Abu Dhabi freezes rent increases on all property

All contract renewals will be processed at a 0 per cent increase

Abu Dhabi has announced a temporary rent freeze applying to all residential, commercial, and industrial tenancy contract renewals.

The move was announced by the emirate’s Real Estate Centre on Tuesday and is effective immediately.

All contract renewals will be processed at a 0 per cent increase until further notice.



“Rooted in our commitment to enhancing Abu Dhabi Real Estate market, please be informed that the rental increase percentage has been updated from 5 per cent to 0 per cent per annum for a temporary period until further notice,” a statement reads.

“Also note, upon renewing or entering into new lease agreements for all types of properties, the rental value recorded in the most recent registered rental contract for the same property/unit will be adopted as the reference rate.”

What has changed?

Abu Dhabi’s rental market is regulated by Law No. (20) of 2006 (as amended by subsequent decrees), which allows landlords to increase rent but caps the maximum limit at 5 per cent.

Under the new, temporary legislation, this cap has been lifted and landlords cannot introduce rent increases.

Last year, Abu Dhabi’s rental market was strong, driven by strong population growth and limited available housing.

One market report estimated that average residential rents rose 11 per cent during 2025.