New commercial projects in Dubai are being bought mostly off-plan: 65% of office sales in the first half of 2026 were off-plan, in a market worth AED 15.8 billion, according to Cavendish Maxwell. Average office prices reached AED 2,012 per sq ft, up 15% in a year, and Business Bay was the busiest area. But deal numbers fell almost 36% in the second quarter, so buyers should be selective rather than rush in.
This guide covers prices, where the deals are, what to check on a new office launch, and the costs that differ from buying a home. Market figures are from Cavendish Maxwell as reported in 2026, unless stated otherwise.
New Commercial Projects in Dubai: The Market in Numbers
| Measure (first half of 2026) | Figure |
|---|---|
| Office sales value | AED 15.8 billion, up almost 200% in a year |
| Transactions | 2,600, up more than 38% |
| Off-plan share of deals | 65% |
| Average price per sq ft | AED 2,012, up 15% |
| Average rent per sq ft a year | AED 189, up 14% |
| Average off-plan office | AED 8.3 million, up from AED 3.5 million |
| Average ready office | AED 3 million, up from AED 2.6 million |
| Deals above AED 20 million | More than 220 |
Be careful with the AED 8.3 million off-plan average. Large deals pull it up: half of off-plan deals were for units under 1,000 sq ft. Reidin's tracking runs higher, at about AED 2,199 per sq ft in June 2026, so treat any one average as a guide.
Where Commercial Deals Are Happening
| Area | Office sales, first half of 2026 |
|---|---|
| Business Bay | 814 |
| Al Sufouh 1 | 498 |
| Jumeirah Lakes Towers | 333 |
| Dubai Maritime City | 88 |
| Barsha Heights | 82 |
The biggest rent increases were in Downtown Dubai (17.5%), Barsha Heights (17.2%) and DIFC (17.1%). New office supply is concentrated in Business Bay, Meydan, DIFC and Jumeirah Lakes Towers.
Is Now a Good Time to Buy a New Office?
The case for buying is strong demand and limited near-term supply. Around 92,300 square metres were added in the first half of the year. A further 150,000 square metres is due by year-end, and delays often push completions back.
The case for caution is what comes next. About 379,000 square metres is planned for 2027 and 718,000 for 2028, and a project launched today may complete into that wave. Transactions also fell almost 36% from the first quarter to the second, with the slowdown mainly in the ready market.
A simple calculation shows why investors are interested. AED 189 of rent on a AED 2,012 price is about 9.4% gross. That uses two market averages rather than one building, and comes before service charges, vacancy and fit-out, so your own figure will differ. Our guide to commercial real estate in Dubai covers these costs.
Commercial Projects We List
| Project | Area | From | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Yards Plaza by BEYOND | City of Arabia | AED 2.85M | 272 shell and core offices, 40/60 plan, completion listed for Q3 2029 |
Read our full guide to The Yards Plaza, and ask us what is still available, as allocation has already opened. You can also browse all commercial projects and commercial property.
What to Check on a New Commercial Project
- Shell and core or fitted? Shell and core means you pay for fit-out before a tenant can move in. Budget for it, and for the time it takes.
- Payment plan. On a 40/60 plan, 60% falls due at completion. Plan how you will pay that.
- Size and layout. Smaller units have dominated off-plan buying, which may mean more competing units at resale. Larger ones have fewer buyers.
- Parking. Tenants care about this. Check how many spaces come with the unit.
- Who would rent it? Compare the location with existing office clusters and metro access, and look at current asking rents nearby.
- Developer record. Check past deliveries, and read our guide to whether off-plan is safe in Dubai.
- Handover date. Delays are common, so stress-test your plan for a later completion.
How Buying an Office Differs From Buying a Home
| Office | Apartment | |
|---|---|---|
| VAT | 5% generally applies | First residential sale usually zero-rated |
| Fit-out | Often your cost | Usually finished |
| Tenants | Businesses, often longer leases | Individuals, usually one-year leases |
| Vacancy | Can last longer | Usually shorter |
| Mortgage | Often a lower loan share | Standard home loan rules |
VAT treatment depends on your situation, so take tax advice before you buy. Use our mortgage calculator for a rough idea of payments, then ask a bank about commercial terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of an office in Dubai?
Where are the new commercial projects in Dubai?
Can foreigners buy commercial property in Dubai?
Do I pay VAT on a commercial property in Dubai?
What does shell and core mean?
Talk to SMS Realty
Tell us your budget, and whether you want rental income or space for your own business. We will compare new commercial projects with ready offices on price, rent and total cost. Contact SMS Realty.
Sources: Cavendish Maxwell via Khaleej Times, and Reidin. This guide is general information, not investment or tax advice.
Authored By
SK Sahil Ahammed
Head of Sales at SMS Realty, working with buyers and investors on Dubai off-plan and ready property.