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Long-term property rental in Dubai in 2025: areas, prices, nuances
Long-term property rental in Dubai in 2025: areas, prices, nuances
Anton Moskalev
@Anton_Moskalev
In the UAE, renting property is regulated by law, and everything is done according to the rules and officially. If you plan to rent accommodation for a long period, you will need to sign a rental contract. All conditions — from the cost and terms to the payment of utilities — are discussed directly with the owner or through a real estate agent. This is standard practice, which protects both parties and makes renting clear and transparent.
In the UAE, rent is usually paid not monthly, but for a longer period in advance, for example, for a quarter, six months, or even a whole year. This format is more convenient for landlords and often allows for more favorable prices. The cost of rent also depends on the season. In the summer, when the heat and demand decrease, you can find accommodation 5–10% cheaper than in the high season, which is from September to January. In 2025, the influx of expats to Dubai continues, so rental rates are still trending upward, especially in popular areas.
If you are currently looking for accommodation or want to understand what options are available within your budget, write to me on Telegram @Anton_Moskalev. We have apartments available in different areas of Dubai — we may have just what you are looking for.
And if you want to stay up to date with all the latest events, offers, and market insights, subscribe to the channel Real Estate | Investments | Dubai. I regularly share important information there.
In the UAE, rent is usually paid not monthly, but for a longer period in advance, for example, for a quarter, six months, or even a whole year. This format is more convenient for landlords and often allows for more favorable prices. The cost of rent also depends on the season. In the summer, when the heat and demand decrease, you can find accommodation 5–10% cheaper than in the high season, which is from September to January. In 2025, the influx of expats to Dubai continues, so rental rates are still trending upward, especially in popular areas.
If you are currently looking for accommodation or want to understand what options are available within your budget, write to me on Telegram @Anton_Moskalev. We have apartments available in different areas of Dubai — we may have just what you are looking for.
And if you want to stay up to date with all the latest events, offers, and market insights, subscribe to the channel Real Estate | Investments | Dubai. I regularly share important information there.
How to choose an area to rent?
How to choose an area to rent?
In Dubai, it is very important to choose the right area — the atmosphere, price level, and even lifestyle can vary dramatically. Below is a brief overview of the most popular locations:
Downtown Dubai is the city's business center with Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall nearby. It is prestigious, convenient, and beautiful, but also one of the most expensive places to rent, suitable for those who value status and work nearby.
Palm Jumeirah is ideal for those who love a resort lifestyle and want to live by the sea. Here you will find apartments in premium complexes, stunning views, peace and comfort. An excellent choice for families working remotely.
Dubai Marina and Business Bay are areas with modern towers, restaurants, offices, and waterfronts. It is a comfortable place to live for young professionals, IT specialists, and entrepreneurs.
JVC, Al Barsha, and Dubai Silicon Oasis are quiet residential areas with reasonable rents, parking, and schools. These are good options for couples or families who don't mind living outside the city center but want space and comfort.
International City, Discovery Gardens, and Sports City are the most affordable areas. The infrastructure is basic, but if you want to cut costs or are just starting out in Dubai, this is a great place to start.
Downtown Dubai is the city's business center with Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall nearby. It is prestigious, convenient, and beautiful, but also one of the most expensive places to rent, suitable for those who value status and work nearby.
Palm Jumeirah is ideal for those who love a resort lifestyle and want to live by the sea. Here you will find apartments in premium complexes, stunning views, peace and comfort. An excellent choice for families working remotely.
Dubai Marina and Business Bay are areas with modern towers, restaurants, offices, and waterfronts. It is a comfortable place to live for young professionals, IT specialists, and entrepreneurs.
JVC, Al Barsha, and Dubai Silicon Oasis are quiet residential areas with reasonable rents, parking, and schools. These are good options for couples or families who don't mind living outside the city center but want space and comfort.
International City, Discovery Gardens, and Sports City are the most affordable areas. The infrastructure is basic, but if you want to cut costs or are just starting out in Dubai, this is a great place to start.
Rental prices in Dubai in 2025
Rental prices in Dubai in 2025
Below is the average cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment per year in 2025 in different areas of Dubai, from premium to the most affordable.
The most expensive areas are Palm Jumeirah and Downtown (from $33K to $52K per year).
The middle segment includes Dubai Marina and Business Bay (from $26K to $35K per year).
Budget areas are JVC, Al Barsha, and Silicon Oasis (from $14K to $24K per year).
The most affordable housing is in International City, Discovery Gardens, and Sports City (from $10K to $16K per year).
Rent depends not only on the area, but also on the type of building: In new buildings with swimming pools, security, and gyms, rent will be higher, especially if the building was constructed after 2020. In older buildings, you can find cheaper options, but they often lack amenities and have lower-quality finishes. Furnished apartments cost ~10–20% more, but they are easier to rent for quick move-ins.
The most expensive areas are Palm Jumeirah and Downtown (from $33K to $52K per year).
The middle segment includes Dubai Marina and Business Bay (from $26K to $35K per year).
Budget areas are JVC, Al Barsha, and Silicon Oasis (from $14K to $24K per year).
The most affordable housing is in International City, Discovery Gardens, and Sports City (from $10K to $16K per year).
Rent depends not only on the area, but also on the type of building: In new buildings with swimming pools, security, and gyms, rent will be higher, especially if the building was constructed after 2020. In older buildings, you can find cheaper options, but they often lack amenities and have lower-quality finishes. Furnished apartments cost ~10–20% more, but they are easier to rent for quick move-ins.
Websites for finding an apartment:
Websites for finding an apartment:
AirBnB and Nestpick are the most popular platforms for short-term rentals.
Dubizzle, Property Finder, and Bayut are popular and trusted websites for finding apartments with the largest database of listings, similar to Cian and Avito.
Dubizzle, Property Finder, and Bayut are popular and trusted websites for finding apartments with the largest database of listings, similar to Cian and Avito.
Mandatory payments for long-term rentals:
Mandatory payments for long-term rentals:
If you are renting an apartment in Dubai for a long period, you should immediately prepare for other mandatory expenses:
The Dubai municipality also charges a tax, also known as a housing fee, on the annual rent for accommodation. This fee is paid annually and is usually included in the DEWA utility bill. It amounts to 5% of the annual rent.
- Security deposit — usually 5% of the annual rent for unfurnished properties and up to 10% for furnished properties. If the apartment is in good condition when you move out, you will be refunded the full amount at the end of the lease.
- Agency fee — 5% of the annual rent (paid by the tenant), although sometimes this amount can be split between the customer and the contractor.
- Registration of the lease agreement in the Ejari system costs around AED 150–250.
- Connection of utilities (DEWA) — to activate the meters, a deposit of AED 2,000 for an apartment or AED 4,000 for a villa is payable (refundable upon departure), plus an activation fee of AED 100 to AED 300.
- Air conditioning (if the apartment does not have central cooling), gas, and internet connection — approximately AED 3,000–4,000 for everything, depending on the providers.
The Dubai municipality also charges a tax, also known as a housing fee, on the annual rent for accommodation. This fee is paid annually and is usually included in the DEWA utility bill. It amounts to 5% of the annual rent.
What is important to know when renting property in the UAE
What is important to know when renting property in the UAE
When choosing an apartment or flat, be sure to pay attention to the details of the contract. For example, are parking access cards issued, is beach access included if the property is located by the sea, etc. Such things are often not specified everywhere, and if they are not in the contract, they will most likely not be provided.
Be careful: there are plenty of unscrupulous brokers in Dubai who will try to get as much out of you as possible. Always read the terms and conditions carefully and ask questions; it's better to double-check than to face unpleasant surprises later.
Recently, there have been more cases of fraud — I have experienced this on Airbnb and Booking. During the correspondence, the landlord may send you an email or a message in a messenger with a fake link to pay for the accommodation. The letter and the website will look like the original — the difference will only be noticeable in the address bar. Be careful and never click on suspicious links, especially if you are being rushed to pay.
Be careful: there are plenty of unscrupulous brokers in Dubai who will try to get as much out of you as possible. Always read the terms and conditions carefully and ask questions; it's better to double-check than to face unpleasant surprises later.
Recently, there have been more cases of fraud — I have experienced this on Airbnb and Booking. During the correspondence, the landlord may send you an email or a message in a messenger with a fake link to pay for the accommodation. The letter and the website will look like the original — the difference will only be noticeable in the address bar. Be careful and never click on suspicious links, especially if you are being rushed to pay.
Frequently asked questions about buying property in Dubai:
Frequently asked questions about buying property in Dubai:
Yes, foreigners can rent accommodation in Dubai without a residence visa, but only for a short period (usually up to 90 days). For long-term rentals (one year or more), you will need either a visa, a contract on behalf of a company/guarantor, or a rental through platforms that provide temporary solutions. Without a visa, you will not be able to register the contract in the Ejari system, which means you will not be able to connect to utilities (DEWA) or obtain an Emirates ID.
According to UAE law, subletting is only possible with the written permission of the owner. It is prohibited in most contracts, and violating this condition may result in the termination of the contract and fines. If you want to rent out your property through Airbnb or someone else, be sure to agree this with the owner and agent, and preferably obtain written permission. This is particularly strictly enforced in areas with a high concentration of hotels (Marina, JBR, Downtown).
If you terminate the lease before the end of the term, you may be charged a penalty, which is usually 1–2 months' rent, if specified in the contract. Sometimes it is possible to negotiate a partial refund of the deposit, but this is not guaranteed. There may also be cleaning or cosmetic repair costs. To avoid conflicts, always clarify the terms of early termination when signing the contract.
The choice depends on your goals:
- A furnished apartment is suitable for short-term rentals or moving into a ready-to-move-in property. It costs 10–20% more.
- Unfurnished apartments are cheaper but require investment in furnishings. They are suitable for long-term stays.
Before signing the contract, make sure that the landlord actually owns the property. Ask them for the Title Deed — a document confirming ownership. If you are working with an agent, check that they are registered with RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority). You can also request confirmation from the building management company or check the information on the Dubai REST platform. Never transfer money without a signed contract and copies of all documents.
Yes, bargaining is possible and even expected, especially if you are willing to pay the rent in one check for a year. Landlords often build a small margin into the price, and with the right approach, you can knock off 5–10%. It is best to bargain in the summer when demand is lower or if the property has been vacant for a long time. The number of checks also affects the price: the fewer checks, the greater the chance of a discount.
Leases in Dubai are renewed by mutual agreement between the parties. The landlord must notify the tenant of the renewal terms (including the new price) 90 days before the current contract expires. If you want to extend the lease on the same terms, a new contract is signed and the registration with Ejari is extended. If the owner wants to increase the rate, it cannot be higher than the RERA rental price index, which is regulated by law. If the landlord violates this limit, you can file a complaint with RERA.
If you are currently looking for accommodation or just want to get your bearings on the market, feel free to write to me on Telegram @Anton_Moskalev. We have a variety of apartments available, and you may find the one that suits you best. We accept payment in cryptocurrency, bank transfer, or cash.
And if you want to stay up to date with all the latest news, offers, and market insights, subscribe to the channel Real Estate | Investments | Dubai. I regularly share important information there.
And if you want to stay up to date with all the latest news, offers, and market insights, subscribe to the channel Real Estate | Investments | Dubai. I regularly share important information there.
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