al Khaimah in 2018, to encourage responsible hosting within the emirates as well as promote tourism diversification.
Hadi Moussa, Regional Manager Middle East & Africa, at Airbnb said:
“The Middle East and North-Africa region is extremely important to us, so we are delighted to launch Airbnb in Arabic today. People from across the region have been using Airbnb since it was founded ten years ago to book magical travel experiences. We want to create a true sense of belonging for them by ensuring they can do so in their native language going forward. We want to inspire more Arabic speaking travelers to explore their favourite destinations through authentic, local stays and Experiences on the Airbnb platform.”
“Arab hospitality is famous around the world. Airbnb wants to encourage more people in the region to host and share this warm welcome with guests from around the world.”
