Can I rent out my Dubai apartment on Airbnb, and does it earn more?

Yes, but every short-term let needs a holiday-home permit from Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), plus building/HOA approval; unlicensed listings are fined and delisted. Well-run holiday homes in tourist areas can gross 20-40% more than a standard annual lease, but only with high occupancy (roughly 65-75%) and after 15-20% management and platform costs.