How to rent office In Dubai

Choosing an office in Dubai depends on your budget, business needs, and preferred location. Startups often opt for business centers or coworking spaces, small companies prefer serviced offices, while large corporations usually lease entire office floors. It is important to consider hidden costs (service charges, utilities, parking, air conditioning, etc.) as well as cultural and legal specifics – for example, whether your license is tied to a particular free zone, Ejari registration and other requirements.

Over 90% of office buildings in Dubai offer turnkey solutions, which speeds up company setup. At the same time, the market is flexible, providing options both for trial periods (3-6 months) and for long-term projects.

With the right approach, you can find a suitable office in 2–4 weeks. The key is to choose the right location and office type based on your business specifics and expansion plans.

1. Choose the office type

Dubai offers four main options:

• Conventional offices – basic office spaces in towers or business centers. They may be leased in shell-and-core or fitted condition and usually involve direct rent without extra services.
• Coworking spaces – flexible desks or dedicated workstations in open-space environments, fully furnished and equipped. They typically offer shared amenities: reception, meeting rooms, kitchens, lounges. Perfect for freelancers, self-employed professionals and startups.
• Business centers – small dedicated cabins (150-800 sq. ft) with shared floor infrastructure similar to coworkings. Payments are usually based on the number of workstations. Best suited for startups and small teams of 4-5 people.
• Serviced offices – fully fitted turnkey blocks (1,000-3,000 sq. ft) with their own reception, meeting rooms, and executive offices. Unlike business centers, they don’t usually share a common reception. These spaces can meet the needs of companies of any size, sometimes in built-to-suit format.

2. Define your requirements

Before starting your search, answer key questions:

• Required size
• Budget
• Location
• Fitted or unfitted space?
• Walking distance to a metro station?
• Parking for staff and separate guest parking for clients?
• Conference rooms, breakout areas, or internal wet areas needed?

3. Choose the right district

When selecting an office, consider whether your trade license is linked to a Free Zone or Mainland. Each free zone in Dubai has its own list of permitted business activities, and companies can only operate within that scope and within the zone. Free zones such as DIFC, WTC, DIC, DMC, DMCC and others have their own licensing rules, often offering tax benefits and simplified business procedures. However, if your company is registered in a free zone, renting outside it may require additional permits or even establishing a separate legal entity.

If you are considering Mainland, the key areas for office leasing include Downtown, Business Bay, and towers along Sheikh Zayed Road (SZR). These locations offer prestigious addresses, excellent transport accessibility, and developed infrastructure, making them ideal for companies dealing with clients and partners in central Dubai. Here you’ll find headquarters of multinational corporations, banks, and major local companies, creating a favorable business environment.

4. Start your search

There are three main ways to find an office:

1. Through professional commercial real estate brokers – saves time but involves commission.
2. Via local classified websites – direct search by yourself.
3. Directly through business center management companies.

5. Check the premises

During viewings, pay attention to:

• Layout – does it suit your team and is reconfiguration possible?
• Condition – will renovations or fit-out be required? Ask the landlord about necessary approvals.
• Engineering systems – check the air conditioning (critical in Dubai), HVAC, electricity, plumbing (especially if there are wet areas), and other utilities.
• Parking – availability and cost of spaces.
• Building operating hours – some close on weekends.
• Neighbors – their business activities may impact yours.

Tip: Visit the area at different times of the day to assess traffic and infrastructure.

6. Prepare the documents

The landlord will typically request your trade license, VAT certificate / TRN, and company profile. Sometimes a bank statement is required to confirm solvency.

Before signing a lease agreement, parties often prepare a business terms sheet (or head of terms) outlining commercial terms, rent inclusions, and additional charges (DEWA/utilities, service charge, A/C, etc.).

• Lease agreements are usually signed for 1 year and must be registered in the Ejari system – the landlord often assists with this.
• A security deposit of 5-10% of the annual rent is typically required.

Office leasing in Dubai is not just about square footage – it’s about creating a comfortable environment for your team and making the right impression on clients. Take time to find the most suitable space, and your office will become a true business asset.