Rates
How often do UAE mortgage rates change?
UAE banks can adjust their advertised mortgage rates at any time, sometimes weekly, often monthly, in response to funding costs, EIBOR movements and competitive pressure. EIBOR, the base for variable rates, is published daily by the UAE Central Bank. Fixed rates change less often but still shift when banks revise their outlook for future rates.
Two different speeds of change
EIBOR is published daily, so variable-rate mortgages technically reprice continuously, though banks typically apply changes periodically rather than daily. Fixed rates and bank margins change less predictably — sometimes weekly during volatile periods, sometimes staying flat for months. Advertised 'from' rates on bank websites can also lag the rate you're actually quoted.
What triggers a change
- A US Federal Reserve rate decision, since the dirham is pegged to the dollar
- A bank hitting or missing internal lending targets for the quarter
- Increased competition for a particular borrower segment
- Changes in the bank's own cost of funding
- Seasonal demand, such as a slower quarter prompting sharper pricing
How quickly changes reach borrowers
| Rate type | How often it typically moves |
|---|---|
| EIBOR (published rate) | Daily |
| Variable mortgage payment | Reviewed periodically per your contract, often quarterly |
| Bank advertised fixed rate | Weekly to monthly |
| Your locked fixed rate | Fixed until the period ends |
What this means for you
If you're comparing rates over several weeks, don't assume the number you saw last month still applies. Get a fresh, indicative comparison close to when you plan to apply, and consider locking a rate with a pre-approval once you're happy with the offer. Read more on EIBOR and current UAE mortgage rates.
How to protect yourself from rate drift
Get pre-approved once you're serious about buying, so your rate is broadly locked while you search for a property, rather than restarting comparisons each time the market moves. If your search takes months, re-check indicative offers periodically with a mortgage calculator to confirm your budget still holds.
Run the numbers on your own case
Free Lenddoo tools and guides related to this article.
Last reviewed 20 June 2026