If you have been worried about renewing your home or workplace contract in Abu Dhabi these days, the latest news might ease your mind a bit.

The Abu Dhabi Real Estate Center has announced that starting today, the increase in rent for residential, commercial, and industrial contracts will be temporarily halted. This means that renewal contracts must currently be registered without any price increase.

According to this decision, even units that have already been rented out must be leased at the same rate as the previous contract if they sign a contract with a new tenant, and the owner is not allowed to increase the price.

This decision comes at a time when regional tensions and economic concerns have put additional pressure on the cost of living in the UAE, and now Abu Dhabi is trying to alleviate some of this pressure for residents and businesses.

Previously, Abu Dhabi law allowed owners to increase rent by up to 5 percent annually, provided they informed the tenant at least two months in advance.

In recent years, Abu Dhabi has resorted to such policies several times. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the rent for some industrial areas and free zones was also frozen to help companies navigate the crisis more easily.

Alongside the recent regional tensions, local governments in the UAE have also implemented other supportive measures; from extending hotel guests' stays in Abu Dhabi due to flight disruptions to assisting travelers facing delays or cancellations in Dubai.

Source: Gulf Times