Renting, buying, or selling property in the UAE involves specific laws, official calculators, and regulatory bodies that most residents encounter at some point. This guide covers the practical tools and processes — rent increase limits, Ejari registration, RERA index calculations, and trade license requirements for property-related businesses.
Each section links to a dedicated page with full detail and step-by-step guidance.
Rent Increase and RERA Index
Landlords in the UAE cannot raise rent arbitrarily. In Dubai, rent increases are governed by the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) and calculated using the RERA Rental Index — an official tool that sets the maximum permissible increase based on current market rates for similar properties.
A landlord must give 90 days written notice before any rent increase takes effect.
Dedicated guides available:
- RERA index calculator
- Rent increase calculator Dubai
- Rent calculator Dubai
Ejari Registration and Renewal
Ejari is the official tenancy contract registration system in Dubai, managed by the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA). Every tenancy agreement in Dubai must be registered through Ejari before the tenant can access government services, renew a residence visa, or connect utilities.
An unregistered tenancy contract is not legally enforceable in Dubai courts.
Registration is done online through the Dubai REST app or the Dubai Land Department portal. Renewal follows the same process and must be completed whenever a tenancy contract is renewed.
Dedicated guides available:
- How to renew Ejari online
- How to cancel Ejari UAE
RERA Certification and Real Estate Careers
Anyone working as a real estate agent in Dubai must hold a valid RERA certification issued after completing the Certified Training for Real Estate Brokers course. The certification is mandatory — operating without it is a regulatory violation.
RERA certification must be renewed annually and is tied to the broker’s licence with the Dubai Land Department.
Dedicated guides available:
- How to get RERA certificate Dubai
- How to become a real estate agent Dubai
Rental Accommodation in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi has its own tenancy regulations separate from Dubai, governed by Abu Dhabi Law No. 20 of 2006. Rent disputes are handled through the Abu Dhabi Rental Dispute Committee.
Accommodation options range from single rooms in shared apartments to full family units in residential compounds. Prices vary significantly by area, building age, and proximity to key employment zones.
Dedicated guides available:
- Single room for rent Abu Dhabi
- Family room for rent Abu Dhabi
Business Setup and Trade Licenses
Setting up a business in the UAE requires a trade license issued by the relevant emirate’s Department of Economic Development or a free zone authority. License costs, processing times, and permitted activities vary depending on the business type and location.
A general trading license in Dubai costs between AED 10,000 and AED 30,000 depending on the activity and whether the business is mainland or free zone.
Dedicated guides available:
- General trading license cost Dubai
- How to get trade license Dubai
- E-commerce license Sharjah
- How to start a business in Dubai free zone
Buying Shares and Property Investments
The UAE offers several regulated investment pathways for residents, including the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX). DEWA shares, for example, became publicly tradable following the company’s IPO and remain a popular option among UAE residents looking for regulated local investment.
Dedicated guides available:
- How to buy DEWA shares
- How to invest in UAE stock market
Pro Tip: Before signing any tenancy contract in Dubai, check the RERA Rental Index for your specific area and building type. If the asking rent is more than 10 percent above the index rate, you have grounds to negotiate — and the landlord cannot legally enforce an amount above the permitted ceiling.
Last reviewed: March 2026 Reviewed by: UAE Content Team Source: Dubai Land Department, Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA)
