Coronavirus: Abu Dhabi offers 20 per cent rent rebate to select sectors

A new law issued by the President Sheikh Khalifa, in his capacity as Ruler of Abu Dhabi, has established the Supreme Council for Financial and Economic Affairs. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The Abu Dhabi government has announced rent rebates for select businesses in the private sector.

Nurseries, dental clinics and hair salons in the emirate can apply for a discount of up to 20 per cent on their rents, said the Department of Economic Development.

The rental rebate initiative already covers restaurants, entertainment and tourism outlets in the capital.

The initiative was launched in March to ease the impact of the pandemic on the private sector.

Businesses that follow Tawtheeq or Abu Dhabi Municipality rental contracts can apply for the discounts.

Contracts should have been signed between October 1, 2019 and March 31, 2020.

Rental contracts renewed between April 1 and September 30 of this year and businesses with long-term contracts (two years or more) are also eligible.

The rebate is not dependent on the size of the business.

In June, the Abu Dhabi government said it paid 220 businesses a total of Dh8 million as part of the initiative.

Abu Dhabi introduced a stimulus package in March to mitigate the Covid-19 crisis. The relief programme includes 16 initiatives, such as the rent rebate, to reduce the cost of living and support businesses in the emirate.

To apply for the rent rebate businesses can visit - https://www.adbc.gov.ae/CitizenAccess/Welcome.aspx