In the dynamic world of modern office design, flexibility and collaboration have emerged as pivotal elements driving innovation and productivity.
As businesses evolve to meet the demands of a diverse and increasingly remote workforce, the design and functionality of office spaces must adapt accordingly. In 2024, flexible workspaces and collaborative zones are at the forefront of this transformation, creating environments that not only foster teamwork but also accommodate the varying needs of employees. This article explores the key trends and strategies for enhancing office spaces through flexible workspaces and collaborative zones.
The Rise of Flexible Workspaces
Adapting to Diverse Workstyles
The traditional office layout, with its rows of identical desks and cubicles, is rapidly becoming obsolete. Today's workforce is diverse, with employees performing a wide range of tasks that require different types of spaces. Flexible workspaces cater to this diversity by offering a variety of work settings within a single office. These settings can include open areas for collaborative work, private pods for focused tasks and lounge-like spaces for informal meetings or breaks.
Reconfigurable Layouts
One of the defining characteristics of flexible workspaces is their ability to be easily reconfigured. Movable furniture, modular walls and adaptable layouts allow companies to quickly adjust their office environments to suit changing needs. This flexibility is particularly beneficial in fast-paced industries where project teams and priorities can shift rapidly. By creating spaces that can be easily rearranged, businesses can ensure that their offices remain functional and efficient.
Technology Integration
Incorporating advanced technology into flexible workspaces is essential for supporting a modern workforce. High-speed internet, wireless charging stations and smart lighting systems are just a few examples of the technological enhancements that can make these spaces more efficient. Additionally, video conferencing equipment and collaborative software tools enable seamless communication between in-office and remote employees, ensuring that everyone remains connected and productive.
Ergonomic and Sustainable Design
Flexible workspaces should prioritize both employee well-being and environmental sustainability. Ergonomic furniture, such as adjustable desks and chairs, can reduce physical strain and improve comfort. Meanwhile, the use of sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems can minimize the environmental impact of office operations. Incorporating elements like natural light, indoor plants and ventilation systems also contributes to a healthier and more pleasant work environment.
Collaborative Zones: Fostering Teamwork and Innovation
The Importance of Collaboration
In an era where innovation and creativity are key drivers of success, collaboration has become more important than ever. Collaborative zones are designed to facilitate teamwork by providing spaces where employees can easily gather, share ideas and work together on projects. These zones can take many forms, from informal lounge areas to fully equipped meeting rooms.
Designing for Interaction
Effective collaborative zones are designed with interaction in mind. Comfortable seating arrangements, writable walls and multimedia capabilities are just a few features that can encourage employees to engage with one another. By creating spaces that are conducive to spontaneous conversations and brainstorming sessions, businesses can foster a culture of collaboration and innovation.
Balancing Openness and Privacy
While open collaborative zones are essential for fostering interaction, it's also important to provide areas where employees can work without distractions. Balancing openness with privacy is key to creating a productive office environment. This can be achieved through the use of acoustic panels, private meeting rooms and quiet zones where individuals can focus on tasks that require concentration.
Encouraging a Sense of Community
Collaborative zones can also help build a sense of community within the workplace. By providing spaces where employees can come together for social events, team-building activities or simply to relax and unwind, businesses can strengthen interpersonal relationships and enhance overall morale. A strong sense of community can lead to increased employee satisfaction and retention.
Latest Insights
As we close the chapter to another year in Dubai’s commercial property market it is clear that this year, we reached extraordinary milestones that speak volumes about the resilience, innovation and global appeal of this dynamic city.At CRC, we’ve been privileged to witness and contribute to the remarkable transformation of Dubai’s commercial property landscape. The numbers tell a compelling story: 9,038 transactions were recorded this year—a staggering 24% year-on-year increase. Equally noteworthy is the total transaction value, which surged to AED 90.1 billion, marking an 11% YoY growth. These figures aren’t just numbers; they represent the vision of investors, the hard work of entrepreneurs and the trust placed in Dubai as a global hub for commerce and opportunity.Delving deeper into the market, the average selling price across different property segments at CRC showcased notable variations in 2024, reflecting the unique dynamics of each segment. Warehouse properties recorded an average price of AED 11.9 million, with a 20% YoY increase, while office properties saw a remarkable surge, standing at AED 3.8 million—an impressive 85% YoY growth. These figures underline the growing demand for both industrial and office spaces as businesses continue to expand and thrive in Dubai.As we close another successful year, we remain committed to driving value, building trust and providing unparalleled expertise to our clients. At CRC, we see every transaction as a story of ambition and growth, and we are honoured to be part of these journeys.Commercial Sales Transactions | DLDThe commercial real estate market in Dubai has shown remarkable growth over the past five years, reaching new heights in both transaction volumes and total value by 2024. The volume of transactions surged to 9,038in 2024, marking a year-on-year (YoY) increase of 24%, while the total value reached AED 90.1 billion, reflecting an 11% YoY growth. Off-plan transactions accounted for 22% of the total activity, showcasing a growing investor preference for new developments offering attractive yields and price advantages. However, the secondary market continued to dominate, holding a commanding 88% share of transactions, underscoring the sustained demand for ready and income-generating commercial properties.Dubai's economic resilience has been a key driver, underpinned by the diversification of its economy and significant growth in fintech, artificial intelligence, and tourism sectors. Government initiatives, including the AED 25 billion foreign direct investment program, have further bolstered market demand by attracting international businesses and investors. Policy reforms that simplify business operations, enhance investors' residency options and provide tax incentives have made Dubai a global investment hub. Office Segment AnalysisDubai's office market showcased robust resilience and sustained demand in 2024, recording 2,972 office sales transactions, a 3% YoY increase. These transactions generated a total value of AED 6.5 billion, the highest on record, reflecting a significant 37% YoY growth. Office sales constituted 33% of the total commercial transaction volume, highlighting the critical role of this segment in the overall market. The demand for office spaces, especially in key business districts, continues to outpace supply, a trend expected to persist as more companies establish operations in Dubai.A key driver of this growth is the influx of businesses, with over 70,000 new companies joining the Dubai Chamber of Commerce in 2024, reflecting a 3% YoY increase in company registrations. This growth, underpinned by Dubai's business-friendly policies and the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), has significantly bolstered demand for commercial spaces, particularly offices and retail properties. The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has cemented its global hub position by attracting major players from China's banking and financial services industry. Notably, 30% of these entities are Global Fortune 500 companies, showcasing the DIFC’s appeal to high-profile organisations.The most in-demand office locations for 2024 were Business Bay, Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), and Dubai Silicon Oasis, reflecting their strategic positions and popularity among businesses. However, the market faces a supply crunch, especially for Grade A offices. Limited high-quality space has created fierce competition, pushing tenants to negotiate favourable lease terms. Medium-sized offices are in high demand, with many businesses opting to renew leases at higher costs rather than face the challenges of relocating.Demand is largely driven by businesses expanding or relocating due to Dubai's strategic location and strong economy. Financial services firms, including hedge funds and asset management companies, are key contributors. This demand highlights Dubai's global appeal and reinforces its position as a leading commercial real estate market.The secondary office market dominated activity in 2024, accounting for 94% of total transaction volume. A total of 2,785 transactions were recorded, valued at AED 5.9 billion. Notably, 71% of these secondary transactions involved offices with a built-up area of less than 1,500 square feet (sq ft), reflecting strong demand for smaller, more flexible office spaces to accommodate businesses’ evolving operational needs.The top locations for secondary office transactions in 2024 were Business Bay with a share of 42%, Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) at 31%, and Dubai Silicon Oasis at 7%. These areas remained highly sought after due to their strategic locations, well-developed infrastructure, and appeal to businesses across various sectors.Upcoming Office SupplyData from Property Monitor indicates that over 1,400 office units are currently under construction, with delivery timelines stretching from 2025 to 2028. This pipeline highlights a controlled expansion aimed at meeting the growing demand for office spaces in Dubai’s prime business locations. A significant share of these units will be completed in JLT and Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC).In 2024, key office space additions included 6 Falak in Dubai Media City, A2 within Dubai CommerCity, and Millennium Downtown on Sheikh Zayed Road. Several other major office projects were also unveiled, with expected completion dates ranging from 2027 to 2028. Among the notable upcoming free zone developments are the Immersive Tower in DIFC and Phase 2 of Uptown Dubai. On the other hand, the onshore office market remains tight, with Aldar’s mixed-use development on Sheikh Zayed Road marking one of the recent highlights.Average Selling Prices: Secondary MarketIn 2024, the average price per sq ft stood at AED 1,417, increasing by 27% YoY compared to 2023. This sharp rise reflects strong demand in the secondary market, driven by a supply crunch in Grade A office spaces and high competition for well-located, ready-to-occupy offices.Key factors contributing to this increase include the surge in new company setups, the influx of global firms, and Dubai's strong economic performance. Additionally, heightened demand for smaller offices, especially in prime locations like Business Bay, JLT, and Dubai Silicon Oasis, has further bolstered price growth.The market's performance in 2024 underscores the resilience of Dubai’s office sector, its appeal as a global business hub, and the shifting preferences toward ready-built, high-quality spaces in strategic areas.Retail Segment Analysis Dubai’s retail real estate market demonstrated exceptional growth and activity in 2024, reaching new heights with a record-breaking 1,364 retail transactions, collectively valued at AED 3.2 billion, marking a significant 34% year-over-year increase. Retail transactions accounted for 15% of all commercial deals, with the off-plan segment dominating the market, contributing 65% of the total transaction value and 53% of the transaction volume.Record-breaking PerformanceDubai Mall set a new attendance record in 2024, welcoming over 111 million visitors, surpassing its previous record of 105 million visitors in 2023. This marks the second consecutive year the mall has exceeded 100 million visitors, reflecting substantial growth since 2022’s 88 million.An AED 1.5 billion expansion is underway, which will add 240 luxury retail and dining outlets to the site, further cementing its position as a global retail destination.Aviation-Driven Retail ImpactDubai International Airport (DXB) retained its title as the World’s Busiest International Airport for 2024, recording 60.2 million seats. Airline capacity grew 7% YoY and was 12% higher than pre-pandemic levels in 2019, further boosting foot traffic for retail spaces associated with the airport.Dubai Duty Free achieved record-breaking annual sales of AED 7.9 billion in 2024, with a strong surge in December.New DevelopmentsUnion Coop has commenced construction of a new community mall in Al Khawaneej Second, expected to be completed by Q2 2025. Spanning 70,700 sq ft, approximately 70% of the retail space is already leased.Emirates REIT finalised the sale of Trident Grand Mall, a two-story retail component of Trident Grand Residence in Jumeirah Beach Residences, for AED 73.5 million.Sobha Realty has started work on the Dubai Hartland Mall, which will contribute an additional 115,000 sq ft of gross leasable area (GLA) to Dubai’s retail inventory.Shamal Holding has awarded McLaren Construction the contract for the Nad Al Sheba Gardens Mall. This two-story retail and F&B destination will span a plot area of approximately 135,625 sq ft.Industrial Segment AnalysisDubai's industrial and trade sector demonstrated remarkable resilience and efficiency in 2024, with 35 warehouse transactions collectively valued at AED 284 million. Dubai Investments Park emerged as the most prominent location for these deals, showcasing its continued appeal as a hub for industrial activity. Notably, 30% of the transactions fell within the AED 5-10 million range, underscoring the sector's alignment with medium-scale business investments, which are essential for fueling sustainable economic growth. The strong focus on strategically located industrial zones like Dubai Investments Park reflects the emirate's commitment to fostering an environment conducive to trade and logistics. By offering a diverse range of warehouse facilities tailored to various investment scales, Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a leader in the industrial and logistics sectors, ensuring robust contributions to its dynamic economy. Dubai’s industrial and trade sector continues to thrive, bolstered by its exceptional ability to attract Greenfield Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects. In the first half of 2024, Dubai maintained its position as the world’s top city for Greenfield FDI, securing 508 projects and growing its global share to 6.2%. The emirate's advanced infrastructure, investor-friendly regulations, and strategic initiatives have cemented its reputation as a global economic powerhouse.This robust performance is further highlighted by Dubai’s dominance in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, where it secured the top position for Greenfield FDI capital and projects. Strategic partnerships and a visionary economic framework have driven significant increases in FDI across diverse sectors like business services, software, textiles, and food and beverages.Dubai’s ability to attract top-tier investors from countries like India, Switzerland, and the United States underscores its global appeal. Additionally, the industrial and trade sectors’ resilience is reflected in increased investments in building materials, IT services, and automotive manufacturing. Together, these achievements solidify Dubai’s role as a leading hub for business and investment on the world stage.
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Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is a thriving metropolis known for its robust economy, diverse population and unparalleled business opportunities. As we step into 2025, the city continues to be a hotspot for entrepreneurs and investors looking to establish retail businesses. If you’re considering opening a shop in Abu Dhabi, choosing the right location can make all the difference. Here are the top four locations to consider, based on footfall, demographics and market trends.Al Reem IslandAl Reem Island has emerged as one of Abu Dhabi’s most sought-after residential and commercial hubs. With its stunning waterfront views, premium residential towers and bustling community vibe, it’s no surprise that Al Reem Island is a top choice for retail entrepreneurs.Why Al Reem Island?High Footfall: The island is home to thousands of residents and office workers, ensuring consistent customer traffic.Diverse Demographics: A mix of expatriates and locals creates opportunities for various retail niches, from gourmet dining to high-end fashion.Modern Infrastructure: State-of-the-art facilities and ample parking spaces enhance the shopping experience.Top Tip: Focus on lifestyle stores, boutique shops or trendy cafés to cater to the young, affluent population. Yas IslandKnown for its iconic attractions such as Yas Mall, Ferrari World and Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island is a magnet for tourists and residents alike. Retail spaces here benefit from the island’s reputation as a leisure and entertainment destination.Why Yas Island?Tourist Appeal: Millions of visitors flock to Yas Island annually, providing a steady influx of customers.Retail Opportunities: Yas Mall is one of the largest shopping centers in the UAE, with space for both established brands and startups.Event-Driven Traffic: The island regularly hosts concerts, sports events and festivals, driving additional footfall.Top Tip: Offer products or services that align with the island’s entertainment and leisure vibe, such as souvenirs, high-end fashion, or experiential retail.Khalidiyah Khalidiyah, located in the heart of Abu Dhabi, is a well-established residential and commercial district. Its central location and dense population make it an excellent choice for small to medium-sized retail businesses.Why Khalidiyah?Central Location: Easy accessibility from all parts of Abu Dhabi ensures a steady stream of customers.Community-Oriented: The area is known for its family-friendly vibe, with schools, parks and residential buildings nearby.Varied Retail Mix: From supermarkets to specialty stores, Khalidiyah supports a wide range of retail formats.Top Tip: Consider opening a convenience store, family-friendly restaurant or specialty shop to cater to the local community.Maryah Island Maryah Island, home to Abu Dhabi’s financial district, has positioned itself as a hub for luxury retail and premium services. Its upscale environment attracts high-net-worth individuals and corporate clientele.Why Maryah Island?High Spending Power: The area’s affluent residents and professionals are willing to spend on luxury goods and services.Premium Infrastructure: With iconic locations such as The Galleria Mall and Four Seasons Hotel, the island is synonymous with exclusivity.Strategic Location: Positioned as a bridge between Abu Dhabi’s mainland and surrounding islands, Maryah Island enjoys excellent connectivity.Top Tip: Focus on luxury retail, fine dining, or bespoke services to attract the area’s elite clientele.Final ThoughtsAbu Dhabi offers a wealth of opportunities for retail businesses, but success begins with choosing the right location. Whether you’re targeting families, tourists or high-end shoppers, the city’s diverse districts have something to offer. By understanding the unique strengths of each area and aligning them with your business goals, you can maximize your chances of success in 2025.Ready to set up your retail business in Abu Dhabi? Contact us today for expert guidance on licensing, location scouting, and navigating the local market. Let’s turn your retail dream into reality!
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Dubai’s commercial real estate market is one of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving sectors globally. With its strategic location, business-friendly environment and robust infrastructure, the city has become a magnet for investors, entrepreneurs and corporations seeking a competitive edge. However, navigating this market can be complex—especially without the right guidance. This is where expert commercial real estate agents come into play.The Role of a Commercial Real Estate AgentCommercial real estate agents are more than just brokers; they are trusted advisors who provide invaluable insights into market trends, property values and negotiation strategies. Their primary role is to bridge the gap between property owners and prospective tenants or buyers, ensuring that both parties achieve their objectives efficiently.Key responsibilities of commercial agents include:Market Analysis: Understanding market trends and offering data-driven advice on the best areas to invest or lease.Property Search and Evaluation: Helping clients identify properties that meet their business needs and budget.Negotiation: Facilitating fair agreements while securing the best possible terms for their clients.Regulatory Guidance: Assisting with documentation, legal processes and compliance with Dubai’s real estate regulations.Why Work with an Expert?The stakes in commercial real estate are high. A poorly chosen location or mismatched property can significantly impact a business's operations, reputation and growth potential. Here’s why partnering with an expert is critical:Access to Specialised Knowledge: Experts have deep insights into specific market segments, such as retail, industrial, or office spaces.Time and Cost Efficiency: They streamline the process, saving clients valuable time and money.Network Connections: Experienced agents have established relationships with landlords, developers, and other key stakeholders.Customised Solutions: They tailor their services to meet the unique needs of businesses, ensuring a perfect fit for every client.CRC Property: A Market Leader in Commercial Real EstateOne of the standout names in Dubai’s commercial real estate landscape is CRC Property. As a leader in the industry, CRC is known for its commitment to excellence, deep market knowledge and client-focused approach. What sets CRC apart is its team of specialised consultants who bring unparalleled expertise to every transaction.Specialist TeamsCRC takes a segmented approach to real estate, with teams dedicated to specific sectors:Retail ExpertsCRC’s retail team understands the intricacies of Dubai’s retail landscape. From high-traffic shopping malls to street-level retail units, they help businesses find prime locations to maximise visibility and footfall.Industrial SpecialistsFor businesses seeking warehouses, logistics hubs, or manufacturing facilities, CRC’s industrial team is unmatched. They cater to the rising demand for premium-grade warehouses and investment-grade assets, particularly in zones like DIP and JAFZA.Community ExpertsCRC has dedicated consultants with a deep understanding of community-centric commercial hubs like Downtown Dubai, Business Bay and JLT. Their insights into these areas allow them to guide clients to locations that align with their operational needs and target audiences.Why Choose CRC Property?Comprehensive Services: From leasing and sales to investment advisory, CRC offers end-to-end solutions.Client-Centric Approach: CRC prioritises long-term relationships, ensuring every client’s success.Proven Track Record: With years of experience and countless satisfied clients, CRC is a trusted partner in Dubai’s competitive real estate market.The Business Bay & Downtown Dubai Experts at CRC Property ConclusionIn a city as dynamic as Dubai, having the right commercial real estate agent by your side can make all the difference. They provide the expertise, connections and market insights needed to ensure your business thrives. When it comes to specialised, client-focused solutions, CRC Property stands out as a leader in the field, offering unmatched expertise in retail, industrial, and community-centric commercial real estate.
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The commercial property market in Dubai continued to display robust activity in November 2024, reflecting strong investor confidence and sustained demand across key sectors.Here are some of the latest insights, based on data from Dubai Land Department (DLD) and internal data at CRC, highlighting the trends shaping the commercial real estate landscape.Commercial Sales: A Thriving SegmentNovember witnessed a total of 931 commercial sales transactions, generating a remarkable AED 9.2 billion in value. This robust performance underscores the sustained demand for Dubai’s commercial real estate, bolstered by its reputation as a thriving global business center and its commitment to creating a highly attractive investment climate.Dubai Office Segment: A Focus on Prime LocationsThe office market remained a significant contributor to the commercial property sector:272 office sales transactions were recorded, amounting to AED 1.1 billion in value.The average price per square foot reached AED 1,648, signaling a sustained appetite for premium office spaces.Top Performing Office LocationsKey business districts continued to attract investor and tenant attention, with the following areas leading in office sales:Business BayJumeirah Lake Towers (JLT)TecomJumeirah Village Circle (JVC)Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)These locations stand out for their strategic connectivity, modern infrastructure and variety of office options tailored to businesses of all sizes.Dubai's Retail Property Market Dubai's retail sector continues to showcase its dynamic appeal, with impressive figures highlighting sustained investor confidence. According to recent data from the Dubai Land Department (DLD), the retail sales volume has reached 84 transactions, generating a combined value of AED 218.4 million. These statistics underscore the city's enduring reputation as a prime destination for retail investment.Several neighborhoods have emerged as top-performing areas in retail sales, reflecting a mix of affordability, strategic location, and growth potential. Leading the list is Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), a community known for its growing population and excellent connectivity, making it an attractive hub for retailers. Close behind is International City, popular for its affordability and appeal to small businesses seeking to cater to a diverse demographic.The upscale district of Mohammed Bin Rashid (MBR) City also stood out, driven by its luxurious lifestyle offerings and proximity to key landmarks. Meanwhile, Al Furjan and Arjan rounded out the top five, with both communities benefiting from rapid infrastructure development and increasing residential occupancy.Market Dynamics: Buyer and Tenant Activity on the RiseCRC’s internal data painted a positive picture of market demand:Buyer leads rose by 7% month-on-month, underscoring growing interest from investors seeking opportunities in Dubai's commercial property market.Tenant leads saw a 3% increase month-on-month, reflecting a steady demand for leasable office and retail spaces.This growth in buyer and tenant interest signals a healthy balance between investment activity and end-user demand, positioning Dubai as an increasingly attractive destination for both regional and international businesses.
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In October 2024, Dubai’s commercial property market continued to shine, marked by impressive sales volumes and values that signal robust investor confidence and market vitality.Dubai's Commercial Property Market as a WholeThe Dubai Land Department recorded an impressive 1,044 commercial sales transactions totaling AED 10.9 billion, further cementing Dubai’s reputation as a top destination for commercial real estate investment.Office Segment Snapshot Among these, the office segment stood out, with 304 transactions valued at AED 661.5 million and an average price of AED 1,503 per square foot.When it comes to top office sales locations in Dubai, areas like Business Bay, Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT), Tecom, Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) and Culture Village lead the way, each offering unique advantages to businesses. Business Bay stands out as a prime commercial hub with modern infrastructure and easy access to Sheikh Zayed Road, attracting a wide range of corporate tenants and investors. JLT provides an appealing mix of office and retail spaces around scenic lakes, appealing to companies looking for a dynamic yet balanced work environment. Tecom, with its dedicated technology and media clusters, attracts firms in media, tech and communications industries, while JVC offers more affordable office spaces amid a growing residential area, ideal for small to medium-sized businesses. Culture Village, with its arts-focused design, presents a more creative environment, drawing in businesses interested in a unique, culturally rich setting. These locations highlight Dubai's diversity, accommodating various industry needs and preferences.Retail Segment SnapshotThe retail segment also performed well, with 135 transactions valued at AED 296.7 million, reflecting sustained investor interest in prime retail spaces throughout the city.At CRC, we see this momentum in retail transactions as a clear indicator of Dubai’s dual appeal as both a business hub and a vibrant retail destination, where demand for commercial and consumer-focused spaces remains robust.The top 5 destinations for retail sales transactions were:International CityMirdifBusiness BayMBR CityJumeirah Village CircleCRC October Overview The office sales and leasing market in Dubai is showing significant momentum, with CRC data revealing a 64% year-on-year increase in buyer leads. Business Bay continues to be the top-performing community for office sales, reflecting its strong appeal among buyers. Moreover, the average selling prices across commercial property types stand at AED 2,531,250 for office spaces, AED 3,600,000 for retail units and AED 10,700,000 for warehouses, showing robust demand and investment potential across diverse sectors.Leasing activity is also on the rise, with tenant leads increasing by 23% year-on-year. Key locations for commercial leasing, such as Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT), Business Bay and Media City, demonstrate their continued attractiveness for businesses seeking prime locations. Leasing prices average around AED 462,725 for office spaces and AED 567,398 for retail spaces. The upward trends in both buyer and tenant interest across these areas underscore the resilience and growth of Dubai's commercial property market, particularly in its most sought-after communities.
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