Abu Dhabi firms inform staff of non-renewal of their rental contracts in Dubai

Companies in Abu Dhabi have begun informing employees, who have been provided accommodation in Dubai, of non-renewal of their rental contracts after they expire.

“I have been provided accommodation in Dubai by my company, but few weeks back I was told by my HR department that my rental contract would not be renewed when it expires in January,” an employee of a semi-government company said on conditions of anonymity.

“It was not just me but all those who stay in Dubai were informed of the decision to move to Abu Dhabi once their rent contracts expire.”

In September, WAM news agency, citing the emirate’s Secretariat General of the Executive Council, said that Abu Dhabi government employees would be required to live inside the capital within a year.

The decision was made to ensure the safety of employees commuting long distances, often in bad weather conditions, the council said. As many as 19,564 people drive into Abu Dhabi in the morning hours.

Real estate agents believe that rents in Dubai will not be impacted as Abu Dhabi government employees have been given a year to move to capital.