Rising Rents in Dubai Prompt Tenants to Relocate to Sharjah and Northern Emirates

As rental prices in Dubai continue to climb, many tenants are making the move to Sharjah and the northern emirates. This trend mirrors previous cycles observed in 2009 and 2014, when rising rents in Dubai prompted a similar migration pattern. Industry experts estimate that relocating to these areas can save tenants around Dh77,000 annually due to the significant rental differences.

Post-pandemic, rents have surged across Dubai, Sharjah, and the northern emirates, driven by population growth and an influx of job seekers. However, Dubai's rental market remains notably more expensive than its northern counterparts, with prices more than double those in neighboring areas.

In Dubai, renting a studio apartment ranges from Dh30,000 to Dh70,000 per year, while one-bedroom apartments cost between Dh50,000 and Dh130,000 annually. The most affordable areas in Dubai include Deira, International City, Sports City, and Jumeirah Village, while the most expensive neighborhoods are Palm Jumeirah, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), and Downtown.

Conversely, rental rates in Sharjah are significantly lower, with studio apartments priced between Dh12,000 and Dh40,000 and one-bedroom apartments ranging from Dh14,000 to Dh55,000 per year. In the northern emirates of Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah, studio apartments typically cost between Dh12,000 and Dh34,000 annually, while one-bedroom units range from Dh15,000 to Dh50,000 per year.

This migration trend highlights the growing appeal of more affordable rental options in the northern emirates, driven by increased quality developments and the flexibility of hybrid work arrangements.