In a move to support the community during uncertain regional times, the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre has officially declared an immediate, temporary freeze on rental increases across the emirate. This policy applies to all residential, commercial, and industrial property renewals, ensuring that landlords cannot raise rates for the duration of the measure. Furthermore, any new tenancy agreements for previously occupied units must mirror the rental value of the previous contract, providing much-needed stability for tenants who were otherwise subject to the standard 5% annual increase permitted under local law.

This decision complements existing regulatory frameworks, such as the mandatory Tawtheeq system used to document lease agreements and the recently introduced official rental index designed to foster market transparency. While tenants continue to pay the standard 3% housing fee to the Abu Dhabi Municipality, this new pause in rent hikes offers immediate financial breathing room. Although similar administrative relief efforts have been seen elsewhere in the UAE—such as Sharjah's recent waiver on authentication fees and fines for lease regularizations—this latest mandate from Abu Dhabi underscores the government's commitment to maintaining housing affordability and economic security within the capital.