Abu Dhabi average 1-bed rent: AED 70,000/mo Year-on-year rent increase: +6.5% Abu Dhabi rents shown as annual figures Al Reem Island leads new supply 5% cap keeps increases moderate Rent contracts must be registered with Tawtheeq. Rent increases are capped at 5% per year. Abu Dhabi average 1-bed rent: AED 70,000/mo Year-on-year rent increase: +6.5% Abu Dhabi rents shown as annual figures Al Reem Island leads new supply 5% cap keeps increases moderate Rent contracts must be registered with Tawtheeq. Rent increases are capped at 5% per year.
United Arab Emirates · Rent guide
Abu Dhabi Rent Guide 2026
Average rent costs by neighbourhood, yearly rent increases and tenant rights in Abu Dhabi. The typical one-bedroom rent is AED 70,000 per month, up 6.5% year on year.
Average rent by neighbourhood
| Neighbourhood | 1 bedroom | 2 bedrooms | Yearly increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corniche | AED 90,000 | AED 140,000 | +6% |
| Al Reem Island | AED 75,000 | AED 115,000 | +7.2% |
| Saadiyat Island | AED 110,000 | AED 170,000 | +5.8% |
| Khalifa City | AED 55,000 | AED 80,000 | +6.9% |
Indicative 2026 figures (per month, AED). Compare with real tenant-reported rents on RentScore.
Average rent per square metre in Abu Dhabi
AED 1,400 / m² per month
City-wide indicative average, based on a typical 50 m² one-bedroom flat. Central neighbourhoods cost more:
- Corniche: AED 1,800 / m²
- Al Reem Island: AED 1,500 / m²
- Saadiyat Island: AED 2,200 / m²
- Khalifa City: AED 1,100 / m²
Deposit laws in Abu Dhabi
- There is no specific statutory deposit cap here; the amount is set in your contract — negotiate and get it in writing.
- Always get a written inventory with dated photos at move-in to protect your deposit.
How do foreigners and expats without a local credit score find a home in Abu Dhabi with RentScore?
- Check the building first: read verified tenant reviews, rent history and street safety on RentScore before you contact a landlord.
- Know the fair price: use the neighbourhood averages above and the RentScore rent estimate so you are not overcharged as a newcomer.
- Replace the missing credit score: offer an employment contract, recent payslips, a reference from your previous landlord and your RentScore rental history.
- Consider a rent guarantee service or a larger (but legal) deposit instead of a local guarantor — never pay more than the legal limit shown above.
- Upload your lease to the free RentScore contract check: RentScore flags hidden clauses, unfair rent increases and deposit traps in your own language.
- Ask the RentScore advisor below any local question, in any language.
Tenant rights in Abu Dhabi
- Rent contracts must be registered with Tawtheeq.
- Rent increases are capped at 5% per year.
- Landlords must give 2 months' notice before eviction at contract end.
- Disputes go to the Abu Dhabi Rental Dispute Settlement Committee.
Ask the RentScore advisor about renting in Abu Dhabi
Ask anything about rents here
For example: Which neighbourhood is cheapest for a 2-bedroom? Can my landlord raise the rent twice a year?
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