Commercial Leasing
From serviced desk space to full-floor Grade A offices in DIFC, our commercial leasing team helps businesses of all sizes find the right space at the right terms. Contact us on WhatsApp to discuss your requirements.
Explore off-plan projects with commercial units — sometimes more cost-effective than long-term leasing for established businesses.
Dubai's commercial real estate market is one of the most diverse in the world, offering everything from hot-desking arrangements in co-working spaces to full-floor Grade A offices in DIFC commanding rates of AED 450 per sq ft per year. The market is split between two distinct regulatory environments — free zones and the mainland — each with its own licensing framework, ownership rules, and trade restrictions. Choosing the right structure from the outset is critical to your business operations and has significant long-term cost implications.
Commercial lease terms in Dubai typically run from 1 to 5 years, with 2 to 3-year leases most common in Grade B and Grade C buildings. Grade A buildings in DIFC and Downtown Dubai often require minimum 3-year commitments, with built-in escalation clauses of 5–10% per annum. Shorter-term 12-month leases are available in serviced office centres and flex-space providers. Unlike residential leases, commercial contracts are more freely negotiated and are subject to 5% VAT — ensure you obtain a valid tax invoice for all lease payments.
Fit-out costs are an important budget consideration. Most conventional offices in Dubai are delivered shell-and-core, meaning the tenant is responsible for partitioning, flooring, ceilings, IT infrastructure, and furniture. In Grade A buildings, landlords commonly offer 1 to 3 months rent-free as a fit-out incentive — this is negotiable and should be requested as part of any lease agreement. DEWA connections for electricity and water require a separate deposit and application process before occupation can begin.
Office rental rates in Dubai are quoted per square foot per year (AED/sq ft/yr), excluding VAT and service charges. Service charges typically add AED 15–35 per sq ft per year on top of the headline rent. The following rates reflect current Grade A and Grade B market pricing as of 2026.
All rates exclude service charges (AED 15–35/sq ft/year) and 5% VAT. Serviced office rates are quoted differently — typically per desk per month, including utilities and shared amenities.
The choice between a mainland office and a free zone office is one of the most strategically important decisions for businesses establishing in Dubai. Each has fundamentally different rules around who you can trade with, how profits are structured, and what visa quotas apply. Understanding the differences before signing any lease is essential.
Free zones are best suited to businesses focused on exports, services, or international trade where direct UAE client access is not a primary requirement. Mainland setups are better for businesses that need to sell directly to UAE consumers, bid for government contracts, or operate across multiple Emirates without restrictions. Many established businesses operate both structures — a mainland entity for UAE sales and a free zone entity for international operations and IP holding.
Commercial leases in Dubai are more complex and freely negotiated than residential tenancies. Understanding the key commercial lease terms and what to look out for before signing will help you avoid costly commitments and protect your business interests.
For businesses entering the Dubai market for the first time, the choice between a serviced office and a conventional leased office will significantly affect your startup costs, lease flexibility, and monthly overhead. Here is a direct comparison of the two options.
Astra Terra Properties (ORN 44050) is a licensed Dubai real estate agency offering commercial leasing advisory across DIFC, Business Bay, JLT, Dubai Internet City, and all major free zones. Our team helps businesses of all sizes find the right office space with the right lease structure — whether you need a serviced desk for one person or a full-floor Grade A headquarters for 200.
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