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Apartment rents in Ajman rose by more than 50 per cent in some areas during the first half of 2026, while Abu Dhabi recorded price declines across several premium communities, according to data from Property Finder. The figures show rental markets in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ajman moving in sharply different directions, shaped by affordability pressures and new housing supply.
Ajman: Sharp Gains in Affordable Studios
Studio rents in Al Rashidiya, Ajman, recorded the sharpest increase among tracked areas, rising 57.1 per cent from AED21,000 in Q1 to AED33,000 in Q2. Al Nuaimiya also saw a 25.5 per cent rise in studio rents, from AED22,000 to AED27,600, as demand for affordable housing continued to support pricing in centrally located Ajman districts. The increase was far less pronounced for larger units one-bedroom rents in Al Nuaimiya rose 6.7 per cent, while two-bedroom rents in Al Rawda climbed 7.5 per cent to AED43,000.
- Al Rashidiya studios: AED21,000 → AED33,000 (+57.1%)
- Al Nuaimiya studios: AED22,000 → AED27,600 (+25.5%)
- Al Reem Island (Abu Dhabi) studios: AED75,000 → AED65,000 (-13.3%)
- Yas Island (Abu Dhabi) studios: AED94,999 → AED85,000 (-10.5%)
- Al Khan (Sharjah) 1-bedroom: AED54,000 → AED45,600 (-15.6%)
Abu Dhabi: Premium Communities Soften
Abu Dhabi moved in the opposite direction, with declines recorded across Yas Island, Al Reem Island, the Corniche Area, and Al Khalidiya. Two-bedroom rents on Yas Island fell 10 per cent, from AED194,495 to AED175,000, while one-bedroom rents across nearly every tracked area also declined. In contrast, more affordable mainland districts like Al Musaffah held largely steady, with two-bedroom rents unchanged at AED70,000.
Sharjah: A Mixed, Neighbourhood-Specific Picture
Sharjah's rental performance varied significantly by location and unit size. Al Khan recorded the steepest one-bedroom decline in the emirate, down 15.6 per cent, while waterfront-adjacent Al Taawun studios fell 11.8 per cent. Meanwhile, commuter hubs such as Al Nahda and Al Qasimia posted modest increases, with Al Qasimia one-bedroom rents up 3.1 per cent, reflecting steady demand from professionals in well-connected, more affordable neighbourhoods.
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What's Driving the Divergence
Cherif Sleiman, Chief Revenue Officer at Property Finder, said the first half of 2026 showed rental markets "moving at different speeds across the emirates." He explained that Ajman's sharp studio price spikes reflect renters seeking better value in centrally located, budget-friendly districts, while Abu Dhabi's softening stems largely from a wave of new supply giving tenants more options, particularly in premium waterfront communities. He noted Sharjah's split performance reflects how heavily rental movement now depends on specific neighbourhood and property size rather than the market as a whole.
What to Expect in H2 2026
Property Finder expects Ajman's rapid studio price gains to moderate once they hit affordability ceilings, while Abu Dhabi is likely to remain price-sensitive if new supply continues expanding tenant choice in premium areas. Sharjah's performance is expected to stay split by location, with affordable, well-connected neighbourhoods holding firmer than premium or waterfront pockets.
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