How is the average market rent calculated for the RERA rental index?

The average market rent in Dubai's RERA rental index is derived by Dubai Land Department from registered tenancy data across the emirate, grouped by area or community, property type, and size, so that each profile of unit has a benchmark average. Because it draws on actual registered contracts (the same data captured through Ejari registration) rather than advertised asking prices, the index represents typical rents being paid for comparable properties rather than peak listing figures. That benchmark is then used in the rent increase calculation: Dubai Decree No. 43 of 2013 compares your current rent to the index average for your unit profile and applies the sliding scale to set the permitted increase. The index is maintained and updated by RERA under Dubai Land Department, and you interact with it through the official calculator on the DLD website and the Dubai REST app rather than seeing the raw computation. Because it aggregates registered data, the index can lag rapid market swings. If you think the index mis-categorises your unit, you can raise it through DLD channels. You can compare verified UAE property lawyers on LEXAI for help understanding how the index applies to your contract.