In the Dubai areas with the most rentals, gross yields range from 5% to more than 8%: between 6 and 6.5% in JVC, between 5.5 and 6% in Business Bay and Dubai Marina, between 5 and 5.5% in Downtown and above 7% in areas such as Silicon Oasis or Dubai Sports City. Based on rents over the last 12 months, to 15 October 2026, before costs.
In this guide7 sections
| Area | 1 bedroom a year | 2 bedrooms a year | Gross yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) | AED 70,000 ≈ €17,000 ≈ $19,100 | AED 95,000 ≈ €23,000 ≈ $25,900 | 6–6.5% |
| Silicon Oasis | AED 54,810 ≈ €13,300 ≈ $14,900 | AED 75,256 ≈ €18,200 ≈ $20,500 | 7–7.5% |
| Business Bay | AED 85,000 ≈ €20,600 ≈ $23,100 | AED 130,000 ≈ €31,500 ≈ $35,400 | 5.5–6% |
| Discovery Gardens | AED 59,799 ≈ €14,500 ≈ $16,300 | AED 76,261 ≈ €18,500 ≈ $20,800 | 7.5–8% |
| Dubai Marina | AED 90,000 ≈ €21,800 ≈ $24,500 | AED 140,000 ≈ €33,900 ≈ $38,100 | 5.5–6% |
| Arjan | AED 68,000 ≈ €16,500 ≈ $18,500 | AED 93,500 ≈ €22,700 ≈ $25,500 | 7–7.5% |
| Downtown Dubai | AED 115,000 ≈ €27,900 ≈ $31,300 | AED 180,000 ≈ €43,600 ≈ $49,000 | 5–5.5% |
| Dubai Sports City | AED 56,000 ≈ €13,600 ≈ $15,200 | AED 80,000 ≈ €19,400 ≈ $21,800 | 7.5–8% |
| IMPZ | AED 56,000 ≈ €13,600 ≈ $15,200 | AED 78,000 ≈ €18,900 ≈ $21,200 | 8.5–9% |
What is gross yield?
Annual rent divided by the purchase price. If an AED 1,000,000 home lets for AED 60,000 a year, the gross yield is 6%. It is the figure before the service charge, management, empty months and taxes at home, so the net yield is lower. How much the service charge takes off in each area is in the service charges guide.
Why do cheaper areas yield more?
Because rents do not rise at the same pace as prices. In our own calculation using DLD sales and rents over the last 12 months, the median gross yield of ready homes looks like this:
| Price of the ready home | Median gross yield |
|---|---|
| Under AED 700,000, about €170,000 | 8–8.5% |
| AED 700,000 to 1,000,000 | 7–7.5% |
| AED 1 to 2 million | 6–6.5% |
| Over AED 2 million | 5–5.5% |
Beyond the yield, demand in the area, building quality and how easily you can resell all count. Areas with strong rental demand, such as JVC, are a good starting point for comparing. For a central area, see the guide to investing in Business Bay.
How do I estimate the rent of a specific unit?
Use the rent estimator: pick an area and number of bedrooms to get the median rent over the last 12 months. Add the purchase price and it works out the gross yield.
What about holiday rentals?
They can earn more than long-term lets. In return, management costs are higher and income varies with the season. There is no open official data by area, so we look at them case by case. We explain how it works in the guide to the holiday home permit.
What you keep from the rent in the UK or the US
Rent from a home in your own name is not subject to income tax in Dubai, as the UAE does not levy it on individuals. Through a company, or with a holiday home licence in your name, Corporate Tax may apply. What you keep depends on what you declare at home and the currency you spend in.
Dubai rental yields for UK investors
UK residents normally pay tax on foreign rental income and report it through Self Assessment. If you are paid in dirhams and spend in pounds, what you receive moves with the pound-dollar rate, because the dirham is pegged to the dollar.
Dubai rental yields for US investors
The rent goes on your federal return to the IRS. Dirhams convert to dollars with no currency risk: the AED 70,000 median for a one-bedroom in JVC is about $19,100. If your foreign accounts exceed $10,000, you file an FBAR.
From anywhere else
Ask a tax adviser in your country how rent from a property abroad is declared.
Things to keep in mind
- Compare areas by gross yield, then deduct the service charge.
- Use the estimator with your area and number of bedrooms.
- Allow for management and the odd empty month.
- Look at demand in the area, not just the percentage.
- Check what you declare at home.
Before suggesting a project we compare the area’s rent with the service charge and, if you want a long-term let, we find you a tenant. Holiday lets are run by a DET-licensed operator.
Frequently asked questions
Do these figures include renewals?
Yes. They are medians of all rents over the last 12 months, new and renewals.
Is the yield net?
No, it is gross. Deduct the service charge, management, empty months and taxes to estimate the net yield.
What is the rental yield in JVC?
Between 6 and 6.5% gross, with a median rent of about AED 70,000 a year for a one-bedroom, about €17,000 or $19,100.
How often are they updated?
We review the data periodically, and the cut-off date is shown with each table.
Do I pay tax in Dubai on the rent?
No, if the home is in your name and let long-term: the UAE does not levy income tax on individuals. You declare it in your country of tax residence.
What do I declare in the UK on Dubai rent?
UK residents normally pay tax on foreign rental income and report it through Self Assessment.
What do I declare in the US on Dubai rent?
The rent on your federal return to the IRS, and an FBAR if your foreign accounts exceed $10,000.
