Offices sold during the construction phase have become one of the hottest investment directions in Dubai, effectively rebooting the commercial real estate market.
In October, the emirate recorded 1,274 commercial transactions worth 12.3 billion dirhams, a 21.4% increase year-on-year. The total value of transactions also rose by 9.9% compared to October last year, making it one of the most productive months on record.
The office segment stands out in particular: the number of transactions rose by 64%, while their value surged by 98%. This growth is driven by the fact that premium office spaces are approximately 90% occupied, and international corporations continue relocating regional headquarters to the emirate, increasing structural demand. Business clusters such as Business Bay and Jumeirah Lakes Towers remain among the most sought-after, while limited supply pushes investors toward purchasing offices off-plan.
Off-Plan Office Sales: 464% Growth and Projects Shaping the Market
The shift toward off-plan has become a defining market trend. In Q3 2025, off-plan office sales increased by 464% — from 69 to 389 transactions. In October alone, 225 such deals were recorded, compared to just 33 a year earlier. Leading the surge are projects like Lumena, Lumena Alta, AHS Tower, Samana Barari Avenue, 31 Above, and Aspirz Tower.
These business complexes offer modern office concepts with a focus on technological infrastructure, energy efficiency, employee comfort, and environmental standards — precisely the characteristics international companies now look for in alignment with global standards.
Economic Growth Fuels Demand for Commercial Real Estate
Demand for Grade A spaces significantly exceeds supply, and corporate clients are demanding buildings that meet world-class standards of design, digitalization, and sustainability.
This trend is reinforced by the UAE’s strong economic performance.
In 2025, the number of new business registrations in Dubai reached a historic high. Over the past three years, the number of companies in the Dubai International Financial Centre has increased by more than half. Analysts from CBRE and JLL also report strong upward pressure on premium office rents due to an influx of highly skilled professionals and multinational firms.
Retail and Residential Sectors Continue to Strengthen the Market
The retail segment is also showing impressive momentum. Population growth, increasing tourist spending, and the aggressive expansion of international brands led to a 29% increase in retail transactions in October, with deal values doubling year-on-year. Developers are increasingly integrating retail spaces into large mixed-use complexes.
The residential segment, after two years of rapid growth, is entering a more stable development phase. In October, off-plan sales accounted for 68.3% of 18,530 transactions.
The ready-homes segment grew 14.4% month-on-month. Apartments remain the most attractive choice for investors, offering an average yield of 6.8%. Prices in popular developments are rising by 5–10%, and villa prices by 10–20%.
Dubai’s Global Role: A Future Trade and Logistics Hub
Strong macroeconomic trends continue to reinforce the emirate’s position as a global business hub. According to Standard Chartered’s report “Future of Trade: Resilience,” the UAE is among the six world markets shaping the future of global trade. About 20% of companies worldwide are revising their supply chains through the UAE, highlighting its role as a key logistics node connecting China, ASEAN, Africa, and the U.S.
Companies from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and India are also showing growing interest, with half planning to expand trade relations with the UAE. Experts note that this rising influence is driven by strategic infrastructure investments and economic diversification. Several government initiatives — including Operation 300bn — aim to increase the industrial sector’s contribution to 300 billion dirhams by 2031.
Rising demand for data centers, cloud technologies, green solutions, and logistics boosts interest in modern commercial spaces. Forecast: Growth Through 2026 and a New Era of Off-Plan Offices
Analysts predict that the growth momentum in the commercial sector will continue at least until 2026, driven by a severe shortage of premium offices, high investor activity, and ongoing expansion of international companies. Dubai is entering a new era: the commercial real estate market is transforming from a stable segment into a strategic economic engine, with off-plan offices becoming a key instrument of this transformation.