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Dubai real estate market report 2020

The  pandemic  has  significantly  impacted the real  estate industry in  Dubai,  which  was  disrupted  with  the lockdowns, restrictions, and growing trend of working from home. Recovery in the commercial market was slightly slower compared to residential real estate, but it has also enjoyed a boom in the Q4.

What  were  the  key  trends  we  have  noticed?  When  it  comes  to  office  units,  we  have  seen  a  number  of companies downsizing to accommodate their new working from home arrangements, as well as companies that wanted to utilise favourable conditions to upgrade to high quality office space. The retail market has struggled over the past year, with the restrictions of movement, closures,  and  even  today  with  a  limited  number  of  customers  they  can  accommodate  in  their  premises. 

However, by the end of 2020, we have seen an increase in the number of units sold, something that can be attributed to the actions taken by the Central Bank as well as a comprehensive 100 billion dirhams ($27.2 billion) economic plan helped businesses mitigate the impact of the outbreak. The liberalisation of business laws also came as welcome news to foreign investors and expat business owners. Another  factor  that  helped  nurture  this  favourable  business  climate  was  the  resumption  of  diplomatic relations with Qatar and Israel. This will undoubtedly open the door to new trade and business opportunities, acting as further stimuli for businesses in the country.

The fact that the total value of commercial units has decreased will likely mean that investors looking to take advantage of the economic situation will make 2021 a good year in terms of the number of transactions. This can be seen from the fact that despite buyer leads seeing a year on year increase of 79% throughout 2020, this was not reflected in the number of transactions. This might indicate a growing interest in purchasing a commercial property, with buyers waiting for 2021 to see what happens in terms of the economic situation.

For more insight into the 2020 real estate market, then take a look at our full report.

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CRC COMMERCIAL PROPERTY MARKET REPORT Q2 2023

Commercial Sales (DLD) The commercial real estate market in Dubai experienced a increase in sales transactions during Q2 2023. The number of sales transactions reached 3,080, marking a 22% rise compared to the same period last year, indicating an increase in demand for real estate in Dubai as a whole. Moreover, the total transacted value surged by an impressive 101% to reach AED 21.385 billion. From an investor’s perspective, this opportunity is evaluated through two primary lenses. Firstly, investors seek to secure a favorable return on investment (ROI), focusing on the potential for financial gains. Alternatively, investors may aim to secure a sales price that will appreciate significantly in the future, allowing them to sell the asset at a premium. Download Full Report Rising Office and Retail Sales Transactions (DLD) The office segment witnessed a remarkable surge in sales transactions during Q2 2023. A total of 754 office transactions were recorded, indicating a substantial 49% increase compared to the corresponding period in the previous year. The transacted value for office properties also grew by 32% to reach AED 1.154 billion. The top communities for office sales in Dubai during Q2 2023 were Business Bay, Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT), Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), Barsha Heights, and Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO). The retail sector has witnessed a significant surge in sales transactions during the same period. The number of retail transactions has experienced an impressive 50% increase, accompanied by a substantial 94% rise in the transacted value. Both retailers seeking to lease out their units and prospective buyers looking to acquire new retail spaces have contributed to this trend. Analysis of the data obtained reveals that the top retail communities in Dubai include Mohammed Bin Rashid City (MBR City), International City, Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), Arjan, and Business Bay. Download Full Report Commercial Buyer Demand and Transactions (CRC) The demand for commercial real estate in Dubai remained strong during Q2 2023, as reflected by the significant increase in buyer demand and transactions. The number of commercial sale transactions rose by a staggering 300% compared to the same period last year. This surge in transactional activity signifies the robust interest and confidence of buyers in the market. Download Full Report Data on Investors and End-Users in Commercial Real Estate (CRC) The buyer profile of commercial properties at CRC Dubai during Q2 2023 showcased a remarkable diversity of participants, attracting both investors and end- users. The market witnessed significant interest from various nationalities, with India, Norway, and the UK emerging as the top countries of origin for buyers. This indicates the international appeal and global investment interest in Dubai’s commercial real estate sector. The surge in the number of new trade licenses issued, along with the influx of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) coming to Dubai and the growing presence of new investors, further demonstrates the positive momentum and favorable market conditions in the commercial property segment. Download Full Report

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CRC Commercial Property Market Report Q1 2023

During the first quarter, Dubai’s commercial real estate market experienced a significant rise in prices and sales transactions. This growth can be attributed to several factors, including the success of government initiatives such as the green and golden visas and the robust post-pandemic recovery. These programs have attracted foreign investment and skilled talent to the country, while the government’s support for businesses during the pandemic has eased financial pressures. DOWNLOAD THE REPORT The green and golden visas attract foreign investment and talent to the country, whilst initiatives to support businesses during the pandemic helped ease the financial burden. The government’s innovative and strategic approach to creating an enterprise-friendly environment has led to a more than 50% increase in new business-license issuance, a driving force behind Dubai’s booming commercial real estate sector. Commercial Sales Dubai’s commercial real estate market saw a sharp increase in sales transactions and prices in the first quarter. Compared to Q1 2022, there were 17% more transactions, whilst the total transacted value increased by 62%. This growth can be attributed to many factors, including government initiatives like the green and golden visas and the strong post-pandemic recovery. During the first quarter, there was a 28% increase in office transactions, with a 52% increase in transacted value (versus Q1 2022). This surging demand for offices has led to a shortage of quality grade A spaces. The most popular area for office sales was Business Bay, followed by JLT and Dubai Silicon Oasis. The growing demand within all sectors of the commercial real estate market is a clear indication of Dubai’s ever increasingly business-friendly environment. Compared to Q1 2022, CRC saw a 69% growth in overall buyer leads. The growth in buyer enquiries for retail spaces was particularly pronounced, up 208%, whilst office and warehouse enquiries increased by 47% and 45% respectively. Whilst buyer enquiries surged, a shortage of available commercial properties led to an 11% decrease in new sales listings and a 12% fall in transaction volume during Q1 2023 when compared to Q1 2022. COMMERCIAL LEASING For the first time in six years, Dubai’s office rents are rebounding and they are increasing at a faster than in London and New York. This is, in part, due to the expansion of global businesses and banks into Dubai, which is fast becoming a financial hub in the Middle East. Ease of business set up, the tax friendly environment and visa reforms are just some of the reasons why entrepreneurs, SMEs and multinationals are likely to continue to relocate or expand to Dubai, giving further support to rental prices. CRC saw a 15% decline in leasing transactions in the first quarter, with a 6% drop in office space transactions. With the recent growth in rental prices, it’s likely that businesses are extending their existing leases to avoid paying the higher market prices, leading to a drop in transactions.  Jumeirah Lake Towers, Business Bay, and Al Quoz emerged as the top communities for retail transactions, followed by Sheikh Zayed Road and Barsha Heights (Tecom). The average office size leased in Q1 2023 was 78% larger than in Q1 2022. This suggests that tenants are increasingly demanding larger commercial spaces in response to their growing company needs.  DOWNLOAD FULL REPORT

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CRC Commercial Property Market Report FY 2022

Dubai’s government continues to position Dubai as a global business and financial hub, with a recently announced ($8.7 trillion (32 trillion dirham) economic plan aimed at doubling foreign trade and investment over the next decade. Besides this, Dubai has been trying to maintain its appeal to foreign investors and skilled professionals by implementing legal changes and relaxing social restrictions. For example, at the start of the year, it abolished a 30% tax on alcohol. DOWNLOAD THE REPORT Economic growth and increased foreign investment are the top factors contributing to increased commercial real estate transactions in Dubai. Despite a challenging global economic climate, Dubai has seen robust economic growth, resulting in increased transactions in 2022. According to the Government of Dubai, this is evidenced by the 4.6% year-on-year GDP increase to AED307.5 billion in the first nine months of 2022. Commercial Sales In 2022, Dubai experienced significant growth in commercial real estate sales transactions, with demand rising across all sectors, including offices, retail, and warehouses. Commercial sales transactions increased by 32%, and the total value of commercial properties sold increased by 64% compared to the previous year. This positive outlook for investing in Dubai’s real estate market can be attributed to several government measures and initiatives that make the city and the UAE an attractive long-term investment destination. Office transactions increased significantly in quantity and value in 2022 as a result of strong market demand and a shortage of available, particularly Grade A office space. With regard to 2022, office transactions specifically climbed by 30%, while the total value of transactions increased by 74%. With 945, 711, and 122 offices sold, Business Bay, Jumeirah Lake Towers, and Barsha Heights were the most popular locations for office transactions. Other locations with a large volume of office transactions included Downtown Dubai, Motor City Arjan, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Emirates Living. With transactions up 71% and the value of those transactions up 96% in 2022, retail sales transactions recorded enormous growth. The FIFA World Cup, the Golden Visa program, the recovery of the tourism sector, and initiatives to digitize the economy are a few drivers of this surge. International City, Mohammad Bin Rashid City, and Jumeirah Lake Towers saw the highest number of retail transactions, with Dubai Marina, Business Bay, and Deira also seeing considerable activity. This activity is reflected in the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, which had a 69% surge in new members in 2022. The growth in all sectors of commercial real estate is a clear indication of a stronger business environment in the UAE, particularly in Dubai. We have seen a significant increase in demand for commercial properties compared to Q3 2021, with overall buyer leads increasing The UAE’s strong business environment in 2022 has helped the commercial real estate sector to grow significantly compared to the previous year. CRC has witnessed a significant demand for commercial properties compared to 2021, with overall buyer leads increasing by 37%. A surge in tourism activity and an uptick in new business licenses have precipitated a marked spike in retail property enquiries, with a 115% increase observed. The demand for office spaces and warehouses increased by 23% and 45%, respectively. In 2022, the number of end-users purchasing commercial properties in Dubai through CRC has risen to 79% as they take advantage of the positive economic sentiment in the region. With more businesses entering the market or expanding to new locations, there is expected to be a shortage of high-quality properties in the future. Buyers from various countries, including Jordan, the United Kingdom, and India, have impacted Dubai’s commercial real estate market over the years. Indian nationals top the list with a 27% share of total commercial real estate buyers, followed by UK and Jordanian nationals with 10% and 8% shares, respectively. Over the past year, investors from Portugal and Russia contributed 5% and 6% to Dubai’s commercial property investments. COMMERCIAL LEASING Dubai’s office rents are experiencing a resurgence for the first time in six years, growing faster than in other major cities worldwide. This is due to increased global banks and businesses expanding into the city, known for its extravagant building projects. While the pandemic has sparked discussions about the future demand for office spaces globally, Dubai’s market is standing out even as other financial centres like New York and London are trying to attract employees back to the office. Dubai has brought more people back to offices with adequate policies and initiatives post-pandemic. In 2022, there was a significant growth of 22% in the number of leads for commercial properties, as well as a similar increase in inquiries for warehouses for rent. This trend is likely due to the growing demand for additional space from retail, e-commerce, and logistics businesses.In the first half of the year, 537 new companies were registered at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), resulting in an 11% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. There was a 23% year-on-year increase in newly registered fintech and innovation companies, rising from 406 to 599. New businesses that have been launched in Dubai include Rapyd, the first Israeli company to be regulated in the UAE; Tarabut Gateway, the first regulated Open Banking platform to be licensed by the DFSA; KMMRCE Holdings, a Dubai-based digital-first technology provider, Oneglobal Broking, a specialist international broking company, and ADIB Capital Ltd. for Wealth & Asset Management. Dubai’s retail industry is poised to grow at a healthy pace due to favourable demographics, improving macroeconomic factors and the revival of the tourism industry. The sector is also expected to benefit from the government’s push towards economic diversification and the growing prominence of omnichannel business models. The industry was severely hit by the restrictions imposed during the pandemic; however, retailers were responsive to the changing demands and innovated to sail through difficult times. As the retail industry continues to recover, there is an urgent need for retailers to upscale their digital presence to stay relevant as well as compete with regional and international players DOWNLOAD FULL REPORT

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Midtown Central Majan: a true lifestyle and convenient shopping destination

CRC has been leading the commercial property market in the UAE and has proved to be a source of vast commercial property listings and resources. It introduces many commercial projects to facilitate businesses and clients to expand their companies and grow profits. Following the lead, CRC introduces Midtown Central Majan in Wadi Al Safa, Majan. The mall is a unique multi-faced development offering visitors an excellent shopping experience and a place to have a good time with family and loved ones. The total gross leasable area of the mall is 35,000 SQT. FT. that is distributed across the ground and first-floor levels. Midtown Central Majan brings a comprehensive shopping experience with its 37 retail units offering an increasingly wide range of outlets, activities and amenities for various customers. The mall is in an ideal location that is easily accessible to surrounding areas and provides convenient access to all visitors. The top communities with easy access to the mall are Al Barari, Living Legends, Falcon City, Wonders City of Arabia and so on. The mall has more than 100 car parking spaces dedicated to retail with access points from ground and basement levels. The main access to the mall is Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road, making it easy for visitors and retailers to access the mall. What is in for retailers? Midtown Central Majan offers an extraordinary opportunity for retailers to establish a presence in one of Dubai’s most iconic shopping destinations. Shopping spaces like Midtown Central Majan are always a top option for retailers because of the number of visitors heading towards it. The various offerings of the mall, such as dining, shopping, fitness, arts and events, will make the shopping mall a must-go destination. More and more consumers from the building and the surrounding neighbourhood will naturally visit this amazing space for their daily needs and regular family time. Retailers have a fantastic opportunity to start and expand their businesses as they benefit from the huge in-house audience whose needs and desires perfectly align with the offerings Midtown Central Majan is designed to provide. This includes grocery, pharmacy, food, coffee, luxury shopping and more. The essential and regular traction of Midtown Central Majan makes it a unique and apt option for retailers to get benefitted from the on-growing traffic and regular visits from the shoppers. Nearby Locations Midtown Central Majan is located in a prime location and covers major areas such as Majan, Al Barari Playground, Silicon Oasis, Zayed University, IMG Worlds Adventure, University of Dubai, Dubai Festival City and other nearby locations. Visitors living in most nearby areas have the fastest and most direct access to the mall, which increases the traction of Midtown Central Majan and makes it a great option for setting up shops for visitors. Majan – 1 MinuteAl Barari Playground – 5 MinutesSilicon Oasis – 10 MinutesZayed University – 13 MinutesIMG Worlds of Adventure – 14 MinutesUniversity of Dubai – 15 MinutesDubai Festival City – 15 MinutesBurj Khalifa & Dubai Mall – 20 MinutesDubai Creek – 20 MinutesEmirates Tower – 20 Minutes Facts & Figures Midtown Central is located in Majan, Dubai Land, with more than 22,000 residences in a 3km radius. The number is growing rapidly with the residents of Majan, Al Barari, Arabian Ranches, Falcon City, Living Legends, The Villa and so on. The purchasing power and the frequency of shopping of these residents are high, indicating the huge traction the mall will continue to gain. Thousands head towards Midtown Central Majan for essential weekly shopping, and the footfall is growing every week. Midtown Central Majan made additional investments in high-quality design (internal and external) in 2021 to encourage and maximize movement. To give customers a unique and comprehensive shopping and lifestyle experience, the shopping centre is continuing its expansion strategy with the launch of brand-new outlets and chosen eateries. The mall’s amenities are still being added to, making it a multifaceted community symbol for shopping and a way of life for Majan and the neighbourhood. Mall Segmentation The mall is spread over a leasable area of 30,000 SQ. FT. that is distributed across the Ground and First Floors. Both floors offer a unique experience for all the visitors that fulfil their needs. Ground Floor: A wide variety of outlets, including fashion stores, ice cream parlours, children’s entertainment centres, pharmacies, money exchanges, electronics stores, and restaurants, are housed in a mall specifically designed to accommodate supermarket convenience service-related establishments, with seating areas outside, well-located premium food and beverage tenancies. The mall’s Ground Floor currently has Carrefour and Pharmacy that invite regular traffic from nearby locations. First Floor: The mall’s first floor provides a great shopping experience related to Fashion and Entertainment. A wide variety of merchandise is available on this level, including clothing, accessories, jewellery, footwear children’s entertainment, clinics, electronics, and beauty products. The location of the iconic coffee shop, the central island among retail spaces, will also be on this level. Mall Operation Hours The operation hours of Midtown Central are very flexible and provide convenience to retailers and visitors. The mall is open daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm for all retailers except Carrefour. The timing of Carrefour is 07:00 am to 11:59 pm every day. Conclusion Midtown Central Majan is a great shopping destination that offers numerous opportunities for retailers to start and grow their businesses. The mall is combined with shopping and entertainment experiences for the visitors and the shopping options range from grocery, pharmacy, clothing, jewellery, accessories, kid’s fun & entertainment, coffee shops and much more. The mall attracts a huge footfall from the surrounding areas and is easily accessible for visitors residing in nearby locations. The mall offers excellent facilities and amenities for retailers and is now open for leasing.

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CRC Commercial Property Market Report Q3 2022

The commercial market benefited as a result of both existing businesses relocating to more prestigious sites and the number of new company licenses reaching an all-time high in Q3 2022. The government’s efforts to boost the economy after a difficult time seem to be having notable success. For instance, the possibility to maintain full ownership of a company without the requirement to find a local partner has led to a rise in international investment. DOWNLOAD THE REPORT With transactions up 133% and retail transacted value up 184% in Q3 2022, we experienced retail growth that was previously unheard of. This is because prominent retailers like Brands for Less (BFL), Forever 21, and many more have opened additional locations and expanded to serve a wider spectrum of customers. Commercial Sales Commercial real estate in Dubai saw a sharp increase in sales transactions in Q3 2022. Increased demand has impacted the market, with prices increasing as buyers look to acquire offices, retail and warehouses to meet their business demands. When comparing 2021 & 2022 Q3, transactions increased by 28%, with a 66% increase in the total value transacted. Various factors have contributed to the rise in demand. These include the new Green and Golden visas, a strong recovery from the pandemic, government initiatives to support businesses and increased business licence issuance. Innovative, strategic approaches by the government have certainly stimulated the economy in Dubai where we saw more than 45,600 new licenses issued in the first half (H1) of 2022 with a growth of 25% compared to H1 2021. In Q3 2022, office transactions increased by 41% and the transacted value increased by 56% compared to Q3 2021 due to a rise in demand for spaces and a shortage of quality grade A spaces. With 254 units sold, Business Bay remained the most popular area followed by Jumeirah Lake Towers and Barsha Heights (Tecom), with 170 and 41 transactions respectively. International City, Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai Marina recorded moderate transactions. Retail witnessed significant growth of 133% in transactions and a 184% increase in value transacted. This growth can be attributed to a buoyant and resilient economy amidst problems in Europe. Areas such as International City, Dubai Marina and Muhammad Bin Rashid City have been top choices for companies to start or expand their businesses. Many large and medium companies launched or expanded their retail footprint in Dubai. The growth in all sectors of commercial real estate is a clear indication of a stronger business environment in the UAE, particularly in Dubai. We have seen a significant increase in demand for commercial properties compared to Q3 2021, with overall buyer leads increasing by 38%. Increased tourism and growth in new business licences, alongside more companies looking for larger or extended spaces, have led to an increase in buyer enquiries for warehouses and retail by 33% and 85% respectively. The demand for office spaces has also grown by 21% compared to Q3 2021. Going forward we anticipate further price growth as a result of increased demand for commercial properties. Government decisions, laws and initiatives have enabled businesses to resume work at full capacity, leading to offices, retail, and warehouses witnessing a notable growth in sales by 25% overall compared to Q3 2021. At CRC, the sales of office spaces in Dubai increased by 15%. The top communities transacted for offices were Jumeirah Lake Tower, Business Bay and Barsha Heights. COMMERCIAL LEASING Numerous foreign businesses, including Meta, Optimizely, Rapyd, Folkart, Teneo, Directimo, and Pedersen & Partners, opened their operations following Expo 2020 to serve a significant regional market. In the upcoming quarters, we anticipate that rental prices will continue to rise as demand for commercial property leasing grows. In the third quarter of 2022, leasing transactions at CRC increased by 3% compared to the same period in 2021. Transactions in retail spaces increased by 18%, while transactions in offices and warehouses remained unchanged. The top communities for retail transactions were Majan, Dubai Marina and Arjan, with higher demand recorded in Al Quoz, DIP, and Jebel Ali. The overall tenant leads for commercial properties in Q3 2022 increased by 11% compared to Q3 2021. Office space enquiries increased by 28% in Q3 compared to the same period last year as businesses opted for larger offices to accommodate their growing companies and headcount. Prior to the completion of Uptown Tower later this year, DMCC has revealed that all of the office space has been pre-leased. As DMCC increases its presence in Dubai to meet its rapidly expanding roster of over 21,000 member companies, over 495,000 square feet of Grade A office space across 22 floors has been pre-leased. The sector which topped Dubai’s commercial leasing market was IT, with many companies opening new offices and facilities in Dubai to expand their headcount. One of the biggest technological corporations in the world, Intel, will open its first artificial intelligence R&D facility at Dubai Internet City (DIC), highlighting the emirate’s desirability as a major location in the GCC for establishing innovation centres. F&B and Hospitality sectors are among the top business types that showed exponential growth in Dubai. DOWNLOAD FULL REPORT

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CRC Commercial Property Market Report H1 2022

Global firms chose Dubai for their business activities and kept their predominant existence in the region. Meta, previously known as Facebook, opened its regional headquarters in early 2022. Companies like Visa also extended their purpose-build headquarters opened last year. Many global companies relocated their operations and employees from Eastern Europe and Russia to the UAE. Dubai proved itself as a hub for worldwide commercial and technology. Many new market entrants are aiming to enter Dubai, offer services to a bigger market, and reach a larger audience. This was proven after seeing a rise in issuing a higher number of new license registrations than renewals. DOWNLOAD THE REPORT The large chunk of the leads received from companies was for formation from the EU, US, and Russia. Services and technology sectors, notably Fin-tech, continued to show demands for occupation, followed by Crypto businesses. Setting up commercial entities like shops of all kinds and restaurants in popular and new locations has impacted the market in Retail and resulted in higher sales than Offices. Commercial Sales | Dubai The commercial property market has witnessed a 38% increase in units transacted for H1 2022 compared to H1 2021. What we saw in 2021 continued in H1 2022 with an 89% increase in sales value for H1 2022. That resulted in a rise in prices, demand, and sales for commercial properties. According to CRC data, leasing transactions decreased by 1% for H1 2022 over H1 2021. However, we have witnessed the highest growth in the warehouse sector, warehouses at 142%. Across the board, the registered tenant leads for CRC increased by a staggering 140% in H1 2022 compared to H1 2021. All the sectors in commercial property recorded increased demand, the highest increase for Warehouses by 180% followed by an increase in demand at 136% for Retail and 114% for Office spaces. Across all sectors, i.e. Offices, Warehouses, Retail, and Labour Camps, inquiries for investment rose compared to last year, which helped capital value expectations rise for the year ahead. Investment trends across property in the UAE during H1 2022 have witnessed a positive trend, whereas the owners modify how we use office space. Post-COVID situations were favorable for the retail sector, as the public started to go out and increased tourist arrivals. Thus, the country experienced massive demand for commercial spaces of all kinds. COMMERCIAL LEASING The commercial property sector maintained momentum during the second quarter of 2022. Most relocation and consolidation activity was concluded over H2 2021 and Q1 2022, with existing companies keeping their current office spaces due to attractive lease rates they could achieve during or before COVID-19. According to CRC data, leasing transactions decreased by 1% for H1 2022 over H1 2021. However, we have witnessed the highest growth in the warehouse sector, warehouses at 142%. Across the board, the registered tenant leads for CRC increased by a staggering 140% in H1 2022 compared to H1 2021. All the sectors in commercial property recorded increased demand, the highest increase for Warehouse by 180% followed by an increase in demand at 136% for Retail and 114% for Office spaces. In Q1 2022, we saw an increased demand in commercial spaces that continued to Q2 2022 for both Grade A and Grade B, with the highest occupancy levels in Dubai compared to the last few quarters. CRC has witnessed a higher conversion of inquiries and longer transaction timelines for all types of commercial spaces, mainly offices. The most preferred office size is between 1,500 sq. ft to 3,000 sq. ft range with a very high preference for fitted office spaces, which continues to be in small supply in superior built and centrally located office stock. DOWNLOAD FULL REPORT

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