Can a landlord increase rent in the middle of a tenancy contract in Dubai?

No. In Dubai, a landlord cannot lawfully increase the rent during the term of a valid tenancy contract. The agreed rent is fixed for the duration of the contract, and any change can only take effect at renewal. Under the tenancy law (Law No. 26 of 2007 as amended by Law No. 33 of 2008), if the landlord wants to change the rent or other terms for the next term, this must be agreed with the tenant at least 90 days before the current contract expires, unless both parties agree to something different. So a mid-term demand for higher rent has no legal force, and you are entitled to continue paying the contracted amount until expiry. At renewal, any increase is further limited by the RERA rental index sliding scale in Dubai Decree No. 43 of 2013, which you can check using the official calculator on the Dubai Land Department site or Dubai REST app. If a landlord pressures you mid-term, document it and, if needed, file at the Rental Dispute Center under DLD. You can compare verified UAE tenancy lawyers on LEXAI for support.