The homegrown company made the decision in line with the recent law changes in Abu Dhabi that introduced new regulations for the holiday home sector.
Since last month it is mandatory for all holiday home operators in Abu Dhabi to register their units on the new online system to ensure sector regulations are maintained. The registration helps regulate and enhance the sector, by which alternatives to hotel and hotel apartments are offered to guests in the emirate.
With a vision to redefine the hospitality industry, Stella Stays is well recognised for its innovative and guest-centric approach to hospitality. The brand started out with a single penthouse in 2019 and currently, it’s signed with more than 300 properties and is present in Dubai, Manama, and Montreal. With this new law established, Stella Stays plans to advance into the capital with its unrivalled, efficient technology and service, offering Abu Dhabi holidaymakers and businesspeople an impeccable stay experience.
In addition to short term bookings, Stella Stays offers an unparalleled experience for guests looking for a long-term stay, such as new residents of the capital who are looking for a home with the flexibility to move in instantly without worrying about purchasing furniture, paying utilities or signing tedious amount of paperwork that is commonplace with yearly rentals. Additionally, these properties are ideal for corporate travellers, digital nomads, groups of friends and families looking for a place to stay for a period of weeks or months, as they offer the luxury of spacious rooms that hotels can’t offer.
Having had plans for the business’s expansion in Abu Dhabi antecedently to the new regulations, CEO and co-founder, Mohannad Zikra and team is well prepared and looks at the future of the brand in the Emirate under a positive light, foreseeing a smoother and faster execution with the help of the Abu Dhabi Government. The company plans to launch 100+ units in UAE’s capital by end of 2022.
Mohannad Zikra says, “We are excited to expand into the UAE’s capital, where business and tourism are tremendously growing. There is no doubt that we are in a period of innovation when it comes to residential living. Long-term renters are now looking for flexible and hassle-free living arrangements, while new residents are seeking furnished rentals before moving to something more permanent. Over the last two years, we have also seen a massive shift towards remote working, a trend that only continues to grow. Our properties offer a dynamic environment intentionally built to complement the hybrid way of working we are seeing in 2022”.
“With the new regulations for the sector, we are pleased to align with the government’s plans to ensure standard and quality for the guests. The brand fully understands what today’s modern family and business travellers require and expect when travelling. Abu Dhabi guests can expect everything from 1 BHK apartments to luxury villas and penthouses.”
Stella Stays has a 4.9 Google rating and a five-star Apple App Store and Google Play rating. The brand is seeing a steady increase of repeat guests that book a Stella regularly. Additionally, when they began operations in 2019, the average length of stay was three nights per booking, however, today, the average length of stay has increased to 18 nights per booking which is six times longer than when it first started.