Abu Dhabi has introduced a temporary rent freeze effective immediately, the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre announced on Tuesday, June 2.
Under the measure, all residential, commercial and industrial lease renewals will see a 0 per cent increase, while new contracts for previously rented units must match the existing rent level. The freeze will remain in place until further notice.
Current regulations allow landlords to raise rents by up to 5 per cent annually with two months’ notice. Tenants also pay a 3 per cent housing fee to Abu Dhabi Municipality.
All tenancy contracts are registered through Tawtheeq, which maintains legally binding rental records. The emirate also launched its first official rental index in 2024 to improve market transparency.
This is not the first rent relief measure in the UAE, with a similar freeze introduced in 2021 during the pandemic for businesses in Abu Dhabi Ports’ industrial zones.
The move comes amid heightened regional tensions, with authorities previously introducing community support measures, including hotel stay extensions for affected travellers directed by the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, followed by similar guidance in Dubai.