Politics

Abu Dhabi Freezes Rents, Launches Housing Grants and Land Giveaways

Emirati citizens gain access to grants, land plots and units while a rent freeze holds increases at zero percent for residential, commercial and industrial properties.

By Abu Dhabi Policy Desk · Published 25 July 2026

How we reported this

This article was written by AI from the linked sources and was not reviewed by a journalist before publishing. The Daily Abu Dhabi is part of The Daily Network and follows our reasonable editorial care.

The Abu Dhabi government approved an AED 4.21 billion housing support package for 2,652 Emirati citizens in early 2026. The package covers ready-built grants, land allocations and loan exemptions ahead of Eid Al Fitr.

A separate five-year housing plan worth DH 82.7 billion, or approximately AED 22.3 billion, targets delivery of 35,000 new housing benefits. This total includes 26,000 residential units and 9,000 land plots and was approved by Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed.

Rent Freeze and Administrative Updates

In mid-2026 the Abu Dhabi Government imposed a temporary rent freeze. The measure reduced the permitted annual rent increase from 5 percent to 0 percent for residential, commercial and industrial properties until further notice.

Two major administrative decisions in early 2026 addressed escrow account management, rules for jointly owned properties and refund regimes for off-plan purchaser defaults. These steps apply across the local real estate market.

Project Selection and Delivery Timeline

The Abu Dhabi Housing Authority initiated an Expression of Interest in January 2026. Citizens may select projects located in Abu Dhabi City and Al Dhafra. Government-led completions are scheduled between 2027 and 2029.

These policies affect how residents apply for housing assistance and manage ongoing property costs. The support package and five-year plan provide specific channels for Emirati citizens to receive grants, units or plots. The rent freeze limits increases on existing tenancies across multiple property categories. Residents considering off-plan purchases encounter updated rules on refunds and escrow accounts.

Further project selections through the Expression of Interest process are expected to continue. Delivery of the remaining benefits under the five-year plan will follow the stated schedule through 2029.

References Sourced but Not Limited to:

Your newsroom. Shaped by you.

The Daily Abu Dhabi is in beta. AI may assist with research, summarising and drafting. Automated checks assess sourcing, accuracy and editorial risk before publication, and sensitive material is held for human review. Spotted something off, or want us covering a topic? Tell us. Your feedback is entirely optional and helps shape what we publish next.