Dubai’s property market remains as dynamic as it is mysterious to outsiders. How does one carve out a niche in this environment and build a business that goes beyond mere profit to reshape our understanding of modern hospitality? Darya and Eugene Avilov, founders of Roomy, share their journey from ordinary expats to creators of a thriving short-term rental enterprise with over 100 properties and Superhost status on Airbnb with 962 reviews.
Dubai possesses an odd quality: it refuses to let go. We learnt this first-hand, having lived here for eight years, we decided to return to Kyiv, only to find ourselves back in the Emirates shortly after. Both of us dreamt of our own venture.
We both loved travelling and selecting unusual properties through short-term rental platforms. Why not create something similar in Dubai, but with our own approach? Thus emerged the idea of managing properties rather than simply letting them, becoming the bridge between owners and guests.
Our model proved flexible. Properties can be booked for three days or two years. Some clients reserve accommodation for nine months, depart for summer, leaving their belongings, then return in autumn.
We handle everything from cleaning to repairs. Four years in, we’ve learnt that no detail is too small. We established our own quality benchmarks.
Each flat features a proper bean-to-cup coffee machine, not cheap pods. Bed linen and towels match the finest hotels. Even dishwashing sponges are grey rather than garish yellow to preserve interior harmony.
Walls display only hand-painted artwork, no soulless prints. We pursue sustainability: large-bottle toiletries and water filtration systems have replaced miniature plastic shampoos and water bottles. Our portfolio now comprises over a hundred properties.
We’ve seen everything over the years. Arab guests, following their beliefs, regularly leave untouched bottles of premium spirits, gradually furnishing our office with an impressive bar. Perhaps happiness lies in finding work that becomes part of oneself, that won’t release you even on holiday. We create homes away from home for those who, like us, found themselves in this remarkable city.