Wasl
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Is It a Good Time to Rent Commercial Space in Dubai?

Spoiler alert: Yes—if you can still find one.

Dubai’s commercial real estate market is heating up fast. From premium Class A offices in Downtown to shell-and-core units on Sheikh Zayed Road, demand is surging across the city, and availability is tightening just as quickly.

With soaring rents, 90%+ occupancy rates, and multinational corporations locking down long-term leases, we’re entering what many analysts are calling a “landlord’s market.”

So, if you're looking for an office to rent in Dubai, the window is open, but narrowing fast.
 

Table of Contents

  • Overview of Dubai's Commercial Rental Market
  • What Is a Class A Office and Who Rents Them?
  • Why Now? 3 Benefits of Renting in Dubai Today
  • When Should You Lease a Commercial Property?
  • The Rise of Shell-and-Core Offices in Dubai
  • Wasl Tower: A Class A Opportunity Worth Exploring
  • Fact Box 
  • Conclusion
  • FAQs

Overview of Dubai’s Commercial Rental Market

Strong Demand Across Sectors

According to Savills' Q1 2025 Dubai Office Market Report, Grade A office rents increased by 45% year-on-year on average. With the average office for rent in Downtown Dubai seeing a 37% spike, and Business Bay jumping even higher at 44%, it’s clear that demand for commercial real estate is outpacing supply at an accelerating rate

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High Occupancy Rates

Districts like DIFC are now 99.8% occupied, meaning office space in Dubai’s most coveted zones is almost entirely taken. Landlords are quoting record rents, and even strata landlords in Business Bay are catching up to DIFC pricing levels.

Limited Supply, Rising Appeal

New office developments are in the pipeline, but most are already pre-leased. What’s available today may be gone tomorrow—literally. In a market this booming, the best units are snapped up before they even hit public listings.
 

What Is a Class A Office and Who Rents Them?

A “Class A” office refers to the highest-quality spaces in a given market. These offices are typically located in prime areas, offer premium amenities, and are either newly built or extensively renovated.

Class A offices attract:

  • Multinational corporations looking for prestige and visibility
  • High-growth startups seeking flexibility and infrastructure
  • Businesses that prioritize ESG compliance, employee well-being, and future-proof layouts
     

For tenants, it’s more than just location, it’s about brand identity, operational efficiency, and long-term performance
 

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H2 Why Now? 3 Benefits of Renting in Dubai Today
 

1. Competitive Rents 

Compared to global peers like Hong Kong or Singapore, Dubai still offers competitive commercial leasing rates. But they’re climbing quickly, so signing now could mean major savings down the line.

2. Premium Options Are Still Available, For Now

While inventory is shrinking, a few Class A offices remain. With demand soaring and supply tightening, securing a premium commercial property for rent today could put your business ahead of the curve.

3. Landlord Flexibility

Landlords are offering flexible lease terms, rent-free periods, and even partial fit-outs, especially on shell and core spaces.

 

 ​​ESG compliance means following laws, regulations, and industry standards that cover environmental impact, social responsibility, and corporate governance.

When Should You Lease a Commercial Property?

Your business should consider leasing when:

  • You’re expanding: A growing team needs space that can scale.
  • You’re shifting to hybrid: Shell-and-core spaces allow for custom, flexible layouts.
  • You’re facing high turnover: A better location and environment can boost employee satisfaction and retention.
  • You want a prestige address: A Dubai office, especially in prime areas, signals legitimacy, performance, and long-term intent.
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The Rise of Shell-and-Core Offices in Dubai

In today’s market, more businesses are turning to shell-and-core office setups, bare units that can be fully customized.

Benefits of Shell-and- Core offices: 

  • Customization: Tailor your layout to reflect your brand and work culture
  • Cost Efficiency: Avoid paying for fittings you’ll later remove
  • Landlord Incentives: Enjoy rent-free periods or fit-out allowances
  • Flexibility: These spaces grow with your business

Areas leading this trend include DIFC, Downtown Dubai, One Central, and Business Bay. And with limited new Grade A supply, shell-and-core is becoming the go-to format for future-focused tenants.

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Wasl Tower: A Class A Opportunity Worth Exploring

Now for the good news: Wasl has just launched a rare Class A leasing opportunity in Downtown Dubai, right on Sheikh Zayed Road.

But this isn’t just another tower.

Wasl Tower is a landmark designed by Dutch architect Ben van Berkel (UN Studio). It’s a 303m high vision of sustainable design, connectivity and architectural movement.

Here’s what makes it one of Dubai’s top Class A listings:

  • Architectural Impact: A twisting façade inspired by “contrapposto”, capturing motion in stillness
  • Thermal Tech: A ceramic exterior that regulates heat and reflects light, making it the tallest ceramic façade globally
  • LED Façade: A programmable lighting system that evolves with the city skyline
  • Sustainability by Design: The façade’s energy-efficient ceramic tiles, smart engineering, and integrated cooling systems reduce environmental impact, setting a new benchmark for sustainable high-rise development in the region
  • Mixed-Use Versatility: Offices, retail, residential and a 5-star Hotel, all under one roof
  • Flexible Shell-and-Core Offices: Enables you to design your office from scratch, within a Grade A+ building located at the center of Dubai's leading commercial cluster
  • VIP Helipad Access: A dedicated helipad allows for seamless arrivals and exclusive access for high-level executives and guests


In a landscape of cookie-cutter towers, Wasl Tower offers tenants the kind of prestige, functionality and future-readiness that sets a business apart.

Discover offices for rent at Wasl Tower

Fact Box

Dubai now ranks 8th globally for total prime office occupancy costs, according to Savills, averaging $148.90 per sq ft per annum. Yet businesses continue to flock here, citing the city’s infrastructure, lifestyle, and strategic location as key drivers.

Source: Savills Dubai Office Market Report (Q1 2025) - Consultancy-me.com
 

Conclusion

So, if your business is exploring how to lease commercial property in Dubai, this is not the time to delay. Between sky-high occupancy rates, rising rents, and vanishing inventory, the window to secure Class A space is closing fast.

Opportunities like Wasl Tower don’t come around often, and they don’t stay available for long.

Explore more commercial properties for rent

FAQs

  • 1. What is the occupancy rate of offices in Dubai?

    Dubai’s office occupancy rate is currently between 92% and 94%, with top districts like DIFC, Business Bay, and Downtown Dubai nearing full capacity. This surge is driven by strong demand, limited availability, and rising rents.
    Source: Economy Middle East

  • 2. What is the average commercial rent per sq ft in Dubai?

    Commercial rents in Dubai vary widely by location and building class. Rates generally range from AED 40 to AED 355 per square foot annually, with Class A buildings in prime districts commanding the highest premiums.
    Source: One Business Centre

  • 3. Is it cheaper to rent in free zones?

    Yes, renting in free zones is usually cheaper than in mainland Dubai. Free zones offer lower setup and licensing costs, no need for a local sponsor, and flexible office packages, making them ideal for cost-conscious businesses.
    Source: Choose UAE

  • 4. How long are typical lease agreements?

    Commercial lease terms in Dubai typically range from one to five years. Office leases often last two to three years, while retail spaces can go up to five. Recent market trends are leaning toward more flexible, shorter-term agreements.
    Source: DLA Piper REALWORLD