Top 7 Retail & F&B Investment Trends in Dubai to Watch in 2025

Dubai’s reputation as a global business hub is bolstered by regulations that make it easy for foreign investors to own commercial property. Understanding these rules is essential before purchasing.Freehold vs. Leasehold in DubaiUnder Law No. 7 of 2006, non-UAE nationals can purchase freehold property in designated zones. Freehold ownership grants perpetual rights to both land and buildings, meaning the property can be sold, leased or inherited without restriction.In contrast, leasehold properties allow foreign investors rights of use for up to 99 years. While still a viable investment, leasehold terms limit flexibility compared to the full ownership benefits of freehold.Key Freehold Zones for Commercial PropertyDubai has steadily expanded freehold areas for foreign investors, opening up more opportunities in the commercial property market. Some of the most attractive zones include:Business Bay – A central business district with Grade A office towers.Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) – Popular for SMEs and multinational companies.Dubai Silicon Oasis – A free zone community catering to tech-driven businesses.Dubai South – A strategic hub near Al Maktoum International Airport and Expo City.In 2025, the Dubai Land Department extended freehold rights to new plots along Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Jaddaf, making commercial ownership even more accessible for international buyers.Golden Visa for Property InvestorsThe UAE’s Golden Visa programme is another major driver of foreign investment. Property buyers who invest at least AED 2 million can qualify for five- or ten-year residency visas.Commercial property investors who meet this threshold can:Secure long-term residency for themselves and their families.Enjoy business continuity and stability.Sponsor dependents, providing peace of mind while operating in Dubai.Government initiatives such as the Golden Visa, coupled with expanding freehold zones, continue to fuel the growth of Dubai’s commercial property sector.Checklist for Foreign InvestorsBefore purchasing a commercial property in Dubai, foreign buyers should:Identify the zone – Confirm if the property lies within a freehold area or falls under leasehold terms.Review title deeds – Ensure the property is registered with the Dubai Land Department.Budget for additional costs – Factor in transfer fees (usually 4%), agency fees (2%) and VAT where applicable.Work with professionals – Engage a licensed brokerage like CRC for legal guidance, due diligence and transaction management.How CRC Helps InvestorsAt CRC Property, we specialise in helping international investors navigate Dubai’s commercial real estate market. Our team provides:Tailored property search – Identifying suitable freehold commercial assets in prime zones.Transaction support – Handling contracts, title deed transfers, and compliance with DLD regulations.Golden Visa assistance – Coordinating residency applications for qualifying investors.End-to-end advisory – Ensuring smooth, secure, and profitable investments in Dubai.Whether you’re purchasing an office, retail unit or warehouse, CRC’s expertise makes investing in Dubai commercial property seamless and secure.

When investors consider commercial real estate in Dubai, one of the most attractive metrics is rental yield. Rental yield measures the annual income generated from a property relative to its purchase price and in Dubai’s prime office locations, it consistently reaches levels that outperform many global markets.Recent market reports show that prime office space in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Downtown Dubai can deliver 7–10% annual rental returns, making Dubai a top destination for institutional and private investors seeking both stability and growth.What Drives High Rental Yields in Dubai?Several factors contribute to these strong yields:1. Strategic LocationsDistricts such as DIFC, Business Bay and Downtown Dubai are hubs for multinational companies, financial institutions and professional services firms. Strong demand combined with limited Grade A office supply keeps occupancy rates above 90%, sustaining premium rental values.2. Stable Tenant BaseDubai’s top office tenants which include banks, law firms, consultancies and Fortune 500 companies tend to sign multi-year leases, providing predictable and secure cash flow for landlords.3. Business-Friendly EnvironmentThe UAE offers 100% foreign ownership in designated free zones, no personal income tax and one of the world’s most streamlined licensing systems. These policies continue to attract international businesses, boosting demand for high-quality office space.4. Long-Term Capital AppreciationBeyond rental income, investors benefit from significant capital growth. In recent years, secondary market office prices rose by up to 27%, meaning total returns (rental yield + appreciation) can far exceed those of more mature markets like London, New York or Singapore.How to Maximise Your Rental YieldTo secure the highest possible returns, investors should carefully structure their property acquisition and leasing strategy.Choose fitted or semi-fitted offices: Demand for turnkey office spaces is growing as businesses seek to move in quickly. This allows landlords to charge a premium compared to shell-and-core spaces.Negotiate longer lease terms with escalation clauses: Three- to five-year leases provide stability, while annual rent escalation (often 5%) ensures yields keep pace with Dubai’s dynamic market.Factor in service charges and efficiency: Well-managed buildings with smart technologies reduce operating costs and attract long-term tenants, improving net yields.Consider emerging office districts: While DIFC and Downtown dominate, areas like Dubai Hills Business Park, Dubai South and JLT are gaining attention for competitive entry prices and strong rental demand.Diversify across asset classes: Pairing office investments with warehouses or staff accommodations can balance risk and deliver portfolio-wide yield stability.Why Dubai Outperforms Global MarketsCompared to global financial hubs, Dubai’s office yields remain exceptionally competitive.Dubai: 7–10%London: 3–6%Singapore: 3–4%Hong Kong: 2–3%This yield gap, combined with tax advantages and rapid economic growth, positions Dubai as a high-return, low-tax investment market unmatched on a global scale.Why Work With CRC?As a market leader in Dubai’s commercial real estate sector, CRC Property offers investors access to a carefully curated portfolio of high-yield office spaces across the city. Our team of consultants provides:Yield analysis to identify the best-performing assets.Negotiation support to secure favourable lease terms.Post-purchase leasing and asset management to ensure steady income and tenant retention.Whether you are a private investor seeking passive income or a fund manager looking to expand your portfolio, CRC helps you identify assets that match your risk-return profile and unlock Dubai’s full investment potential.Final ThoughtsWith 7–10% rental yields, strong tenant demand and capital appreciation, Dubai’s commercial office sector offers investors one of the most compelling opportunities in today’s global real estate market. Strategic location, a business-friendly ecosystem and world-class infrastructure make Dubai the destination of choice for businesses and by extension, investors.👉 Looking to explore high-yield office investments in Dubai? Contact CRC today and let our experts guide you to the right property.

If you’re looking to expand your business or diversify your real estate portfolio globally, three cities often top the shortlist: Dubai, London and Singapore. Each offers a robust economy, world-class infrastructure and a vibrant business environment.But when it comes to commercial property investment in 2025, one city clearly delivers more value and the numbers speak for themselves.1. Entry Costs: Dubai Offers Higher Value Per Square FootCityAverage Price/sqft (Office/Commercial)OwnershipDubai$300 – $600Freehold & Leasehold (most zones)London$1,200 – $2,000+Leasehold (99–125 years) onlySingapore$900 – $1,500Limited strata titles availableWith lower entry costs, greater ownership flexibility and minimal transaction fees make Dubai the most accessible market for both seasoned and first-time investors. With no capital gains tax and low property registration fees, your initial outlay works harder for you.2. Rental Yields: Dubai Outperforms Mature MarketsCityAverage Commercial YieldDubai6% – 9%London3% – 4.5%Singapore3.5% – 5% For high returns, low barriers to entry and strategic global positioning Dubai ranks #1 among international business hubs. London and Singapore remain attractive for stability and global prestige but their higher costs, slower setup processes and lower yields make them less competitive for investors seeking rapid growth and strong ROI. Final Verdict FeatureDubaiLondonSingaporeCorporate Tax9% (from 2023)25%17%VAT5%20%8%Capital Gains Tax0%Up to 28%0%Foreign Ownership100%Complex rules100% in zonesWith its low corporate tax, zero capital gains tax and 100% foreign ownership in most zones, Dubai offers one of the most investor-friendly fiscal environments worldwide.3. Business Environment and TaxationDubai’s growing expatriate population and booming sectors retail, office and F&B are driving strong demand and premium rental returns. In comparison, London and Singapore’s yields are compressed by their mature, highly competitive markets.

With global uncertainty rising, interest rates fluctuating and real estate markets slowing down in major cities like London and New York, investors are searching for stability. The big question on everyone’s mind is:Where can I find secure, long-term returns in commercial real estate?For more and more institutional investors, funds and business owners, the answer is clear: Dubai. And this isn’t just hype, it’s actually backed by strong performance, progressive policy and data-driven results.Here’s why Dubai’s commercial real estate market stands out in 2025:1. Consistent Rental Yields and Low CostsIn global commercial hubs, net yields have dropped and operating costs have surged. But Dubai offers:Net rental yields of 8-12% annually in prime commercial zonesNo property taxes, reducing overheadsFlexible lease structures that attract long-term, stable tenantsCommercial areas like Business Bay, Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) and Dubai Investment Park are consistently outperforming due to modern infrastructure, high occupancy rates and business-friendly environments.2. Strong Demand from High-Growth SectorsDubai’s economy has successfully transitioned from oil dependence to a diverse, innovation-led landscape. Current demand in commercial real estate is being driven by:E-commerce and logistics companiesHealthcare and wellness providersFintech and financial servicesHospitality, F&B and tourism businessesGreen tech and startup ecosystemsThis sectoral diversity ensures robust demand for office spaces, warehouses, showrooms and retail units, reducing vacancy risk and boosting ROI.3. Transparent Regulatory EnvironmentDubai has established itself as a secure and transparent place to invest, thanks to initiatives such as:Unified Ejari and title deed systemsFreehold zones open to international investorsClear legal frameworks for commercial disputes and arbitrationInvestors benefit from low bureaucracy, strong ownership rights and fast digital processing, making the investment journey efficient and risk-mitigated.4. Flexible Ownership and Investment ModelsWhether you’re a business or a solo investor, Dubai’s commercial real estate market offers versatile options:Freehold ownership of offices, warehouses and retail unitsLeasehold properties with guaranteed ROI in select business parksReady-to-operate spaces in free zones and commercial clustersAt CRC Property, our expert consultants help clients analyse investment potential, manage cross-border transactions and connect with legal and financial partners.The Verdict: Safe, Transparent, ProfitableIn an era when major real estate markets face headwinds, Dubai offers a rare combination of stability, high yields and ease of doing business. Commercial property investors gain access to:Attractive returnsA maturing regulatory environmentLong-term growth driven by real economic diversificationPartner with CRC Property – Your Investment Experts in DubaiAt CRC Property, we work closely with international investors, funds and entrepreneurs looking to tap into Dubai’s commercial property potential. Our services include:✅ Tailored investment consultations✅ ROI modeling and full asset due diligence✅ Seamless acquisition, leasing and cross-border supportGet in touch today to schedule a strategic consultation with our investment team.

What do a French café chain, a Canadian fintech startup and a British wellness brand have in common?They all chose Dubai as the launchpad for their international expansion and that’s no coincidence.In recent years, Dubai has transformed from a regional business hub into a global startup ecosystem. It's a place where vision meets infrastructure, where entrepreneurs can turn bold ideas into thriving businesses and fast.At CRC Property, we've worked with hundreds of founders, helping them find not just a location but a strategy to grow. Here's why Dubai continues to attract entrepreneurs from every corner of the globe. 1. Speed to Market: Launch in Record TimeWhen it comes to business setup in Dubai, speed is one of the biggest advantages.Unlike other global cities, where launching a business can take months of red tape and delays, Dubai offers a streamlined licensing process, especially for those who secure a commercial property already approved for their business activity.With the right support, many founders go from idea to opening doors in under 30 days.Pro Tip: Choosing the right space can shave weeks off your timeline. CRC Property helps match you with pre-approved units aligned with your trade license and sector.2. Instant Global ExposurePositioned strategically between East and West, Dubai provides entrepreneurs with direct access to:High-income expat consumersInternational investors and VCsInfluential media, PR and digital platformsBy selecting the right location such as DIFC, City Walk, Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, you can give your business instant visibility and credibility, putting you in front of the right audiences from day one!3. A Culture of Ambition and InnovationEntrepreneurs thrive in communities that challenge and inspire them and Dubai offers exactly that.The city is full of visionaries, creators and investors. Collaboration is part of the culture. Whether you're hosting a pitch night in your retail space, launching an influencer campaign or collaborating with other startups the energy in Dubai is designed for momentum.And when you're set up in the right commercial unit, your space becomes part of the conversation.4. Commercial Property as a Business AssetToo often, founders view real estate as just another overhead.In Dubai, it can be a growth engine.With strategic leasing, high-footfall locations and smart fit-outs, your commercial space can:Strengthen your brandIncrease team efficiencyAttract organic traffic without ad spendAt CRC Property, we’ve helped clients double their foot traffic just by relocating to a more strategic unit. With access to market benchmarks, consumer behavior data and zoning insights, we help founders make smart, scalable real estate decisions.Your Business Deserves a Bold BeginningDubai isn’t just a smart choice for entrepreneurs - it’s a statement. A decision to build with ambition, speed and vision!If you're ready to take the leap, CRC Property is here to support you. We don’t just offer listings. We offer tailored opportunities that match your vision, industry and budget.👉 Explore commercial properties that turn ideas into impact.Let’s find a space that works as hard as you do.