Abu Dhabi's Office Market YTD: Rising Demand and Prime Locations

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.

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.    

Tecom Group has made headlines with its substantial $463 million investment to acquire and develop key commercial and industrial properties in Dubai. This strategic move includes acquiring two office buildings in Dubai Internet City and a significant land parcel in Dubai Industrial City from Dubai Holding Asset Management (DHAM). Additionally, Tecom will develop six new office buildings in Dubai Design District (d3) to cater to the burgeoning demand from the design, fashion, and creative sectors. This development underscores Tecom's commitment to enhancing Dubai's commercial real estate market and supporting its growth prospects.Tecom Group's Acquisition of Two Grade A Office TowersOne of the cornerstone elements of this investment involves acquiring two grade A office buildings in Dubai Internet City from DHAM for Dh420 million. These properties, offering a gross leasable area of 334,000 sq ft, are highly occupied and house esteemed regional and international tech companies. The high occupancy levels and premium tenant mix indicate strong, stable returns for investors, making this a highly attractive investment proposition.Moreover, Tecom's acquisition of 13.9 million sq ft of industrial land in Dubai Industrial City for Dh410 million from DHAM is a clear signal of confidence in Dubai's ongoing economic growth. This expansion opens up new opportunities for businesses seeking premium industrial spaces, further enhancing Dubai's appeal as a global business hub.Dubai Design District's Dh689 million Investment A significant aspect of Tecom's strategy involves Dubai Design District (d3), a subsidiary of Tecom Group, acquiring 629,000 sq ft of gross floor area for Dh136 million as part of phase two of the d3 Design Quarter development. Additionally, Tecom will invest Dh689 million to develop six grade A office buildings with a gross leasable area of 503,000 sq ft, with completion targeted by 2028.This development is driven by strong demand from the design, fashion, and creative industries, highlighting a growing market need. The creation of high-quality office spaces in d3 is expected to attract a wide range of creative businesses, further cementing Dubai’s reputation as a center for innovation and design.Why This Investment Matters & What This Means for Dubai's Business Landscape Tecom Group’s strategic investment reflects a profound confidence in Dubai's commercial real estate market. For investors, the acquisition of high-occupancy properties in prime locations like Dubai Internet City and the development of new office spaces in d3 offer promising returns and long-term value. The focus on expanding industrial space in Dubai Industrial City aligns with broader economic trends, supporting the city's role as a logistics and manufacturing hub.From a business perspective, the influx of new, high-quality office spaces caters to the increasing demand from sectors that are pivotal to Dubai’s diversified economy. The design, fashion and creative industries, in particular, will benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, fostering an environment of creativity and innovation.Moreover, Tecom's investment aligns with Dubai's vision to be a leading global city for business, tourism and innovation. By enhancing the commercial real estate landscape, Tecom is not only supporting current economic growth but also paving the way for future opportunities. This strategic move positions Dubai as an attractive destination for international companies looking to establish or expand their presence in the region.Tecom’s CEO, Abdulla Belhoul, emphasised that this "ambitious Dh1.7 billion ($463 million) strategic acquisitions and development plan will capitalise on the unique opportunities that Dubai’s commercial real estate market offers.” This statement encapsulates the essence of Tecom's investment strategy: leveraging Dubai’s strengths to create value and drive sustainable growth.In conclusion, Tecom Group's $463 million investment is a transformative step for Dubai's commercial property market. It offers robust opportunities for investors and businesses alike, reinforcing Dubai's status as a premier global business hub.Are you looking to invest in Commercial Property in Dubai? Browse our portfolio.  

Since the start of 2024, Dubai's real estate market has remained vibrant, with a total of 31,206 transactions recorded. These transactions amounted to a significant total worth of AED 93.93 billion as per data from DLD.The transactions included the sale and purchase of 2,513 buildings and 3,313 plots of land, reflecting sustained activity and interest in both residential and commercial properties across the emirate.We are seeing investors continue to show confidence in Dubai's real estate sector, drawn by its strategic location, robust infrastructure and diverse range of property offerings. The market's resilience and ongoing developments indicate positive momentum for the remainder of the 2024.Merging of Nakheel & Meydan Under Dubai HoldingRecently, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, announced that two of the largest developers, will be merging under the ownership of Dubai Holding.We at CRC believe that by joining forces, Meydan and Nakheel can leverage their respective strengths to optimise resources, streamline processes and implement best practices across all stages of project development. This strategic consolidation brings together two prominent entities renowned for their expertise and innovation in urban development.Furthermore, the combined wealth of experience and knowledge from both entities is expected to catalyse innovation in design, construction and sustainability practices.Collaborative efforts may yield groundbreaking solutions for urban challenges, enhancing the livability, functionality and aesthetic appeal of Dubai's built environment.Commercial Real Estate ForecastsThe commercial real estate market is forecasted to witness continued growth, particularly in sectors such as hospitality, F&B, health and wellness and the industrial market.We at CRC hope to see an increase of new office supply entering the market by developers this year, to cater to the high demand we are witnessing, as Dubai remains a preferred destination for regional and international businesses seeking expansion opportunities.

In an exciting announcement, KEZAD (Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi) has set the stage for significant growth and innovation with its latest revelation of new warehousing capacity. The move is poised to revolutionise the logistics landscape, providing businesses with enhanced storage solutions and streamlined supply chain operations. Let's delve into the details of this groundbreaking development and its potential implications for the industry.In a significant move to meet the growing demand for warehousing and industrial facilities, KEZAD Group, the leading operator of integrated economic zones, has announced the commencement of a massive development project. With a substantial investment of AED 621 million, KEZAD Group is set to add more than 250,000 square meters of pre-built industrial and logistics facilities by the end of 2025. This ambitious undertaking is poised to enhance the group's total warehousing capacity by an impressive 43%, solidifying its position as a key player in the economic development of the emirate of Abu Dhabi.Meeting Market Demand:The decision to embark on this substantial investment comes in response to the robust demand for warehousing and pre-built facilities across both free zone and domestic industrial areas in Abu Dhabi. As businesses continue to evolve and expand, the need for modern, scalable and strategically located storage solutions becomes paramount. KEZAD Group's commitment to meeting this demand reflects its dedication to supporting businesses in their growth journey and contributing to the economic vibrancy of the region.Project Highlights:Investment Breakdown: The AED 621 million investment signifies KEZAD Group's confidence in the economic potential of the region. This substantial financial commitment underscores the group's belief in the long-term growth and sustainability of Abu Dhabi's industrial and logistics sectors.Warehousing Capacity Expansion: The construction project aims to deliver more than 250,000 square meters of additional warehousing capacity. This expansion is strategically distributed across two key areas, including over 97,500 square meters in Khalifa Industrial Area (KEZAD Al Ma’mourah A & B) and more than 153,000 square meters in ICAD 3 (KEZAD Musaffah). The careful selection of these locations ensures accessibility and convenience for businesses operating in different sectors.Timeline for Completion: With a deadline set for the end of 2025, KEZAD Group is working diligently to bring these new phases online promptly. The accelerated timeline emphasises the group's commitment to providing timely solutions to businesses in need of modern and efficient warehousing facilities.Economic Impact:As the largest operator of integrated economic zones, KEZAD Group's expansion initiative is not only about increasing warehousing capacity but also contributing to the overall economic development of Abu Dhabi. The project is expected to generate employment opportunities, attract investments and facilitate smoother trade operations, further solidifying Abu Dhabi's position as a hub for commerce and industry.