How to use the rental index in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah for transparent rental prices
The Rental Index can help you check rent increases and find your next home
Dubai: Whether you are looking to determine if the rent increase for your current apartment is justified or planning to move and want to understand the average rental prices in a new area, the Rental Index in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah can simplify the process. These rental indices are managed and regularly updated by the real estate or municipal authorities of each emirate to reflect changes in the market. By using these tools, tenants can make informed decisions when searching for a home, ensuring transparency in rental prices.
Abu Dhabi
If you are considering moving to Abu Dhabi or your lease is ending and you're searching for a new home, the Rental Index can provide reliable, up-to-date rental data for Abu Dhabi City, Al Ain, and Al Dhafrah within minutes.
The Rental Index offers live indicative pricing for available properties across the emirate. According to the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC), these prices are based on specific areas; however, they may vary depending on amenities, services provided by the landlord, and the property's age.
How to use the rental index in Abu Dhabi
Visit the ADREC website at adrec.gov.ae and scroll down to the ‘Property Index’ section. Click on ‘Rental Index’.
Use the interactive map to search for rentals in a specific area. Select the municipality—Abu Dhabi City, Al Ain, or Al Dhafrah—followed by the zone, such as Al Saadiyat Island. In some cases, you may also need to choose a sector within the zone. Click ‘View Details’.
The tool will display the average annual rental contract amount for apartments and villas in that area, covering various unit types such as studios, three-bedroom apartments, or five-bedroom villas.
According to ADREC, the Rental Index is designed to provide guidance on rental values rather than influence existing agreements.
Dubai
If you are spending hours searching for a neighbourhood in Dubai that fits your budget and lifestyle or want to understand the eligible rent increase for your buidling, the Rental Index can help. This tool allows you to calculate rental increases and check average rental prices in the real estate market by entering details for a specific area.
The Smart Residential Rent Index by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) is an advanced system that determines rental values fairly and transparently. It relies on building classifications and artificial intelligence to assess rental prices based on key criteria, including:
Construction quality
Architectural design
Energy efficiency
Provided services
Strategic location
Rental values are determined by considering the location, technical classification, and real estate market conditions.
How to Use the Rental Index in Dubai
Visit the DLD website: https://dubailand.gov.ae/en/eservices/rental-index/rental-index/#/
Enter details about your apartment or villa, such as the contract date, property type, and Ejari number, or use the interactive location map.
Click ‘Calculate’ to view the estimated rental range for similar properties in your selected area.
The Rental Index provides an estimate of average rental prices. However, additional costs such as water, electricity, and other housing-related fees are not included in the displayed prices and should be factored into your budget.
Sharjah
For those looking to rent in Sharjah, the Rental Map Platform provided by Sharjah City Municipality (SCM) offers up-to-date rental prices and helps tenants narrow down their options. The Rental Map Platform acts as a rental index for Sharjah and gives tenants a basic idea of what rent they can expect.
How to Use the Rental Map Platform in Sharjah
Access the platform via this link: https://portal.shjmun.gov.ae/en/eservices/pages/services.aspx?sercatid=223 and click on ‘access service’.
Search using one of three methods:
Rental contract type (example family residence, bachelor’s residence, employees’ residence, workers’ residence, commercial, or investment contract)
Area
Rent amount
Select an area on the interactive map (e.g., Al Majaz) and enter details such as contract type, property type, and budget.
The platform will then display available properties that match your criteria, providing an average rental estimate for the area.
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