Housing contracts, as per UAE law, are 1yr contracts that automatically renew for another year. Obviously, in most cases, you can leave the place as long as you give 60 days notice. The price you get at the start of yr1 is also what you pay for yr2. The landlord can up the rent within a certain framework governed by RERA rules, and he has to advice you of doing so on the expiry date at the end of the 1st year. (basically he gives you 1 year notice of an increase) Usually it is a 5% increase unless the market value is +25% of what you are paying currently. And then there are some other adjustment constructions I am not going to bore you with.
You can find some nice places (appartments) for 1 mnth up to longer term for about 8000aed all incl. (2bedr+lounge/kitchen etc)
Prices in Dubai are skyhigh and what you get is down to your choice of lifestyle and family composition. There are many hidden expenses, some even call them taxes.
