Dubai’s real estate market is set for another transformation with the Smart Rental Index 2025 introduction by the Dubai Land Department (DLD). This tool improves the previous RERA Rental Index and how rental values are determined, allowing landlords and tenants to make data-driven decisions when signing or renewing tenancy contracts.

What is the Smart Rental Index 2025?

The Smart Rental Index 2025 is a cutting-edge system designed to provide accurate, up-to-date rental valuations for properties across Dubai. Launched by the DLD, this index leverages artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and blockchain technology to offer real-time insights into the rental market.

How Does It Work?

The Smart Rental Index employs a sophisticated mechanism to determine rental values:

1. Comprehensive Property Evaluation: The system assesses properties based on various factors, including technical features, maintenance standards, location, and available amenities. In a nutshell, if your property has been maintained well and is in good condition, your rent will go up. If your property has not been maintained well, your rent will stay the same or in some cases, go down.
2. Building Classification System: The Smart Rental Index uses AI algorithms to analyze extensive datasets, providing predictive insights into rental trends and ensuring accurate, up-to-date valuations. These systems process data from rental contracts, building specifications, and market conditions to calculate fair rental benchmarks in real time, enabling informed decision-making in a dynamic market.
3. Real-Time Data Updates: Unlike the previous update system which was updated once a year, the Smart Rental Index provides continuous, real-time updates to reflect current market conditions.
4. AI-Powered Analysis: Advanced AI algorithms process vast amounts of data to predict market trends and provide accurate valuations. DLD huge dataset of rental, sale and urban development history allows them to create a comprehensive AI model to determine what rents should be at any given time.

How To Use The Platform

1. Head over to https://dubailand.gov.ae/en/eservices/rental-index/rental-index/#/
2. Select residential / commercial / industrial / staff accommodation or via the location map
3. Plug in the tenancy contract end date, the property type, the DEWA premises number (can be found on your ejari contract or tenancy contract) or select the area where your property is located.
4. The areas as mentioned as per their Arabic names so you will have to check the Title Deed to see what the name of your area is.
5. Select the building / sub-location of your Property.
6. Select the number of bedrooms.
7. Select the current annual rent.
8. Click calculate.
9. You will get a report of whether your property’s rent can increase (and if so by how much) or stay the same. This report can also be downloaded as a PDF and shared.
   

The Role of AI in the Smart Rental Index

Artificial Intelligence is at the heart of the Smart Rental Index, playing a crucial role in:

• Data Processing: AI algorithms analyze large volumes of real estate data to identify patterns and trends.
• Predictive Analytics: The system uses machine learning to forecast future rental trends, helping landlords and tenants to make informed decisions.
• Automated Valuations: AI enables quick and accurate property valuations based on multiple factors.

Impact on Dubai’s Rental Market

The introduction of the Smart Rental Index is expected to have far-reaching effects on Dubai’s rental landscape:

For Tenants

• Fair Pricing: Tenants can negotiate rents based on accurate, up-to-date market data.
• Transparency: Clear visibility into rental valuations reduces the likelihood of overpaying.
• Reduced Disputes: With fair pricing mechanisms, rental disputes are expected to decrease.

For Landlords

• Competitive Pricing: Landlords can set rents that align with current market trends.
• Justified Increases: Rent increases can be substantiated using the index data. No more disputes.
• Investment Planning: The tool aids in making informed decisions for future property investments.

For Investors

• Data-Driven Decisions: Investors can access comprehensive market data to guide their investment strategies with regard to rental yields in the short and long term.
• Portfolio Management: The index facilitates better management of real estate portfolios.

Dubai’s New Rental Laws and the Smart Index

The Smart Rental Index aligns with Dubai’s new rental laws, which aim to create a more balanced and transparent real estate market. Key aspects include:

• Rent Increase Caps: The index provides the basis for fair rent increases, with specific percentages allowed based on how current rents compare to market rates.
• Dispute Resolution: The data-driven approach is expected to reduce conflicts between landlords and tenants.

Market Impact and Future Projections

The Dubai real estate market has shown significant growth, with over 900,000 registered rental / Ejari contracts registered in 2024, an 8% increase from the previous year. This growth underscores the importance of tools like the Smart Rental Index in managing market dynamics.

Experts project that rents in Dubai will continue to rise in 2025 by around 13% for annual rentals and 18% for short-term lets, driven by new property developments and increasing demand¹. You can view ready rental properties here and short-term rentals here on Viewit.

Conclusion: A Smart Future for Dubai Real Estate

The Smart Rental Index 2025 represents a significant leap forward in Dubai’s real estate sector. By harnessing the power of AI, ML and big data, the DLD is setting new standards for transparency, fairness, and efficiency in the rental market in the MENA region and beyond.

As Dubai continues to position itself as a global leader in smart city initiatives, the Smart Rental Index stands as a testament to the Emirate’s commitment to innovation and sustainable urban development. For tenants, landlords, and investors alike, this tool promises to bring clarity and confidence to rental transactions, fostering a more robust and equitable real estate ecosystem in Dubai.

1. https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/real-estate/dubai-apartment-rentals-to-see-more-than-18-surge-in-2025-rental-yield-stabilising-12868033.html ↩︎