Dubai is a global business hub, and office space runs from a single unit in a flexi tower to a full floor in a landmark building, across areas from Business Bay to DIFC. You can hold full freehold title to a unit, for your own business or to let, in the areas designated for foreign ownership.
Prime locations for offices
Business Bay is the commercial heart of the city, with office towers lining the Dubai Water Canal and good access to the metro and Sheikh Zayed Road.
DIFC, the Dubai International Financial Centre, is the address financial services firms, law practices and consultancies choose for the standing it gives with international clients.
JLT, Jumeirah Lake Towers, is the more accessible alternative and home to the DMCC free zone, popular with trading and commodities firms. Barsha Heights and Dubai Internet City are the equivalent choices for technology and media companies.
Free zone offices versus mainland
In free zones such as DMCC, DAFZA and Dubai Internet City, the office you buy is tied to that zone's own licence, with 100% foreign ownership, no import duties and simpler staff visas.
On the mainland, in Business Bay or Downtown for example, you operate under a Department of Economic Development licence. This gives you freedom to trade across the whole UAE, but needs its own trade licence application. Our team helps you weigh the two against your business activity and target market.
Office types and configuration
Shell and core units are delivered unfinished, so you set the layout and finish yourself. Fitted offices come with a basic configuration already in: raised floors, suspended ceilings, air conditioning. Fully furnished offices are ready to move into.
Fit-out cost depends heavily on the scope and the finish you choose; get a written quote from a contractor before you commit to a shell and core unit. A growing number of developers also offer co-working-ready and managed units for businesses that want flexibility.
Financing and costs
The Dubai Land Department charges a 4% transfer fee on the purchase; agency commission is not set by law, and the market convention of 2% of the price plus 5% VAT is agreed in the RERA Form B beforehand. Service charges are billed per square foot and set by the building's owners' association; ask for the current figure and the building's facilities before you buy.
Also budget for DEWA connection fees, Ejari registration of any lease, and permit costs for altering the unit. UAE banks lend to foreign buyers on commercial property, though terms and the loan-to-value ratio differ by bank, so it is worth comparing more than one.
The purchase process
We start with your requirements, budget and objective, whether that is your own use, letting, or both, and put together a shortlist with the relevant market context. Viewings are accompanied by one of our advisers.
Once you have chosen, you sign the MOU and pay the deposit, and we carry out due diligence on the title deed, service charges and any existing lease. The transfer is then registered with the DLD and you receive your title deed.