A vibrant sector
From offices and retail units to full buildings and plots of land, Dubai has a great variety of commercial spaces in key areas – including Downtown Dubai, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Business Bay, Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT), and Sheikh Zayed Road. Not sure what to expect? Here's some key information about the market.
What you need to know
Dubai's commercial property market is divided into two main zones – Free Zone and Mainland. Free Zone properties allow for 100% foreign ownership and customs and tax exemptions. Mainland areas are mainly popular with private organisations, with the ability to trade anywhere without restrictions.
The area you choose will depend on your type of company, goals, and budget. It helps to have a professional team of Commercial Consultants by your side during the process to ensure you're making informed decisions and understanding every term.
Download Commercial GuideBuying the perfect space
Buying a commercial property is not the same as buying a home – you'll need company documentation, set up fees, and licences depending on the zone that you choose. If you're looking for a cost effective option, we recommend buying in a Free Zone. Businesses in these areas may also get government support in applying for visas, opening corporate accounts, banking advisory, and more.
The licence types in Free Zones include professional, commercial, industrial, and tourism. Your Consultant should be able to guide you depending on your business profile and goals.
Leasing a commercial property
If you're looking to start or expand your business in Dubai, renting a commercial space can be a good option. Each industry (retail, offices, or warehouses, etc) has a different approach, so the documentation needed will depend on what you're looking for.
You might also need licences to operate legally. The process will vary depending on whether the property is in the Free Zone or Mainland. Some Free Zone licences can be obtained within a day while some others take 2 to 8 months – while Mainland licences can take anywhere between three working days and one month depending on the landlord.
