The right setup will depend on your property, building and how long you will be gone, but a few areas deserve particular attention in Dubai: AC and humidity, water, perishables, plants, deliveries and access.
Start with a plan for your home
Before traveling, decide:
- what needs to remain switched on
- which rooms or areas should be checked
- who can access the property
- who should be contacted if something unusual is found
- what actions can be taken if you cannot be reached
If someone will be checking the home while you are away, leave clear instructions rather than relying on them to guess.
Prepare your AC and humidity plan
Avoid simply switching everything off without considering how your particular home and AC system should operate while it is empty.
Before leaving:
- confirm the appropriate AC settings for your property
- note which rooms or thermostats should be monitored
- check that the system appears to be operating normally
- address any existing AC or humidity concern before traveling
Building management or a qualified AC provider can advise you if you are unsure about the appropriate setup.
Read our AC and humidity guide for more detail.
Check water and visible signs of leaks
Walk through bathrooms, the kitchen and other accessible wet areas before departure.
Look for:
- dripping faucets
- toilets that continue running
- moisture beneath sinks
- signs of water around appliances
- staining, damp areas or existing water damage
If you find something unusual, it is better to investigate it before you leave rather than assume it will remain unchanged.
If available to you, DEWA monitoring tools can also help you keep an eye on unusual consumption while you are away.
Read our guide to reducing water-leak risks while away for a fuller checklist.
Take care of food, plants and deliveries
A few simple steps can prevent avoidable problems.
Food and waste
- remove food that may spoil during your absence
- empty trash cans
- check the fridge and cabinets
- leave clear instructions if someone is authorized to dispose of spoiled items later
Plants
Leave simple, plant-specific watering instructions. Avoid assuming every plant needs the same frequency or amount of water.
Use our guide to watering plants while away in Dubai to prepare watering instructions and plan care while away.
Packages and deliveries
Review any deliveries expected while you are away and decide:
- whether they should be postponed
- whether building staff can receive them
- whether someone checking the home is authorized to bring accessible packages inside
Make sure access will actually work
A home-care plan is only useful if the property can be accessed.
Before leaving:
- test keys, cards or fobs
- check any digital-access method
- confirm building or community security requirements
- make sure the authorized person knows how to enter
- provide an emergency contact
If your building requires advance notification or authorization for visitors, arrange it before you travel.
Your final pre-travel checklist
Before you leave:
- Confirm your AC setup
- Check for visible leaks or water concerns
- Turn off or prepare appliances that will not be used, where appropriate
- Remove trash and review perishables
- Leave plant-care instructions
- Review expected deliveries
- Test keys and access
- Confirm building/security requirements
- Provide an emergency contact
- Decide who may approve urgent action if you cannot be reached
- Arrange an appropriate schedule for checking the home
How Jaari can help
Jaari Home Care gives your home a real-world check while you are away.
During agreed visits, Jaari can check areas such as:
- property condition and access
- AC operation, temperature and humidity at agreed checkpoints
- visible leaks and water damage
- kitchen areas, perishables and visible pest signs
- packages and mail where authorized
- selected add-ons such as plant watering or a parked-car check
After each visit, you receive a clear report showing what was checked, what was observed and whether anything needs your attention.