Top 5 Locations to Rent a Retail Shop in Dubai


Dubai's retail market is continuing to grow, making it a prime destination for businesses looking to rent retail spaces. 

In Q3 2024, DLD data revealed retail transactions have reflected a 33% Y-o-Y growth and the total value of transactions were recorded at an impressive AED 738.7 million, depicting healthy investor interest within the retail segment.  

Top 5 Locations to Rent a Retail Shop in Dubai 

Here’s our guide to the top locations for renting a retail shop in Dubai, each offering unique advantages to suit different types of businesses.

Top 5 locations to rent a retail shop in Dubai

#1 International City 

Dubai’s International City offers a unique blend of affordable retail spaces, diverse clientele and a strategic location. 

Known for its multicultural appeal and accessible prices, International City is an attractive option for businesses looking to reach a broad audience without the premium costs associated with other areas in Dubai.

International City is designed around different country-themed clusters, attracting a multicultural population of residents and visitors. This layout makes it a vibrant community for retail businesses targeting a variety of demographics, from families and young professionals to tourists exploring Dubai.

Moreover, unlike high-end areas such as Downtown Dubai, International City provides affordable retail spaces, allowing businesses to save on rent while tapping into a growing customer base. This cost-effectiveness is particularly appealing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups.

Average rental price: AED 110-130 per sqft 

#2 Dubai Marina 

One of Dubai's most notable locations known for its scenic views and vibrant lifestyle, Dubai Marina attracts a young, affluent population. 

Dubai Marina is a bustling hub of activity, drawing significant foot traffic from both residents and tourists, particularly expatriates. 

With its scenic waterfront, towering residential buildings and vibrant nightlife, Dubai Marina attracts a diverse and steady stream of visitors. This high level of foot traffic provides an excellent opportunity for retail businesses to reach a large and varied customer base daily.

Dubai Marina is ideal for fashion, fitness, food and lifestyle brands. The area’s upscale vibe and appeal to health-conscious, style-savvy residents and visitors make it an attractive location for businesses aiming to offer quality products and services in a vibrant, trendy setting.

Rental rates in Dubai Marina are moderate to high, with prime waterfront or high-traffic areas commanding higher prices. 

However, these rates are balanced by the strong customer reach and spending power typical of Marina’s residents and visitors, making it a competitive yet rewarding location for retail ventures.

Average rental price: AED 290-310 per sqft

#3 JVC

Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) has seen rapid growth in recent years, attracting a diverse range of residents, particularly families and young professionals. 

Although it’s more residential and less tourist-centric than areas like Dubai Marina, JVC’s community vibe and high occupancy rates ensure steady local foot traffic, making it an attractive area for neighborhood-focused retail businesses.

JVC’s family-friendly atmosphere makes it ideal for retail shops that cater to daily essentials, lifestyle needs and family-oriented products. 

Businesses such as supermarkets, cafes, fitness centers and children’s stores are particularly popular, aligning well with the preferences of JVC’s community-driven residents.

Rental rates in JVC are generally affordable to moderate, making it a cost-effective option for businesses aiming to establish a presence in Dubai without the high overhead costs found in premium areas. 

This accessibility appeals to small and medium-sized businesses that want to serve a growing residential community while keeping operational costs manageable.

Average rental price: AED 250-280 per sqft

#4 Business Bay 

Known for its modern, urban vibe, Business Bay is well-suited for retail businesses that cater to professionals and high-end clientele. 

Fashion boutiques, upscale dining, wellness centers and specialty stores thrive in this area, attracting customers looking for premium services and products in a convenient, centrally located setting.

With its high concentration of office spaces, upscale residential towers and proximity to Downtown Dubai, Business Bay sees a consistent flow of individuals throughout the day, particularly office workers, business travelers and expats.

Rental rates in Business Bay are moderate to high, with prices varying based on proximity to major landmarks, high-traffic areas and the Dubai Canal.

Average rental price: AED 270-290 per sqft

#5 Arjan

The retail landscape in Arjan is ideal for businesses that cater to everyday needs and family-oriented services. Grocery stores, cafes, fitness centers and educational facilities are well-suited to this community-focused environment.

As Arjan continues to evolve, there are ample opportunities for retail shops that offer convenience and cater to the lifestyle preferences of local residents.

It benefits from a growing population of families and young professionals, which contributes to an increasing level of foot traffic. As more residents settle in the area and new amenities open, the potential for steady customer visits is on the rise.

Rental rates in Arjan are generally more affordable compared to established neighbourhoods in Dubai, making it an attractive option for new and small businesses looking to enter the market.

Average rental price: AED 250 per sqft

Conclusion 

In summary, Dubai's diverse retail landscape presents a wealth of opportunities for businesses looking to establish themselves in key locations. 

From the affordability and multicultural appeal of International City to the upscale, vibrant atmosphere of Dubai Marina, each area has distinct advantages that cater to different market segments. 

Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) provides a family-oriented community with steady foot traffic, while Business Bay caters to a high-end clientele in a bustling commercial environment. Meanwhile, Arjan is an up-and-coming area that offers cost-effective options for new and small businesses.

As the retail market in Dubai continues to grow, these locations represent prime opportunities for businesses aiming to thrive in this dynamic environment. 

Whether you're a startup or an established brand, choosing the right location can significantly impact your success in Dubai's competitive retail sector.

About CRC

CRC Property comprises of a team of 70+ specialist commercial consultants around the UAE. Our retail team cater to the diverse requirements of clients, whether looking for a retail shop to rent in Dubai or for sales. Covering a range of locations across the city, our team are equipped with extensive experience and market knowledge to offer lucrative investment options that suit your specific business requirements.

We understand that each client’s requirements are unique and we strive to provide personalised solutions that align with your goals. From analysing market trends to identifying prime locations, our consultants work diligently to ensure you make informed decisions that enhance your business’s growth potential. 

With CRC Property, you gain access to a wealth of expertise, comprehensive support and a network of industry connections, making us your trusted partner in navigating Dubai’s vibrant retail market.

 

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Dubai Commercial Property Market August 2025 Insights

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Together, these three locations capture Dubai’s diverse commercial landscape, balancing established hubs with emerging growth corridors.3. Retail Market Insights Transactions: 119 Total Value: AED 311 Million Average Price: AED 2,521 per sq. ft. Top 3 Retail Sales Locations and Average Selling Prices: Majan: AED 2,588 per sq. ft. International City: AED 1,050 per sq. ft. Business Bay: AED 3,681 per sq. ft. Retail demand remains diverse, with high-value deals in both established and emerging communities.4. CRC Commercial Sales Performance CRC’s August results highlight the shifting dynamics of Dubai’s commercial real estate market, particularly within the office and warehouse sectors. Average Office Sale Price: AED 3.01 Million Average Warehouse Sale Price: AED 17.34 Million These figures reflect not just transactional strength but also the quality of assets transacted. Offices remain a steady investment class, while warehouses command premium pricing as demand intensifies across logistics, e-commerce and industrial occupiers. Ashley Sonnenberger, Manager of Industrial and Logistics at CRC touched on this: “What we’re seeing now is that sellers recognise the momentum in the industrial market and are moving to capitalise on it. With limited availability of stock, this scarcity is driving stronger valuations and creating a more competitive landscape for buyers.”Top CRC Office Sales Communities: Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) Business Bay DIFC At CRC, we believe this illustrates how Dubai’s office market is not “one-size-fits-all” but segmented by investor profile: value-driven buyers gravitate towards JLT, corporates and end-users anchor Business Bay, while institutional capital focuses on DIFC. Warehouses, meanwhile, are fast emerging as a strategic investment category, driven by long-term macro shifts in supply chain resilience and digital trade. In an environment where asset selection is critical, CRC’s transactional performance signals where capital is flowing and more importantly, where opportunities are likely to emerge next.5. 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While traditionally preferred by landlords for immediate liquidity and reduced risk, this method is increasingly less common in the current environment. However, it still appeals in high-demand communities or for prime assets, where landlords retain stronger bargaining power.Key Takeaways August’s figures reinforce a critical takeaway: Dubai’s commercial property market is no longer defined by short-term seasonality but by long-term fundamentals. With over AED 9 billion transacted, strong liquidity in offices and premium pricing in warehouses and retail, the market continues to demonstrate its depth and adaptability. For investors, this signals that opportunities exist across three distinct plays: Liquidity in hubs like JLT for consistent, steady returns. Premium positioning in Business Bay and DIFC, where prestige and centrality drive demand. Emerging value in decentralised communities like JVC, offering room for capital appreciation. For landlords and occupiers, the shift toward flexible leasing structures and multi-cheque payments reflects a maturing, tenant-centric environment, one that aligns Dubai with global real estate norms while retaining its competitive edge. At CRC, we view these trends not just as numbers on a chart, but as a roadmap for decision-making. The interplay of investor confidence, evolving tenant expectations and Dubai’s strategic positioning will continue to define where capital flows and where businesses choose to establish their footprint.

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