Dubai continues to dominate the UAE rental market in 2025, with Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) emerging as the top community choice for tenants, according to data from Property Finder. JVC attracted over 214,000 page views for apartment listings, surpassing Dubai Marina, which followed with nearly 192,000 views, reflecting strong demand for both affordable and waterfront living.
Rental rates across the UAE have grown markedly, with average prices increasing 23.6% year-on-year and 33% over five years, driven by an influx of expatriates and expanding rental contracts. Apartments make up 96% of available units in key areas, including Business Bay (5,631 units) and Downtown Dubai (5,541 units), while JVC leads with over 9,000 properties, further solidifying its lead.
The average annual rent across UAE communities stands at AED 86,222, with Dubai’s properties ranging from AED 28,000 to AED 1.5 million, averaging AED 90,000. Palm Jumeirah tops the charts with AED 170,000 average rent, while Al Nahda in Sharjah offers the most affordable living at AED 43,000 annually.
JVC’s rise is attributed to its family-friendly ecosystem, which includes parks, jogging trails, schools, supermarkets, and quick access to major highways. Property Finder describes it as a vibrant, balanced community offering a mix of villas, townhouses, and apartments that appeal to professionals and families alike.
In Sharjah, Al Nahda drew over 100,000 searches, particularly from professionals commuting to Dubai, while Khalifa City led rental interest in Abu Dhabi with nearly 86,000 page views and an average rent of AED 49,999. Abu Dhabi’s rental market saw a 4% quarter-on-quarter and 10% year-on-year rise in apartment rents in Q1 2025, with luxury villas gaining up to 15% in value.
While Dubai holds volume and variety, analysts forecast a 10–20% market correction in 2025 due to increasing supply and landlord competition, which may offer relief to tenants facing steep rental hikes. The broader UAE rental landscape mirrors evolving expat demographics, demand for lifestyle-led communities, and dynamic shifts in regional housing preferences.
