Arabic-language reference guide to breaking a lease and eviction in Dubai, under Law No. 26 of 2007 (as amended by Law No. 33 of 2008) and Decree No. 43 of 2013. The full article is in Arabic. General legal information, not legal advice — verify with the Rental Disputes Center or a lawyer.
In Dubai, a landlord can evict a tenant during the term only on limited grounds (such as non-payment after a 30-day notice), and at the end of the term only for specific reasons — sale, personal use by the owner or a first-degree relative, or demolition/major renovation — with 12 months' notice served through a notary public or registered mail. Rent increases are capped by the RERA rental index (Decree 43/2013). Early termination by the tenant depends on the contract's early-exit clause. Disputes go to the Rental Disputes Center; the filing fee is 3.5% of annual rent (minimum AED 500).
