Thousands of tenants across Abu Dhabi are set to benefit from a major housing relief measure after the emirate announced a temporary freeze on rental increases for residential, commercial and industrial properties.

The decision, which takes immediate effect, means landlords will no longer be able to increase rents when renewing existing tenancy contracts. The measure will remain in place until further notice, according to the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC).

Under the new directive, all tenancy contract renewals will be processed with a zero per cent rent increase. In addition, any new lease signed for a previously rented property must be offered at the same rental value as the most recent tenancy contract, preventing landlords from raising prices between tenants.

The move marks a significant shift from existing regulations, which previously allowed annual rent increases of up to five per cent under specific conditions. The temporary freeze is expected to provide immediate relief for residents and businesses facing rising living and operating costs.

What it means for tenants

For tenants approaching lease renewal, the change offers greater financial certainty. Regardless of whether the property is residential, commercial or industrial, the rental value recorded in the previous contract will serve as the reference rate during the freeze period.

The decision is particularly notable given the strong growth seen in Abu Dhabi’s property market over recent years. Rental prices in several areas have recorded significant increases as demand for housing continued to rise alongside population growth and economic expansion.

Focus on market stability

The rent freeze comes as Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen transparency and regulation within its real estate sector. In recent years, the emirate introduced its official rental index and expanded digital property services through platforms such as Tawtheeq, helping both landlords and tenants access clearer market information.

Industry observers view the latest measure as part of broader efforts to support market stability while protecting residents during a period of regional uncertainty.

While authorities have not specified an end date for the temporary measure, ADREC confirmed that the freeze will remain in effect until further notice.

For many tenants across the capital, the announcement delivers a welcome pause in rental costs and greater predictability when planning household and business budgets in the months ahead.

Motorists visiting Dubai Silicon Oasis will notice a major change in parking operations as new Parkonic-managed on-street parking zones officially come into effect from June 1.

The latest expansion covers several areas surrounding Dubai Silicon Oasis, including locations near University Residence buildings, and forms part of Dubai’s broader transition towards a fully digital parking ecosystem.

Unlike traditional parking systems that rely on tickets, parking meters or pay-and-display machines, the new setup uses automatic number plate recognition technology to identify vehicles and process payments seamlessly. The system is designed to offer a faster and more convenient experience for drivers while supporting Dubai’s smart city ambitions.

Under the Parkonic model, parking charges can be automatically deducted through a vehicle owner’s Salik account, eliminating the need for manual payments. Drivers who prefer an alternative method can also pay via SMS by following the instructions displayed on parking signs within the designated zones.

As part of the rollout, authorities have confirmed that cash payments, parking meters and QR code transactions will no longer be accepted in the newly activated areas.

Parking fees will vary depending on the time of day. Motorists will be charged Dh4 per hour from midnight until 4pm, while peak-hour rates will increase to Dh6 per hour between 4pm and 8pm. Charges will then return to Dh4 per hour from 8pm until midnight.

The expansion reflects Dubai’s ongoing investment in smart mobility solutions aimed at simplifying everyday services for residents and visitors. By integrating parking payments with existing digital infrastructure such as Salik, authorities hope to reduce congestion, improve operational efficiency and create a more seamless urban mobility experience.

Drivers using the new zones are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the updated payment process and ensure their Salik account details are active and up to date to avoid potential penalties.

For motorists requiring assistance, Parkonic has made customer support available through its dedicated helpline and online support channels.

The latest rollout marks another step in Dubai’s journey towards a smarter, more connected transport network, where technology continues to replace traditional systems and enhance convenience for road users across the emirate.

Drivers travelling through Dubai during late-night hours are advised to plan after authorities announced a temporary closure of the exit leading to Maliha Road as part of ongoing Etihad Rail infrastructure development works.

The closure will be in effect daily from midnight until 6am, beginning on June 1 and continuing through June 10. During this period, the affected exit will remain inaccessible for 6 hours each night while construction work is underway.

Officials said the temporary measure is necessary to support progress on the Etihad Rail project, one of the UAE’s most significant transport infrastructure initiatives aimed at enhancing connectivity across the country.

Motorists who regularly use the route are encouraged to identify alternative roads and allow extra travel time, particularly during the overnight closure window. Traffic diversions and alternative access routes are expected to help minimise disruption for road users.

Authorities have urged drivers to follow road signs, adhere to traffic guidance and remain updated on any changes related to the works.

The temporary closure forms part of broader efforts to advance the UAE’s transport network and support future mobility projects that will improve travel efficiency and connectivity nationwide.

Officials also thanked motorists for their patience and cooperation during the construction period, while apologising for any inconvenience caused as work continues on the major infrastructure project.