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SparkHour

Studio Host Agreement

Version 2.1 · Effective 7 October 2026

Version 2.1 | Effective Date: 7 October 2026

IMPORTANT: THIS STUDIO HOST AGREEMENT IS A BINDING LEGAL CONTRACT BETWEEN YOU (THE STUDIO HOST) AND SPARKHOUR. BY REGISTERING AS A STUDIO HOST, LISTING A SPACE, OR ACCEPTING A BOOKING ON SPARKHOUR, YOU CONFIRM THAT YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED TO BE BOUND BY ITS TERMS. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE, DO NOT LIST A SPACE OR ACCEPT BOOKINGS. THIS AGREEMENT IS GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES.

1. Parties

This Studio Host Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into between:

  • SparkHour — SparkHour LLC, a Free Zone (FZ) entity duly licensed under the laws of the United Arab Emirates by the Sharjah Media City Free Zone Authority (Shams), with its registered office at Sharjah Media City (Shams), Al Messaned, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, registered for VAT with the UAE Federal Tax Authority ("SparkHour", "we", "us" or "our"); and
  • The individual or legal entity registering an account on the SparkHour platform as a space provider ("Studio Host" or "you").

SparkHour and the Studio Host are each a "Party" and collectively the "Parties".

2. Definitions

  • "Platform" means the SparkHour website (www.sparkhour.ae), mobile applications, and related services.
  • "Space" means any location, studio, room, or venue listed by the Studio Host on the Platform.
  • "Listing" means the Studio Host's public advertisement of a Space.
  • "Listing Approval" means the point at which SparkHour's admin review has approved the Listing and the Space has been made publicly visible and bookable on the Platform (i.e. the Listing has gone live).
  • "Creator" means any user who books or seeks to book the Studio Host's Space.
  • "Booking" means a confirmed, paid reservation of a Space made by a Creator and accepted by the Studio Host.
  • "Booking Fee" means the total amount paid by the Creator for a Booking.
  • "SparkHour Commission" means the percentage of the Booking Fee retained by SparkHour as set out in Section 6.
  • "Stripe" means Stripe Payments Europe, Ltd. or its affiliates.
  • "Studio Host Payout" means the net amount payable to the Studio Host for a completed Booking after deducting Stripe fees, transfer fees, and the SparkHour Commission.

3. Studio Host Eligibility & Legal Right to List

3.1 Eligibility

To become a Studio Host, you must:

  1. Be at least eighteen (18) years of age and have the legal capacity to enter into a binding contract under UAE law;
  2. If listing as an individual, hold a valid UAE residency visa or Emirates ID, or be a UAE/GCC national;
  3. If listing as a business, hold a valid UAE trade license that permits the activity carried out at the Space;
  4. Provide accurate, current and complete information during registration, including KYC documentation.

3.2 Legal Right to List the Space

You represent and warrant that:

  1. You are either the legal owner of the Space, or an authorised tenant or licensee with explicit written permission from the owner and/or landlord to sub-license the Space on an hourly basis via the Platform;
  2. The Space complies with all applicable UAE laws, including zoning regulations, municipality rules, Civil Defence requirements, DED/Free Zone licensing conditions, and any rules of the relevant owners' association or building management;
  3. You hold all necessary permits, approvals, and no-objection certificates (NOCs) required to commercially rent the Space;
  4. The Space does not violate any residential tenancy contract, mortgage terms, or property ownership bylaws.

3.3 Proof of Right to List

SparkHour reserves the right to request, at any time and at its sole discretion, documentary evidence of the Studio Host's legal right to list the Space, including trade license, tenancy contract, Ejari registration, title deed, or a landlord's No Objection Certificate (NOC). Failure to provide such documentation within seven (7) days of a written request will result in immediate delisting of the Space without liability to SparkHour, and any pending Payouts may be withheld pending resolution.

4. Listings & Studio Host Responsibilities

4.1 Creating and Managing Listings

The Studio Host is solely responsible for creating and maintaining Listings. SparkHour conducts an admin review of each new Listing and, upon successful review, grants Listing Approval, after which the Listing becomes publicly visible and bookable. Studio Host responsibilities include:

  • Uploading accurate photographs that reflect the current state of the Space;
  • Providing a truthful description of size, capacity, amenities, and restrictions;
  • Setting the hourly price, minimum booking duration (minimum two (2) hours), any optional Additional Fee (with a clear description of what the fee is for), and add-ons;
  • Maintaining an up-to-date availability calendar;
  • Specifying clear house rules (smoking, alcohol, pets, music volume, permitted activities).

4.2 Studio Host Operational Obligations

For every confirmed Booking, the Studio Host agrees to:

  1. Make the Space available to the Creator at the agreed time, in the condition represented;
  2. Provide access information at least 24 hours before Booking start;
  3. Ensure the Space is clean, safe, and operational, with all listed equipment functioning;
  4. Be reachable during the Booking;
  5. Respond to booking requests within 48 hours (requests not responded to will expire);
  6. Promptly address any issue raised by the Creator during the Booking.

4.3 Prohibited Listings & Activities

You may not list or allow your Space to be used for:

  • Any activity illegal or contrary to UAE public morals, including unlicensed parties, gambling, drug use;
  • Alcohol consumption or service unless you hold a valid UAE liquor licence for the Space;
  • Content violating UAE media and publishing laws, cybercrime law (Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021), or the UAE Penal Code;
  • Any photography, videography, or content production involving children under 18 without the documented prior written consent of their parent or legal guardian, and without compliance with the UAE Child Rights Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 3 of 2016, "Wadeema's Law");
  • Residential overnight stays (SparkHour is hourly, non-residential);
  • Sub-listing without the owner's written consent.

5. Booking Process

5.1 Request-to-Book Model

  1. Creator's payment method is authorised but not charged;
  2. Studio Host has 48 hours (or until Booking start, whichever is earlier) to accept or decline;
  3. Upon acceptance, Creator is charged, Booking confirmed, funds held by Stripe until completion;
  4. If Studio Host doesn't respond, request expires with no charge.

5.1A Instant Book Model

The Studio Host may enable Instant Book on a Listing. When enabled:

  1. The Creator's payment method is charged immediately at the time of booking and the Booking is confirmed automatically, without a separate acceptance step;
  2. By enabling Instant Book, the Studio Host agrees to honour every Instant Book Booking made within the Listing's published availability and house rules;
  3. A Studio Host who cancels a confirmed Instant Book Booking is subject to Section 7 (including any Studio Host cancellation fee);
  4. The Studio Host may switch a Listing between Request-to-Book and Instant Book at any time from the Listing settings.

5.2 Modifications

Modifications must be agreed by both Parties through the Platform and will trigger recalculation of Booking Fee and Studio Host Payout.

6. Fees, Commission & Studio Host Payouts

6.1 No Listing Fee

Creating a Listing is free. No membership, subscription, or upfront fees.

6.2 SparkHour Commission — Flat 5%

SparkHour earns revenue exclusively through a commission calculated on the gross Booking Fee paid by the Creator (i.e., hourly rate × hours, plus any Additional Fee and add-ons, before Stripe processing fees). There is no separate service fee charged to Creators.

  1. COMMISSION RATE — 5%. The SparkHour Commission is five percent (5%) of the gross Booking Fee. This rate applies to every Booking from the Studio Host's first Booking onward. There is no introductory period, no step-up rate, no volume threshold and no time limit.
  2. STRIPE PROCESSING FEES. Stripe's payment-processing fees (currently approximately 2.9% + AED 1 per transaction, subject to change by Stripe) are deducted from the Studio Host's Payout in addition to the SparkHour Commission. SparkHour does not mark up Stripe's fees.
  3. NEGOTIATED RATE. The commission rate may be varied only by written agreement between SparkHour and the Studio Host (which may take the form of an email confirmation from an authorised SparkHour representative).

Example: Creator pays AED 1,000 gross. SparkHour Commission (5%) = AED 50. Stripe processing fee (~AED 30) is also deducted. Studio Host Payout = AED 920.

6.3 Payment Processing via Stripe

By accepting this Agreement, the Studio Host agrees to Stripe's Connected Account Agreement, authorises SparkHour to deduct fees before payout, and acknowledges Stripe fees may change.

6.4 Studio Host Payouts

Paid to the Studio Host's designated UAE bank account held with a UAE-licensed bank of the Studio Host's choosing:

  1. When a Booking is "completed". A Booking is treated as completed when the Studio Host marks it complete on the Platform, or automatically one (1) calendar day after the Booking date if not marked sooner. The Payout clock runs from completion.
  2. Payout timing. Where the Booking is completed and no dispute or complaint is open, the Payout is initiated within 7 business days of completion;
  3. Complaints and disputes pause the Payout. If either Party raises a complaint or dispute in respect of a Booking (including a damage claim under Section 8 or a service complaint by the Creator), the related Payout is automatically paused and withheld until SparkHour has reviewed and resolved the matter. The Studio Host acknowledges and agrees that a Payout withheld on this basis is not overdue and is not wrongfully withheld during the review period;
  4. Studio Host must maintain accurate bank details;
  5. SparkHour is not liable for bank or Stripe processing delays.

6.5 VAT & Taxes

(a) SparkHour's VAT Status. SparkHour LLC (Sharjah Media City Free Zone Licence No. 2646343.01) is registered for Value Added Tax (VAT) with the UAE Federal Tax Authority ("FTA") under Tax Registration Number (TRN) 105467813900001. Accordingly:

  • VAT at the prevailing standard rate (currently 5%) will be added to the SparkHour Commission where applicable;
  • SparkHour will issue Studio Hosts a compliant VAT tax invoice for its services as required under UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 8 of 2017.

(b) Marketplace Model — VAT Position on Booking Fees. The Studio Host acknowledges and agrees that, for VAT purposes, the Studio Host (and not SparkHour) is the supplier of the Space to the Creator. SparkHour acts solely as a limited payment collection agent and is not the principal supplier or "deemed supplier" in respect of the Booking Fee. Accordingly, the Studio Host is solely responsible for charging, collecting, and remitting any VAT due on the Booking Fee, and for issuing tax invoices to Creators where required by UAE law.

(c) Studio Host's Tax Obligations. The Studio Host is solely responsible for determining and discharging all tax obligations, including VAT and corporate tax under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022. The Studio Host warrants that:

  1. If annual taxable turnover exceeds or is likely to exceed AED 375,000, the Studio Host will register for VAT;
  2. The Studio Host will correctly account for VAT in the Booking Fee displayed;
  3. The Studio Host indemnifies SparkHour against any VAT, corporate tax, fine, or other liability arising from the Studio Host's failure to comply with UAE tax law.

7. Cancellations & Refunds

7.1 Creator Cancellations

  1. Grace Period: Creator may cancel within 24 hours of confirmation for a full refund, if Booking start is more than 48 hours away.
  2. More than 48 hours before start: 50% refund to Creator; remaining 50% (less fees) paid to Studio Host.
  3. Within 48 hours of start: non-refundable; full Booking Fee (less fees) paid to Studio Host.

7.2 Studio Host Cancellations

  1. Creator receives 100% refund;
  2. Repeated Studio Host cancellations (2+ in 90 days) may result in suspension or termination, a 10% cancellation fee, and/or reduced Listing visibility;
  3. Genuine emergency cancellations may be waived at SparkHour's discretion.

7.3 SparkHour's Right to Cancel

SparkHour may cancel at its sole discretion where the Booking violates this Agreement, UAE law, or Community Guidelines, or where there is risk of fraud, harm, or reputational damage.

7.4 Consumer Protection

Nothing in this Agreement or the Cancellation & Refund Policy excludes or limits any rights a Creator has under UAE Federal Law No. 15 of 2020 on Consumer Protection or any other applicable mandatory consumer-protection law.

8. Insurance, Damage & Security Deposits

8.1 No SparkHour Insurance During Initial Period

THE STUDIO HOST EXPRESSLY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT, during the initial launch phase of the Platform, SparkHour does NOT provide any studio protection insurance, property damage guarantee, or liability coverage. The Studio Host is solely responsible for obtaining appropriate insurance at the Studio Host's own cost.

SparkHour reserves the right to introduce an insurance programme in the future, with written notice.

8.2 Security Deposits

Studio Hosts may require a refundable security deposit. SparkHour facilitates the hold through Stripe. The Studio Host is responsible for:

  • Pre- and post-Booking walkthroughs;
  • Documenting damage with timestamped photos/video;
  • Submitting claims via the Platform within 72 hours of Booking end.

8.3 Damages & Overages

If a Creator causes damage or exceeds the Booking scope:

  1. Notify the Creator via Platform and attempt amicable resolution;
  2. File a claim through SparkHour's resolution portal within 72 hours with evidence;
  3. Cooperate with SparkHour's investigation.

SparkHour will mediate but does NOT guarantee recovery during the initial launch phase.

9. Nature of the Relationship

SparkHour is an online marketplace connecting Studio Hosts with Creators. SparkHour is NOT:

  • A party to the rental contract between Studio Host and Creator;
  • The owner, operator, manager, or insurer of the Space;
  • An employer of the Studio Host (independent contractor relationship);
  • Responsible for any Creator's conduct.

Each Booking creates a direct contractual relationship between Studio Host and Creator.

10. Dispute Resolution

10.1 Between Studio Host and Creator

Resolve directly through Platform messaging. If unresolved within 48 hours, escalate to contact@sparkhour.ae.

10.2 SparkHour's Role

SparkHour reviews evidence and determines, at its sole discretion, how disputed funds held by Stripe should be released. SparkHour's decision on Platform-held funds is final for Platform purposes but does not prejudice either Party's legal rights outside the Platform.

10.3 Disputes Between Studio Host and SparkHour

Any dispute between the Studio Host and SparkHour shall first be addressed through good-faith negotiation for thirty (30) days. If unresolved, it shall be submitted to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Courts of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. This Agreement shall be governed by the federal laws of the United Arab Emirates.

11. Intellectual Property & Content Licence

By uploading content, the Studio Host grants SparkHour a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, sub-licensable licence to use, reproduce, display, and distribute such content for operating, marketing, and promoting the Platform and the Listing.

The Studio Host represents that it owns or has obtained all necessary rights to uploaded content.

11.1 How SparkHour Markets Your Studio — No Brand Bidding

SparkHour promotes Listings through category and discovery demand — for example searches such as "photo studio Dubai" or "podcast studio in Al Quoz" — with the aim of bringing the Studio Host new Creators who were not already searching for that specific studio.

SparkHour will not bid on, or purchase paid-search advertising against, the Studio Host's own business or brand name (or close variants of it) in order to intercept the Studio Host's existing brand traffic. A Creator who searches for the Studio Host by name should continue to reach the Studio Host's own website and channels first. This commitment applies to SparkHour's own paid-advertising activity; it does not restrict organic search results, which are determined by search engines, nor does it prevent the Studio Host's Listing from appearing when a Creator searches for it directly on the Platform.

12. Data Protection

SparkHour processes personal data in accordance with UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 (PDPL) and the SparkHour Privacy Policy. SparkHour has entered into written Data Processing Agreements with each of its service providers, and relies on contractual safeguards for any cross-border transfer of data pursuant to Article 22 of the PDPL.

The Studio Host consents to SparkHour's collection and processing of the Studio Host's personal data; agrees to handle Creator personal data only to fulfil the Booking; and shall not market to Creators outside the Platform without explicit prior consent.

13. Anti-Money Laundering & KYC

To comply with UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018, the Studio Host agrees to:

  1. Provide KYC documentation (Emirates ID, passport, trade licence, proof of address, beneficial ownership) on request;
  2. Notify SparkHour promptly of changes;
  3. Permit SparkHour and Stripe to conduct identity and sanctions screening.

SparkHour may suspend/terminate accounts and withhold Payouts for AML non-compliance or suspected fraud.

14. Limitation of Liability & Indemnity

14.1 Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by UAE law, SparkHour's aggregate liability shall not exceed the total SparkHour Commission actually paid by the Studio Host in the three (3) months preceding the claim.

SparkHour shall not be liable for indirect, consequential, special, incidental, or punitive damages. Nothing limits liability for gross negligence, wilful misconduct, or liability that cannot be limited under UAE law.

14.2 Studio Host Indemnity

The Studio Host indemnifies SparkHour and its affiliates, directors, officers, employees, and agents against any claim, loss, damage, liability, fine, or expense arising from:

  • Breach of this Agreement;
  • Use, listing, or operation of the Space;
  • Any injury, death, or property damage at the Space;
  • Violation of UAE law or third-party rights;
  • Any tax liability under Section 6.5.

15. Suspension & Termination

15.1 By the Studio Host

The Studio Host may deactivate a Listing or close the account at any time. Does not affect confirmed Bookings.

15.2 By SparkHour

SparkHour may suspend or terminate for breach, fraudulent/unsafe/illegal conduct, repeated complaints, or legal requirement.

Upon termination, outstanding Payouts are released subject to dispute resolution. Sections 6.5, 8, 11, 12, 14 and 16 survive termination.

16. General Provisions

16.1 Amendments

Material changes notified by email or Platform notice at least 30 days before effect. Continued use constitutes acceptance.

16.2 Notices

To SparkHour: contact@sparkhour.ae. To Studio Host: email on account.

16.3 Assignment

Studio Host may not assign without SparkHour's prior written consent. SparkHour may assign to affiliates or in connection with corporate transactions.

16.4 Entire Agreement

This Agreement plus the Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, Community Guidelines, Cancellation & Refund Policy, and any referenced policies constitute the entire agreement.

16.5 Severability

Unenforceable provisions do not affect the remainder.

16.6 Language

Prepared in English. Arabic translation may be provided for convenience. English prevails between the Parties, save that where UAE law mandates the use of Arabic in proceedings before UAE courts or governmental authorities, the Arabic version submitted shall govern those proceedings only.

16.7 Governing Law & Jurisdiction

Governed by the federal laws of the United Arab Emirates and the laws of the Emirate of Sharjah. Exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Courts of Sharjah.

17. Studio Host Acknowledgement & Acceptance

By clicking "I Agree", "Sign Up as Studio Host", or by submitting a Listing on the Platform, the Studio Host confirms that:

  1. The Studio Host has read, understood, and agrees to be bound by this Agreement;
  2. All information provided is true, accurate, and complete;
  3. The Studio Host has the legal right and authority to enter into this Agreement and to list the Space;
  4. If entering on behalf of a company, the Studio Host has authority to bind that company.

SparkHour LLC · Licensed by Sharjah Media City Free Zone Authority (Shams) · United Arab Emirates

Questions about this document? contact@sparkhour.ae