Abu Dhabi rent freeze — 0% annual increases on renewals — effective immediately

The Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre has cut the annual rental increase percentage from 5 per cent to 0 per cent across residential, commercial and industrial properties, effective immediately and remaining in place until further notice.

Under the new rule, all lease renewals and new agreements on previously rented units will be based on the value recorded in the most recent registered Tawtheeq contract.

New lease prices had risen 15 per cent across Abu Dhabi and 23 per cent in investment zones compared to the prior year, while the repeat lease price index recorded a 16 per cent annual increase as of March 2026.

Industry experts say the freeze addresses tenant concerns about being priced out of communities and gives families and long-term residents greater certainty when planning household budgets. The freeze also applies to commercial and industrial properties, giving businesses predictability over operating costs. Small and medium-sized businesses are expected to benefit from added certainty as they plan renewals, expansion and staffing decisions.