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.

The rental process in the UAE is getting a major digital upgrade, with tenant credit checks slowly becoming part of the leasing journey.

For many residents who have rented abroad, sharing a credit score may already feel familiar. But in the UAE, the concept is still new, and importantly, fully based on tenant consent.

How the new system works

The new Tenant Screening solution, launched by Etihad Credit Bureau in collaboration with UAE PASS, allows landlords to request access to a prospective tenant’s credit score.

Here’s the key detail:

• Tenants receive a request through UAE PASS
• They can approve or reject access themselves
• No credit information is shared without consent

The goal is to create a more transparent and efficient rental process while keeping financial data secure.

Why landlords want it

For landlords, the system offers verified financial insights that may help assess payment reliability, especially for:

• Luxury properties
• High-value rentals
• Multiple post-dated cheque agreements

The credit check is designed to complement existing requirements, such as:

• Salary certificates
• Emirates ID
• Visa verification

How to check your UAE credit score

1. Visit the official AECB platform or download the app
2. Log in using UAE PASS or register with:
   • Emirates ID
   • Mobile number
   • Email address
3. Verify your identity using the OTP sent to your phone
4. Select Credit Score Report
5. Pay:
   • Dh10.50 for the score only
   • Dh84 for the full credit report (including VAT)
6. Receive your score instantly in PDF format

Strong credit profile benefits

While some renters may initially see it as another step, supporters say the system could actually make approvals faster and smoother.

In competitive rental markets such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, a strong credit profile could help tenants stand out and reassure landlords during the application process.

Officials say UAE PASS plays a critical role by acting as the secure gateway for all approvals, ensuring users remain in control of their personal financial information.

The system is currently optional, but experts believe tenant screening could become increasingly common as the UAE rental market continues to modernise.

ANAROCK Group has announced a major leadership reshuffle as it looks to expand its footprint across the Middle East and Europe, with a strong focus on Dubai’s growing real estate market.

The independent real estate consultancy said the appointments come as the region enters a new phase of growth, driven by rising investor confidence, infrastructure expansion and increasing demand across residential and institutional real estate sectors.

New leadership appointments

Anuj Kejriwal has been appointed CEO, EMEA, while continuing his current role as Founding Partner and Head of Retail Advisory.

In his expanded position, Kejriwal will oversee the rollout of ANAROCK’s institutional advisory services across the Middle East, including capital markets, land services, consulting and valuation.

The company said Dubai will act as the launchpad for its wider regional expansion strategy before moving into broader European markets.

Meanwhile, Aayush Puri has been named CEO – Residential, Middle East and CEO of ANAROCK Channel Partner (ACP).

He will lead the firm’s residential business across the region while continuing to oversee the international operations of ANACITY, the group’s proptech and property management platform.

Focus on Dubai’s growth

According to ANAROCK, Dubai’s real estate market remains one of the key long-term growth drivers for the company, supported by strong economic fundamentals and sustained investor demand.

The firm also plans to hire senior local talent across consulting, residential and capital markets divisions as part of its expansion push.

Anuj Puri, Chairman of ANAROCK Group, said the leadership changes reflect the company’s commitment to strengthening its regional presence and capturing new cross-border opportunities in one of the world’s most dynamic real estate markets.