11 types of commercial property to buy for foreigners in Dubai
Dubai’s reputation as a global business hub attracts entrepreneurs and business professionals from across the globe. This draw is largely due to recent regulatory changes and new initiatives designed to foster a supportive environment for businesses. The emirate boasts several prominent business districts, such as Business Bay, Downtown Dubai, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Dubai South, Dubai Media City, and Dubai Internet City.
Dubai boasts approximately 30 operational Free Zones (FEZs), each catering to distinct sectors and industries. As outlined by the UAE government’s official website, these zones fall into three primary categories: the Dubai Creative Clusters Authority (DCCA), the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), and various other Dubai Free Trade Zones. These zones encompass a wide range of industries, from gold and jewelry to healthcare and manufacturing. Diverse sectors such as medicine, education, technology, finance, natural resources, logistics, and design are represented within these free zones. A key advantage for business owners operating within Dubai’s free trade zones is the ability to maintain 100% ownership of their business, eliminating the requirement for a local sponsor or partner. The overarching goal of these zones is to attract foreign investment and stimulate economic growth within the emirate.
If you’re looking to buy commercial real estate or start a business, this article will help you identify the best locations, understand price ranges, and determine which types of commercial properties offer the greatest return.
What You Need to Know Before Investing in Dubai Commercial Properties
First of all, Commercial real estate is characterized by limited availability and high demand. While not as prevalent as off-plan residential developments, this market segment remains highly attractive to both investors and tenants. The need for office space, warehouses, distribution centres, corporate properties, and co-working spaces is driven by numerous international businesses.
Secondly, A significant factor to consider is the potential for high ROI. The real estate market often experiences price increases due to strong demand coupled with limited availability, creating opportunities for substantial returns for those who own and lease commercial properties. Dubai’s commercial real estate market generally offers ROIs between 4% and 8% per year. Notably, during the COVID-19 pandemic, e-commerce businesses generated increased demand for specific property types such as warehouses, distribution centers, worker accommodations, and staff housing, resulting in yields as high as 9-13% in these segments.
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Thirdly, Real estate liquidity plays a major role in determining return on investment (ROI). Consider revenue generated from public parking spaces as an illustration. While these assets can consistently yield a 9% ROI due to high demand in the region, their liquidity is often low. This means finding a buyer to resell the property can be difficult. Consequently, you might have to drastically lower the price to attract a buyer, effectively diminishing any apparent ROI. Therefore, the ease with which you can find a new buyer the higher your income will be.
A well-structured approach focusing on stability and extended lease terms can safeguard your assets, even those with lower returns on investment. Commercial property leases typically span five years or more, shielding you from potential vacancy periods and market downturns.
Types of Commercial Real Estate in Dubai
Dubai’s commercial real estate market is vast, presenting diverse investment and business opportunities, ranging from fully equipped offices to specialized industrial facilities. The following comprehensive guide provides in-depth information on properties across various economic sectors in Dubai. This resource will help you effectively allocate your budget to areas that best support business growth and provide insights into the costs associated with purchasing or leasing these properties.
Offices
Dubai provides a diverse selection of office spaces available for both purchase and lease. Pricing for these spaces is influenced by factors such as location, size, interior finishes, and whether the space is furnished. Prime areas for office purchases include Business Bay, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road, Deira, and Bur Dubai. The starting price for an office space measuring between 25 and 35 square meters is AED 250,000 (equivalent to approximately USD 68,100). Regarding leasing options, offices are categorized by size: small (up to 904 square feet), medium (ranging from 904 to 2,002 square feet), and large (exceeding 2,002 square feet).
The average yearly rental prices for office space in Dubai’s most well-known commercial areas are shown in the table below.
District |
Small office spaces up to 904 sqft |
Medium office spaces of 904-2,002 sqft |
Large office spaces of over 2,002 sqft |
|---|---|---|---|
Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT)
|
AED 55,000 (USD 15,000) |
AED 72,000 (USD 19,700) |
AED 200,000 (USD 55,000) |
Business Bay
|
AED 40,000 (USD 11,000) |
AED 82,000 (USD 22,500) |
AED 204,000 (USD 56,000) |
Sheikh Zayed Road
|
AED 35,000 (USD 9,600) |
AED 120,000 (USD 32,700) |
AED 284,000 (USD 77,500) |
Bur Dubai
|
AED 24,000 (USD 6,600) |
AED 101,000 (USD 27,500) |
AED 368,000 (USD 100,200) |
Deira
|
AED 19,000 (USD 5,200) |
AED 81,000 (USD 22,100) |
AED 182,000 (USD 49,600) |
In Addition, Great commercial real estate leasing alternatives, particularly for office spaces, are also available in regions like DIFC and Dubai South.
Coworking Spaces
Coworking spaces in Dubai are increasingly popular with startups, entrepreneurs, and freelancers due to their lower startup costs. These shared office environments offer a professional and comfortable setting for work, fostering collaboration. A key benefit is the reduced rental expense achieved through shared payments. Flexible rental options are available, including hourly, daily, and monthly rates. For example, coworking spaces in prime locations like Jumeirah Lake Towers, Business Bay, Sheikh Zayed Road, and Dubai Media City typically range from AED 10,000 (USD 2,800) to AED 19,000 (USD 5,200) annually for spaces between 49.5 and 99 square feet.
Dubai has a flourishing coworking community that provides possibilities for shared workspaces as well as individual workstations. Several well-liked options include Bureau Dubai, Nest, Our Space, Nook, and others. Listings for these providers are frequently accessible on websites like as coworker.com, and they operate in major parts of Dubai. Dubai provides freedom whether you want to create your own unique location or are looking for a franchise opportunity. Notably, a large number of IT workers are drawn to these workplaces, which serve a variety of purposes such as conducting seminars and lectures with a theme, housing businesses with licenses, and even offering massage and spa services.
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Retail Space
Warehouses
Investing in warehouse properties can be a very profitable venture, offering the potential for significant yearly returns. The demand for these spaces has risen notably since the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by the growth of e-commerce businesses that have become dominant players in the market. Many businesses in manufacturing and trade need cost-effective warehouse solutions. Therefore, when considering a purchase or lease, it’s crucial to evaluate the property’s proximity to major transportation hubs such as highways, ports, and airports.
When considering warehouse options, several Dubai locations stand out. For those looking to buy, popular choices include Jebel Ali, Dubai Investment Park, Al Quoz, Dubai Industrial Park, Technology Park, Al Qusais, and Al Warsan. These areas offer a variety of warehouse sizes, from 1,270 to 395,443 sq ft, with starting prices of AED 1,400,000 (USD 381,200). If renting is preferred, Ras Al Khor is also a highly desirable area, in addition to the purchase-focused locations mentioned. Rental costs in these areas begin at AED 22,800 (USD 6,200) annually.
Showrooms
Showrooms provide an excellent venue for showcasing a wide range of products, from construction materials and heavy machinery to the newest electronics. Typically ranging in size from 3,659 to 49,438 square feet, these spaces offer flexibility in choosing the right fit for various products and services. Showrooms within Free Economic Zones (FEZs) cater to business clients and are particularly well-suited for customer interactions.
If you’re looking to buy a showroom, consider locations such as Ras Al Khor, Al Barsha, Business Bay, and Al Quoz. These properties have starting sales prices of AED 9,000,000 (USD 2,451,000) and annual rents from AED 99,000 (USD 27,000).
Commercial Units
Investors in Dubai are showing high demand for commercial units, which are particularly attractive to independent small businesses like gyms and spas. These units are available in diverse locations, such as mixed-use complexes, residential communities, and business hubs. The Dubai commercial property market offers both compact spaces and full-floor options. A full floor, for example, has a minimum purchase price of AED 3,200,000 (USD 872,000) and annual rent starting at AED 242,000 (USD 66,000).
If you’re seeking to purchase commercial property in Dubai, you’ll find options citywide. For those interested in acquiring an entire floor, consider exploring locations such as Business Bay, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Sports City, DIFC, Dubai Marina, or Jumeirah Village Circle.
Commercial Villas
Investors in Dubai are showing high demand for commercial units, which are particularly attractive to independent small businesses like gyms and spas. These units are available in diverse locations, such as mixed-use complexes, residential communities, and business hubs. The Dubai commercial property market offers both compact spaces and full-floor options. A full floor, for example, has a minimum purchase price of AED 3,200,000 (USD 872,000) and annual rent starting at AED 242,000 (USD 66,000).
If you’re seeking to purchase commercial property in Dubai, you’ll find options citywide. For those interested in acquiring an entire floor, consider exploring locations such as Business Bay, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Sports City, DIFC, Dubai Marina, or Jumeirah Village Circle.
These commercial villas are available in sizes ranging from three to seven bedrooms, offering versatile spaces suitable for various businesses, including offices and retail shops. They also provide excellent opportunities for establishing ventures like kindergartens, clinics, restaurants, or showrooms, among other possibilities. Many of these commercial villas include features such as on-site parking, kitchens, swimming pools, lounge areas, and private gardens.
For those seeking commercial villa investments, Umm Suqeim, Mohammed Bin Rashid City, Jumeirah, Deira, Al Wasl, and Al Safa offer excellent opportunities. Purchase prices begin at AED 2,100,000 (USD 572,000), while rental options are available starting at AED 200,000 (USD 55,000).
Commercial Buildings
Investing in or purchasing commercial properties presents an excellent opportunity. These versatile spaces can house a wide range of businesses, including hotels, mixed-use developments, fitness centres, spas, office complexes, retail spaces, shopping centres, and more.
There are a large number of properties that can be found in Deira, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Hills Estate, Al Barsha, Jebel Ali, Dubai Production City (IMPZ) and Barsha Heights (TECOM). The entry-level price for purchasing a property is AED 3,000,000 (USD 817,000), while annual rental options start at AED 220,000 (USD 60,000).
Commercial Land
These types of plots are used for many different purposes, from personal use to investment, including the development of commercial properties. Dubai offers two main types of commercial land: mixed-use and industrial. Prime mixed-use land opportunities, suitable for both residential and commercial buildings, can be found in areas like Jumeirah Village Circle, Business Bay, and Al Jadaf. Industrial land, designated for facilities such as factories, worker accommodations, and warehouses, is concentrated in zones like Al Quoz, Al Warsan, and the Jebel Ali Freezone.
Land plot prices, which vary depending on the intended use, begin at AED 1,000,000 (USD 272,500). Annual rental costs are a minimum of AED 60,000 (USD 16,500).
Factories
Dubai serves as a major manufacturing centre in the country, with well-established industries encompassing metallurgy, mechanical engineering, pulp and paper manufacturing, and the creation of perfumery and cosmetic products.
The development of manufacturing is a primary objective for Dubai’s economic success. Investors participating in the city’s industrial sector can benefit from government support, including reduced customs and tax fees, as well as other incentives.
Labour Camp
In Dubai, worker accommodations (often called labor camps) are also considered commercial real estate and are frequently bought and rented. These properties provide budget-friendly housing for companies needing established staff accommodations. These properties can be found in areas like Al Quoz, Dubai Investment Park, Jebel Ali, and Muhaisnah. The starting price for buying a complete complex is typically AED 4,500,000 (USD 1,225,000), while yearly rent can be quite affordable, starting at AED 5,500 (USD 1,500).
Summary
In Dubai, buyers have access to a diverse selection of commercial properties. Choices range from offices and retail spaces to industrial units and mixed-use buildings, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your business goals.
- The availability of commercial properties in Dubai varies by type. Warehouses and other industrial buildings are typically located in specific districts, whereas offices and retail properties are available in most areas of the city.
- The emirate sees high demand for warehouses and coworking spaces among those investing in and leasing commercial property.
- Investing in commercial real estate requires careful consideration. Important factors include market supply and demand, potential return on investment (ROI), the ease of selling the property (liquidity), and a dependable rental income.