2 November 20260211 ShareHousing|InflationDubai rents may finally be giving some tenants a break. New Cavendish Maxwell figures show 21.4% of Q3 rental transactions recorded a rent reduction, up from just 4.8% in Q1. Another 38.7% saw no increase, Khaleej Times reports. Rents aren't falling everywhere, but tenants appear to have more room to negotiate.
2 November 20260211 ShareHousing|GovernmentDubai tenants can now register, renew or cancel Ejari contracts through DubaiNow. Landlords and tenants sign using UAE PASS, and the DEWA deposit can be paid in the same process, Gulf News reports. One less round of paperwork when moving house.
2 November 20260211 ShareHousing|BusinessMore Dubai homebuyers are paying cash as mortgage borrowing becomes more expensive. Betterhomes says cash purchases accounted for 44% of its residential sales in the third quarter, up from 36% in the second. Mortgages still financed 56% of its transactions, so borrowing remains important. Anyone planning to buy should check their current mortgage eligibility before deciding what they can afford.
1 November 20260111 ShareHousing|Government|CommunityAl Satwa could look very different in the coming years. Dubai Municipality has changed its planning rules to allow more apartments and mixed-use buildings, with eligible plots of at least 1,000 square metres potentially accommodating a ground floor plus eight residential floors. Smaller plots have new development options too. For residents, this could eventually mean more homes, more shops and a changing neighbourhood skyline.
27 October 20262710 ShareTransport|HousingAbu Dhabi has announced a Dh872 million road project connecting Ramhan and Jubail Islands to the E12 motorway. The plan includes seven bridges, three tunnels and connecting roads, with completion expected in 2027. It should improve access for the growing island communities, although residents will need to wait for construction to finish before seeing the full benefit.
25 October 20262510 ShareEnvironment|Housing|GovernmentDubai is investing another Dh3 billion in stormwater drainage, with about 100km of new and extended drainage lines planned across neighbourhoods including Jumeirah, Al Barsha, Al Quoz and Al Satwa. The work forms part of the wider Dh30 billion Tasreef programme, designed to make the city better prepared for heavy rain.
16 October 20261610 ShareShopping|HousingDubai’s retail calendar includes a Dubai Home Festival from 16 October to 1 November, with promotions on furniture, décor and appliances.
16 October 20261610 ShareHousing|Crime & SafetyAbu Dhabi has launched a “My Home is Safe” programme at new-home handover centres to help families prevent and respond to domestic emergencies. The initiative provides practical training in first aid, fire response, evacuation planning and child safety, while participating homes receive fire extinguishers and first-aid kits.
30 September 20263009 ShareHousingAjman began regulating shared accommodation in five residential areas. The pilot is intended to improve occupancy standards, safety and neighbourhood conditions while clarifying responsibilities for owners, operators and residents. Requirements may vary by area and property type.
17 September 20261709 ShareHousing|TravelAbu Dhabi expanded its holiday-home rules to allow tenants and authorised individuals to operate licensed short-term rentals. Every listed property must have a valid Department of Culture and Tourism licence.