Market Report 2023: Annual Analysis of Abu Dhabi’s Rental Property Market Performance
- Luxury Areas to Rent Apartments
- Luxury Areas to Rent Villas
- Affordable Areas to Rent Apartments
- Affordable Areas to Rent Villas
The capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, stands as a city of captivating contrasts – seamlessly blending tradition with modernity and innovation. The dubizzle Abu Dhabi Annual Property Rental Market Report offers key insights into the emirate’s real estate scene, focusing on changing rental trends in popular areas.
Highlighting Abu Dhabi’s charm for property seekers, the data from dubizzle indicates reduced average rentals in key districts. In 2023, tenants in Abu Dhabi benefited from favourable prices, with average rentals decreasing in sought-after areas.
Here are notable insights drawn from the dubizzle user data for 2023, adding depth to the analysis of Abu Dhabi’s rental property market performance during the year.
- With a 5.33% increase in average annual rent, Al Reem Island has maintained its position as one of the most sought-after areas for luxury apartment rentals.
- With a modest decrease of 3.31% in average annual rent, Al Raha Gardens has solidified its position as the most sought-after location for renting luxurious villas.
- As for affordable villas, tenants have shown high interest in Mohammed Bin Zayed City. The area showed a 7.87% increase in average annual rents.
- Abu Dhabi also offers a range of affordable apartments. Khalifa City has emerged as one of the most popular areas to rent affordable apartments in the region.
For a more in-depth grasp of the 2023 Abu Dhabi real estate landscape, we’ve categorised popular property areas into ‘Affordable’ and ‘Luxury.’ Our report also delves into a comparative analysis of average prices per square foot in each region, contrasting them with 2022 figures.
It’s important to acknowledge that various factors can influence these prices and are subject to change. Furthermore, please be aware that the figures presented in the Abu Dhabi rental market report for 2023 are sourced from dubizzle data. While informative, they might not precisely mirror current market dynamics.
Popular Areas for Renting Luxury Properties in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, a city known for its luxury and modernity, continues to captivate residents and investors alike. Search trends on dubizzle unveil the evolving rental landscape in some of the city’s popular luxury areas, providing a comprehensive understanding of the changes in rents.
Popular Luxury Areas in 2023 to Rent Apartments in Abu Dhabi
POPULAR AREAS | TRANSACTION PRICE Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022 | STUDIO Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022 | 1-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022 | 2-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al Reem Island | TRANSACTION PRICE Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| STUDIO Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 1-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 2-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
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| Al Raha Beach | TRANSACTION PRICE Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| STUDIO Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 1-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 2-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
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| Corniche Area | TRANSACTION PRICE Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| STUDIO Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 1-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 2-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
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| Yas Island | TRANSACTION PRICE Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| STUDIO Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 1-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 2-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
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| Saadiyat Island | TRANSACTION PRICE Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| STUDIO Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 1-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 2-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
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Consumer search patterns on dubizzle throughout 2023 highlight the following neighbourhoods as popular choices for those seeking to rent upscale apartments and villas in Abu Dhabi.
Al Reem Island
Al Reem Island has stood out as a beacon of steady growth, maintaining its position as one of the most popular areas for luxury apartment rentals in Abu Dhabi. The top-notch lifestyle, waterfront apartments and state-of-the-art amenities make Al Reem Island an ideal place to live.
With a 5.33% increase, the average annual rent of apartments in Al Reem Island stood at AED 79k in 2023.
- Studios have experienced a 6.98% increase in average annual rent, settling at AED 46k.
- Moreover, the average yearly rents of 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments have increased by 3.45% and 2.33%, reaching AED 60k and AED 88k, respectively.
Al Raha Beach
Moving on, Al Raha Beach has emerged as the second most popular area for renting luxury apartments in Abu Dhabi in 2023. It is one of the peaceful residential islands in Abu Dhabi.
The area has become a top preference for those seeking a luxurious lifestyle, with the average annual rent reaching AED 88k after a 3.55% increase.
The dubizzle data illustrated the upward trajectory in rents for studios, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments.
- Studios have witnessed an impressive 19.05% increase in average annual rents, reaching AED 50k.
- However, the average rent for 1 and 2-bedroom apartments has been around AED 65k and AED 101k after recording a moderate increase of 8.33% and 5.21%, respectively.
Corniche Area

Experiencing a surge in popularity this year, the Corniche Area has emerged as the third most favoured location for renting luxury apartments in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi Corniche is a highly coveted area offering high-end apartments near the beach and boasting waterfront living in residential towers.
The popularity of luxurious apartments in the Corniche Area has driven a 15.91% rise in annual rent, which stood at AED 102k in 2023. This increase is attributed to a massive 102.3% increase in the inventory of rental apartments in the Corniche Area.
The yearly rent for studio apartments in the Corniche Area has seen a 5.45% increase, averaging AED 58k.
- Similarly, the annual rents for 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments have increased by 4.29% and 13.98%, averaging AED 73k and AED 106k, respectively.
Yas Island in Abu Dhabi has continued to be a favoured neighbourhood for tenants searching for luxury apartments in the capital. The average asking rent in the area has reached AED 85k, marking a substantial increase of 10.4% from 2022. Notably, the inventory of rental apartments on Yas Island experienced a robust increase of 28.5%.
Additionally, Saadiyat Island has become a preferred option for tenants seeking luxury rental apartments in Abu Dhabi. Experiencing an increase of 7.56%, the yearly rent in this locality has averaged AED 128k.
Popular Luxury Areas in 2023 to Rent Villas in Abu Dhabi
POPULAR AREAS | TRANSACTION PRICE Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022 | 3-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022 | 4-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022 | 5-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al Raha Gardens | TRANSACTION PRICE Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 3-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 4-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 5-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
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| Al Mushrif | TRANSACTION PRICE Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 3-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 4-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 5-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
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| Yas Island | TRANSACTION PRICE Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 3-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 4-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 5-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
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| Al Bateen | TRANSACTION PRICE Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 3-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 4-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 5-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
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| Al Rahba | TRANSACTION PRICE Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 3-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 4-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 5-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
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| Not available due to low/no historical inventory or influx of off-plan properties | ||||
According to the consumer search trends on dubizzle, the following neighbourhoods have emerged as the most favoured locations for renting luxurious villas in Abu Dhabi.
Al Raha Gardens

Al Raha Gardens has solidified its position as the most sought-after location for renting luxurious villas in Abu Dhabi, according to the user data on dubizzle.
Despite a modest decrease of 3.31%, the average yearly rent for villas in the area has been around AED 175k. Here are some noteworthy changes in rent for 3, 4 and 5-bedroom villas in this area :
- The average yearly rent for 3-bedroom villas has increased by 0.66%, standing at AED 152k.
- The 4-bedroom villas in Al Raha Gardens have experienced a substantial decrease of 10.75% in average yearly rent, recorded at around AED 166k.
- Moreover, the average yearly rent of 5-bed villas has been around AED 228 after a spike of 6.05%.
Al Mushrif
Ranked second in popularity, Al Mushrif offers a diverse rental landscape with an average yearly rent of AED 186k, reflecting a 7% decrease. It is also considered one of the popular areas to rent luxury villas in Abu Dhabi. Specific changes in rental rates for 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom villas are highlighted below:
- The average rent for 3 and 4-bed villas has plummeted by 19.4% and 6.3%, respectively.
- On average, tenants have rented 3-bedroom villas for rent in Al Raha Garden for AED 141k and 4-bedroom villas for around AED 164k.
Yas Island

Yas Island has remained the third most preferred choice for tenants seeking luxury villas in Abu Dhabi, with landlords enjoying a modest 0.6% increase in average yearly rent, which reached AED 305k in 2023.
- Compared to 2022, the annual rent for 3 and 5-bedroom villas on Yas Island has witnessed a 6.06% and 10.40% increase.
- The 3-bedroom villas in the area have an average rent of AED 245k, while the rent for 5-bedroom apartments stood at AED 329k.
Al Bateen, a distinguished neighbourhood, has garnered the attention of those seeking luxurious villas for rent. The area has recorded an impressive increase of 7.50% in average yearly rent, setting it at AED 215k in 2023.
Based on the user search trends, the average annual rent in Al Rahba has witnessed a reasonable increase of 4.88%. The yearly rent for villas in Al Rahba has averaged AED 129k in 2023.
Popular Areas for Renting Affordable Properties in Abu Dhabi
Trends indicate that the average annual rent in Abu Dhabi in 2023 for affordable properties has witnessed an uptick. Here are the areas that have surfaced as the leading preferences for renting budget-friendly apartments and villas in Abu Dhabi for 2023.
Popular Affordable Areas to Rent Apartments in Abu Dhabi in 2023
POPULAR AREAS | TRANSACTION PRICE Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022 | Studio Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022 | 1-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022 | 2-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Khalifa City | TRANSACTION PRICE Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| Studio Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 1-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 2-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
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| Al Muroor | TRANSACTION PRICE Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| Studio Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 1-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 2-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
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| Al Khalidiyah | TRANSACTION PRICE Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| Studio Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 1-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 2-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
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| Hamdan Street | TRANSACTION PRICE Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| Studio Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 1-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 2-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
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| Tourist Club Area (TCA) | TRANSACTION PRICE Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| Studio Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 1-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 2-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
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As per the 2023 consumer search trend on dubizzle, Khalifa City, Al Reem Island, Al Muroor and Al Khalidiyah have emerged as popular areas to rent budget-friendly apartments in Abu Dhabi.
Khalifa City
Khalifa City has consistently held its position as the foremost choice of those searching for affordable rental apartments.
Average annual rents for apartments have also changed in Khalifa City. Studio flats have witnessed a slight decrease of 3.45% in average rent, while the average rent for 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments have increased by 2.44% and 6.78%, respectively.
- In Khalifa City, AED 28k has been recorded as the average rent for a studio apartment in Khalifa City. For 1-bedroom apartments, annual rent has been AED 42k on average, while rent for 2-bedroom apartments was around AED 63k in 2023.
Al Muroor
Al Muroor has become an area of interest for tenants exploring new property developments and rental options in 2023.
- After experiencing a 5.13% increase from 2022, the annual rent of apartments in Al Muroor averaged AED 41k in 2023.
- The average yearly rent for studio apartments in Al Muroor has increased by 3.57%, amounting to AED 29k in 2023.
- Similarly, with a nominal increase of 2.56% and 1.92% in 2023, the annual rent for 1-bedroom and 2-bed apartments in Al Muroor averaged AED 40k and AED 53k, respectively.
Al Khalidiyah
Al Khalidiyah has emerged as the third most sought-after area to rent affordable apartments in Abu Dhabi. Throughout 2023, the average yearly rent for this scenic beachfront area stood at AED 58k, with a slight decrease of 1.69% in average rent.
- Interestingly, studios have maintained their rental rates at AED 29k, while the average rent for 1-bedroom apartments has experienced a 4.08% decrease, settling at AED 47k.
- Meanwhile, 2-bedroom apartments have witnessed a slight 1.54% increase, reaching AED 64k.
Hamdan Street has emerged as the fourth most popular area to rent affordable apartments in Abu Dhabi. The average yearly rent of apartments in Humdan Street has increased by 5.17%. The average rent for studio apartments experienced a slight decrease of 2.86%, going from AED 35k in 2022 to AED 34k in 2023.
Similarly, 1-bed apartments in Hamdan Street also saw a modest decline of 2.17%, with prices dropping from AED 46k in 2022 to AED 45k in 2023. However, the average rent for 2-bed apartments in Hamdan Street remained unchanged, holding steady at AED 59k.
Lastly, we have the Tourist Club Area (TCA) in our list of the most popular areas to rent affordable apartments in Abu Dhabi. The average rent of apartments in TAC increased from AED 55k in 2022 to AED 69k in 2023, representing a notable percentage change of 25.45%. This pronounced shift may be attributed to a noteworthy surge in the inventory of available rental apartments in the Tourist Club Area (TCA), registering an increase of 53.1%.
In TCA, the average rent has been recorded at AED 35k for studios, AED 57k for 1-bedroom apartments, and AED 68k for 2-bedroom apartments.
Popular Affordable Areas to Rent Villas in Abu Dhabi in 2023

POPULAR AREAS | TRANSACTION PRICE Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022 | 3-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022 | 4-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022 | 5-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammed Bin Zayed City | TRANSACTION PRICE Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 3-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 4-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 5-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
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| Khalifa City | TRANSACTION PRICE Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 3-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 4-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 5-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
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| Madinat Al Riyadh | TRANSACTION PRICE Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 3-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 4-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 5-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
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| Al Reef | TRANSACTION PRICE Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 3-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 4-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 5-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
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| Shakhbout City | TRANSACTION PRICE Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 3-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 4-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
| 5-BEDROOM Avg. Yearly RentChange from 2022
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| Not available due to low/no historical inventory or influx of off-plan properties | ||||
In 2023, Abu Dhabi continues to offer a variety of budget-friendly villas for rent, catering to those seeking comfort and affordability. Let’s explore the leading areas and their rental trends compared to the previous year.
Mohammed Bin Zayed City
Mohammed Bin Zayed City has emerged as a prominent choice for affordable villas, with an average yearly rent of AED 137k in 2023. This reflects a 7.87% increase from 2022, making it an area where affordability meets quality living.
- The average rent of 3-bedroom villas has increased by 5.88%, while the average rent for a 4-bed villa has decreased by 0.79%. On the other hand, the average rent for villas has increased slightly by 3.38%.
- On average, tenants in Abu Dhabi have paid AED 90k for renting a 3-bed villa, AED 128k for a 4-bedroom villa and AED 153k for a 5-bedroom villa.
Khalifa City
Moving on, Khalifa City has continued to be a sought-after area for those seeking affordable villas for rent. It is one of the best areas with the highest ROI in Abu Dhabi. The area has recorded an average yearly rent of AED 171k in 2023. This marks a 4.91% increase, showcasing the area’s growth in providing cost-effective living spaces.
- The average rent of 3-bedroom villas has recorded a drastic increase of 22.79%, while 4-bed villas have witnessed a 5.92% rise in 2023. Besides, 5-bed villas also showed a slight 0.58% increase in average annual rent.
- In 2023, average annual rents for villas in Khalifa City have averaged AED 167k for 3-bedroom units, AED 161k for 4-bedroom units and AED 174k for 5-bedroom units.
Madinat Al Riyadh
Madinat Al Riyadh has varied options for affordable villas for rent with an average yearly rent of AED 159k in 2023. The area has seen a modest 2.58% increase in average annual rent, making it an attractive choice for those seeking diversity in their living arrangements.
- The average rents have slightly decreased by 1.65% for 3-bedroom villas and increased by 4.5% for 5-bedroom villas in Al Riyadh.
- Interested tenants have paid AED 119k rent for 3-bedroom villas, AED 139k for 4-bedroom villas and AED 164k for 5-bedroom budget-friendly villas in 2023.
Al Reef continues to offer consistent and affordable living options, maintaining an average yearly rent of AED 127k in 2023. The area has seen a marginal 1.60% increase, affirming its reputation as a reliable choice for budget-friendly villas for rent.
Moreover, Shakhbout City has emerged as a promising area for affordable villas for rent, with an average yearly rent of AED 145k in 2023. The area has experienced a 4.32% increase, offering residents incremental growth in affordable living spaces.
The conclusion of the Abu Dhabi Rental Market Report for 2023 equips prospective renters with comprehensive insights, empowering them to make informed decisions in the dynamic real estate landscape. This in-depth analysis provides a thorough overview of Abu Dhabi’s rental property market in 2023. Besides, those in search of villas or apartments for sale in Abu Dhabi’s flourishing real estate sector can explore a diverse range of properties for sale in Abu Dhabi here.
Investors interested in looking for the sales price trend in Abu Dhabi can find the market analysis at dubizzle 2023 Abu Dhabi Annual Property Sales Market Report.
For the latest updates on real estate trends in Abu Dhabi and across the UAE, stay tuned to dubizzle’s property blog.
Disclaimer: It is important to note that while the report’s prices are based on dubizzle data, they might not precisely mirror current market dynamics and are subject to potential changes.