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Buying

Buying an Office in Business Bay, Dubai

Business Bay is Dubai's fastest-growing business district, offering an enormous diversity of office space, from compact units for start-ups to complete floors for multinationals. The district directly borders Downtown Dubai and the Dubai Water Canal, ensuring excellent accessibility and a prestigious address.

By the Augusta Properties team in Dubai

Why an office in Business Bay?

Business Bay is home to more than 240 commercial towers and attracts companies from the financial sector, technology, consultancy and trade. Its position on Sheikh Zayed Road and the Dubai Water Canal provides direct connections to all key destinations in Dubai.

The area benefits from three metro stations: Business Bay Station (Red Line), Marasi Drive Station (Blue Line, under construction) and the nearby Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station. This makes the district particularly accessible for employees and visitors.

For international entrepreneurs looking to establish a business in Dubai, Business Bay offers a mainland location with full trade-licence options through the Department of Economic Development (DED).

Key office towers and prices

The most sought-after office towers in Business Bay include:

• The Binary by Omniyat: premium Grade A offices, prices from AED 2,000–2,500 per sqft • Prism Tower: modern units with canal views, from AED 1,200 per sqft • The Opus by Zaha Hadid: iconic design, offices from AED 2,200 per sqft • Bay Square: low-rise office complexes with retail, from AED 1,000–1,400 per sqft • Aspect Tower: an affordable option, from AED 800–1,100 per sqft • Tameem House: popular with SMEs, from AED 900–1,200 per sqft

The average price per square foot (sqft) in Business Bay ranges between AED 900 and AED 2,500, depending on the tower, floor and finish. Shell-and-core units are 20–30% cheaper than fully fitted offices.

Available sizes and layouts

Offices in Business Bay are available in a range of sizes:

• Small units: 200–500 sqft, ideal for freelancers, consultants and small teams (1–5 people) • Mid-sized units: 500–1,500 sqft, suitable for growing companies (5–20 people) • Large offices: 1,500–5,000 sqft, for established companies with multiple departments • Full floors: 5,000–15,000 sqft, for corporates and regional headquarters

Many towers offer both shell-and-core and fully fitted units. With shell and core, you receive a bare space that you can fit out to your own specification. Fitted units already include flooring, ceilings, lighting and basic services.

Rental yield and investment potential

Office space in Business Bay generates an average gross rental yield of 7–9%, considerably higher than residential property in the same area. Demand for office space continues to rise on the back of the growing number of company registrations in Dubai.

Typical rents range between AED 60 and AED 150 per sqft per year, depending on the quality of the building. Premium towers such as The Binary and The Opus command higher rents but also see lower vacancy.

Service charges for offices in Business Bay range from AED 15 to AED 30 per sqft per year. Factor this into your yield calculation.

Accessibility and amenities

Business Bay is just a five-minute drive from Downtown Dubai, DIFC and Dubai Mall. Business Bay metro station (Red Line) sits centrally within the district and offers fast connections to the airport and other business districts.

The district offers countless restaurants, cafés and supermarkets along the Dubai Water Canal. The Marasi Business Bay promenade provides an attractive working environment with waterfront dining.

Parking is generally well provided for, with underground car parks in most towers. Visitors can use public parking along the main roads.

The purchase process and our guidance

As a foreign national, you can buy office space in Business Bay on a freehold basis. The purchase process runs as follows:

1. Selection of the right unit based on your business needs and budget 2. Signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the seller 3. Payment of the deposit (typically 10%) 4. Applying for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the developer 5. Transfer of ownership at the Dubai Land Department (DLD)

Augusta Properties guides you through every step, from the first viewing to registration with the DLD. Our advisers have extensive experience with commercial real estate and provide full guidance in English.

Questions

Frequently asked

Can I buy an office in Business Bay as a foreign national?

Yes, Business Bay is a freehold zone where foreign nationals can acquire full ownership. You do not need a residence visa to buy commercial property in Dubai.

What are the additional costs when buying an office?

Additional costs amount to approximately 7–8% of the purchase price: the 4% DLD transfer fee, 2% agency commission, AED 580 in DLD administration fees and any developer charges for the NOC (AED 500–5,000).

Do I need a trade licence to buy an office?

No, you can buy an office purely as an investment without a trade licence. If you want to operate your own business from it, you will need a licence from the DED or a free zone authority.

What is the difference between shell-and-core and fitted offices?

Shell and core means you receive a bare space with only the basic structure, windows and connections. Fitted offices are fully finished with flooring, ceilings, lighting and sometimes furniture. Shell and core is 20–30% cheaper but requires its own fit-out budget.

How much are the service charges for an office in Business Bay?

Service charges vary by building and range between AED 15 and AED 30 per sqft per year. For a 1,000 sqft office this comes to AED 15,000 to AED 30,000 per year. This covers maintenance, security, air conditioning of common areas and cleaning.

Considered advice, for your situation

Tell us what you are considering, and an adviser from our team in Dubai will respond with figures prepared for your circumstances.