Call for Research Proposals: Urban Rental Market in the Arab Region
UN-Habitat and the Arab Land Initiative are currently inviting interested organizations and institutions from the Arab region to submit expressions of interest to conduct an assessment of the urban rental housing market in the Arab region and identify best practices and policy recommendations for improving the urban rental market in the region.
The Arab region faces acute challenges in rental housing driven by rapid urbanization, population growth, economic inequality and the proliferation of informal settlements, exacerbated further by conflict-induced displacement and climate-related stresses. Rental housing, often the only feasible option for low-income groups and displaced populations, has become increasingly unaffordable and insecure. Legal and policy frameworks in many Arab countries marginalize rental housing or do not adequately protect tenants’ rights, leading to informal and exploitative rental arrangements. This is compounded by a shortage of formal rental stock and limited government intervention in the sector, resulting in a fragmented and exclusionary housing system. With urban populations projected to rise, access to secure, affordable rental housing is a critical concern, particularly for low-income, displaced and other vulnerable households.
The purpose of this assessment is to inform policy and programming on urban rental housing in the Arab region, including efforts to improve rental housing affordability, security and tenant protection, particularly for low-income, displaced and other vulnerable population.
Responsibilities of the selected implementing partner will include: assessing the Arab region urban rental housing market through a comprehensive desk review and key informant interviews, with the aim of identifying major trends and understanding the role and significance of rental housing; developing a robust and regionally relevant methodology for assessing urban rental housing markets in Arab countries,building on UN-Habitat’s existing housing profile methodology and incorporating insights from the regional assessment carried out be UN-Habitat; producing a detailed urban rental housing market pilot profile that applies the developed methodology in one selected Arab country; and organizing one Expert Group Meeting and one webinar.
Organizations are invited to submit their applications by 28 November 2025. For more information on eligibility criteria, specific responsibilities, timelines and practical aspects for the submission of expressions of interest, download the call for proposals Towards Adequate Housing in the Arab Region: Evidence and Recommendations for Improving the Rental Market here, below: