Your Guide to Commercial Properties in Dubai
Dubai’s commercial real estate market offers strong opportunities, favourable laws, and strategic locations.
Whether you want to buy, sell, or lease a space, understanding the basics will help you get started quickly.
Here’s a short overview to guide your next move in the commercial sector.
A Vibrant Sector
Dubai offers offices, retail units, full buildings, and plots in major business hubs like DIFC, Downtown, JLT, Business Bay, and Sheikh Zayed Road.
With so many options, it helps to know what suits your business needs.
Here’s a quick look at the essentials.
What You Need to Know
Dubai’s commercial market is split into Free Zone and Mainland areas.
Free Zones allow 100% foreign ownership and tax advantages.
Mainland lets you operate anywhere across the UAE with fewer trading restrictions.
Your choice depends on your company type, goals, and budget — and having expert commercial consultants ensures you make informed decisions.
Buying the Perfect Space
Buying commercial property is different from buying a home.
You’ll need company documents, licences, and zone-specific approvals.
Free Zones are often more cost-effective and offer added benefits like visa support, banking setup, and business advisory.
Your consultant will guide you based on your licence type and business goals.
Leasing a Commercial Property
Renting a commercial space is a great option for new or growing businesses.
Requirements vary for offices, retail, and warehouses.
Licensing also depends on whether the property is in a Free Zone or Mainland.
Some Free Zone licences are issued in one day, while others take weeks.
Mainland licences typically take 3 days to 1 month, depending on the landlord’s process.
