Offices in Dubai

Office rent in Dubai: DIFC Grade A AED 160-280/sqft/year; Business Bay AED 80-130/sqft/year; JLT AED 60-100/sqft/year. For purchase: DIFC offices AED 2,500-5,000/sqft; Business Bay AED 1,500-2,500/sqft.

You need a UAE trade licence to legally rent an office. For mainland companies: DED licence + tenancy contract + Ejari registration. For free zone companies: the free zone authority issues the licence and is usually the landlord. DIFC has its own authority (DIFCA) and common law legal system.

Yes. Foreigners can buy commercial office space freehold in designated zones. Free zone offices (DIFC, DMCC, JLT) allow 100% foreign ownership with no local partner required, plus zero corporate tax.

Commercial leases in Dubai are typically 1-3 years, paid by post-dated cheques (1-4 cheques per year). Notice periods are 90 days. DIFC operates under English common law with more sophisticated lease structures. Service charges are separate and typically AED 15-35/sqft/year.