CRC COMMERCIAL PROPERTY MARKET REPORT Q2 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

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

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.

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

The first thing that comes into mind when someone mentions Dubai is the riches, the glamour, and the glitz. Dubai is a prime example of development at its best. The city of deserts has shifted into giant skyscrapers and shopping malls. And one of the top attractions and the world’s most significant building, The Burj Khalifa, is in this city.It is a no-brainer why people prefer having a lucrative career in this city. Due to many employee advantages and revenue proposals, it is an option that is hard to say no to. However, when the discussion is about Commercial And Business Insurance, you need to understand that it is that kind of insurance that provides you with the required solutions for the industrial sector. Be it logistics, telecommunication, production, and textile, Commercial and business insurance in Dubai offers the much-needed safety net for business when it arrives.Now that you have the basic understanding of commercial business insurance, it is equally essential that you have the basic knowledge of many types of insurance out there to know and understand this insurance for a clear emphasis. The type of Commercial and business insurance depends on a multitude of aspects. That being said, here are some of the Commercial and business insurance that you need to know:1. General Liability InsuranceOkay! Let’s start with one of the most well-known business insurance, General Liability Insurance. So what is General Liability Insurance? General Liability Insurance is there to assist you in protecting or safeguarding your business or organization from any claims it has caused.For instance, it can be a physical injury of an employee or other members; General Liability Insurance is there for you. Or accidental damage of properties or belongings of any of your employees and co-workers, General Liability Insurance is there! It also comes into your assistance regarding times of a personal injury. General Liability Insurance is as essential as it can be in the business world. 2. Professional Liability InsuranceNobody in this world is perfect. Everyone has their flaws, and not a single person in this world can always be at the top of their work without making a single mistake. We are all human beings, and at some point in our lives, we do make a mistake. But a mistake is a mistake. And this is where professional liability insurance comes in to help you.In your business venture, there are times when you fail to deliver your promise to the utmost extent you can, or you slip and make a mistake with a service that you provide. Professional Liability insurance in Dubai helps you deal with those lawsuits regarding that. While many professionals are familiar with the term professional Liability Insurance, it is often regarded as Errors and Omissions Insurance, which, if you ask, makes total sense. 3. Commercial Property InsuranceIs it one of those things that your fight with your landlord regarding the apartment you have been living in? Well, not really. This is a big misconception among the people outside when they first hear such a term.Let’s say there’s a building that you rented when you first moved into Dubai. And over time, you are growing as your business. What Commercial property insurance does is it protects or safeguards your rented building and the many of the pieces of equipment that you use daily as an integral part of your business.Please remember this insurance does not cover you from any natural disasters. If you wish to get such insurance, it is highly suggested you look for a separate policy to aid you in those worries. 4. Data Breach InsuranceWe live in a world of technology. And technology is constantly evolving. Unfortunately, so does the risk of data breaching. No business in this world currently does not depend on or revolve around technology. Due to the immense benefits it brings, it is no wonder why technology is an integral part of your business. But with that comes more risk. And data breach insurance is here for you.It assists you and your business when there is a data breach and personal or confidential information regarding your business has either been stolen or lost. Though it can’t be undone, Data breach insurance may help you let the impacted individuals know about the incident. It also takes the initiative to produce a public relations campaign. It is often also known as cyber coverage insurance. 5. Shopkeeper’s InsuranceNow that you have understood the business insurance, let us go into Commercial insurance in Dubai. At the top of the list, there is shopkeeper insurance. If you own a small business or retail, you are most likely supposed to be familiar with many insurances covering different aspects.According to the policy phraseology, this insurance program covers shop structures and goods, home invasions, theft, cash coverage, bicycles, signages, luggage, personal injuries, and liability. 6. Liability InsuranceIn Dubai, there is not a single person in the sector who does not know the full extent of liability insurance. There are quite a few compelling liability insurances that offer so much. Each one is different from the next. You can do your research and have the best one on your side that you think will fit your requirements.This type of coverage is primarily designed to protect major multinational corporations from commercial liability concerns in a variety of locations throughout the world. It usually includes bodily harm, damage to infrastructure, potential litigation, clinical studies, product recalls, and workers’ insurance, among other things. 7. Employee Benefit InsuranceEmployees and workers are the strong pillars of a successful business. Happy and motivated employees lead up to better results. It is one of the most important mantras for successful businesses. And an employer benefit insurance guarantees you, happy employees.These plans, such as corporate medicare advantage plans or corporate accident insurance policies, will preferably offer health insurance coverage to firms’ workers. 8. Bankers Indemnity InsuranceAs you know, Dubai is an ever-evolving city. Gone are those days when the first thing that comes into mind while mentioning Dubai was the desert. The city is now the pinnacle of development. And with growth comes many different banks throughout the city. And banker’s indemnity insurance in the city is the perfect thing to complement these big banks.These plans are directed at banks and encompass all bank locations. The policies cover money or assets lost on facilities, transportation, fraud, deceit, hypothecated commodities, recorded postal losses, and appraisers. 9. Personnel Compensation InsuranceMany in the sector are under the impression that they don’t need any worker compensation insurance as the work premises are so enhanced there won’t be any necessity. But the danger doesn’t come with a warning. No matter how safe your workplace is, you can never know when a disaster will happen. And thinking about buying your way out of it, everything it happens is a big NO.Workers ‘ compensation insurance is usually required for a corporation with more than one worker. When considering the cost of an employee’s compensation policy relative to the expected lawsuit price, it’s clear that being assertive with adequate coverage is the way to go. Out-of-pocket costs that are usually handled by an employees’ compensation policy – from lost earnings to healthcare – can result in significant losses for a corporation. Catastrophe or severe injuries may – and do – occur in even the most meticulous and healthiest work conditions. Therefore, it’s always best to be protected and ready for any eventuality, no matter how unlikely. 10. Erection of All Risk InsuranceMachines and machinery are an integral part of any organization regardless of whether your corporation is technical or non-technical. And no machine is perfect, and not all installations are done right. Therefore, at the darkest times regarding technology, it is a must to have all-risk insurance.This policy provides you coverage regarding machinery and any installation or equipment damage that comes your way. It is highly recommended to have it at your disposal. It protects the contractor and the employer from physical harm on the premises. In addition to all these, this insurance policy also provides coverage to third parties. ConclusionDubai is indeed the city of glamour and glitz. In addition to being your perfect gateway, this city has much more to offer regarding business and insurance. And the development of the city is a perfect example of it. Insurance in Dubai protects your business from various dangers that may arise during routine operations. Choosing the right commercial or company insurance can be difficult, but knowing what to look for can help. Give the article a read to explore more about the various kinds of insurance available in Dubai. Irrespective of the requirement, you will find the perfect insurance plan of your choice.