Abu Dhabi Launches First Residential Rental Index Amid Rising Property Market

Abu Dhabi has introduced its first residential rental index, designed to offer reference rental values for both tenants and property owners throughout various neighborhoods of the capital.

The Rental Index is now accessible on the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre’s website It showcases rental prices across different areas. “The platform provides user-friendly and trustworthy data on residential properties, helping local residents and expatriates gain a better understanding of the rental landscape. This allows them to make informed choices based on accurate information,” Adrec said.

This launch coincides with rising rents in Abu Dhabi. During the second quarter, apartment rents in the city rose by 2% annually, while villa rents increased by 5%, according to Asteco’s latest market analysis. Property sales prices also experienced growth, with apartment values rising by 5% year-on-year and villa prices climbing by 3%.

“The Rental Index will invigorate Abu Dhabi’s rental sector and bolster the emirate’s appeal to global investors,” stated Rashed Al Omaira, acting director general of Adrec.

Abu Dhabi's population reached nearly 3.8 million last year, marking an 83% surge since 2011, as per the most recent data from the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi (Scad). The emirate’s non-oil economy also grew by 9.1% year-on-year in 2023, driven by notable progress in sectors such as construction, finance, insurance, transportation, and storage, according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office in April, referencing Scad’s statistics. Abu Dhabi's broader economy expanded by 3.1% annually, reaching its highest growth in a decade, largely due to the non-oil sector’s expansion.

In comparison, Dubai’s Real Estate Regulatory Authority recently adjusted its rent calculator. The Rera tool, updated on March 1 to better reflect market conditions, is periodically revised for specific communities and buildings to ensure it mirrors current rental rates.