Dubai ($39/sqft, 5.8% vacancy) and Paris ($102/sqft, 7.6% vacancy) compete on different axes: Dubai on rent and tax and Paris on talent depth.
Dubai ($39/sqft, 5.8% vacancy) and Paris ($102/sqft, 7.6% vacancy) compete on different axes: Dubai on rent and tax and Paris on talent depth.
| Metric | Dubai | Paris |
|---|---|---|
| Region | EMEA | EMEA |
| Country | United Arab Emirates | France |
| Class A rent (USD/sqft/yr) | $39 | $102 |
| Class A rent (local) | 145 AED | 95 EUR |
| Vacancy | 5.8% | 7.6% |
| Trend | rising | rising |
| Prime yield | 7.5% | 4% |
| Premium flex / seat / month (USD) | $980 | $1,180 |
| Submarkets covered | 6 | 6 |
| Corporate tax | 9% | 25% |
| Metric | Dubai | Paris |
|---|---|---|
| Typical term | 3 yrs | 9 yrs |
| Typical rent-free | 3 mos | 18 mos |
| Lease norms | Standard lease 3 years with annual rent escalators (typically 5%) and a renewal option. Service charges billed separately. Security deposit of 5-10% standard. Ejari (lease registration) is mandatory. | The bail commercial is the standard lease — 9 years with tenant break rights at year 3 and year 6. Rent is indexed annually to the ILAT or ICC indices. Rent-free of 12-24 months on a 9-year term is standard. Service charges and tax foncière are typically passed through. Restoration to original is the default obligation. |
| Tax note | Federal corporate tax of 9% on profits over AED 375,000 — applied since 2023. No personal income tax. No VAT on commercial leases (5% VAT on most other goods/services). | Headline corporate tax 25%. Local cotisation foncière des entreprises (CFE) and contribution sur la valeur ajoutée des entreprises (CVAE) add a meaningful local layer. Île-de-France tertiary tax (TSB) applies to office occupiers. |
| Metric | Dubai | Paris |
|---|---|---|
| Talent index (0–100) | 78 | 90 |
| Talent note | Deepest cross-border financial-services and consulting talent pool in the Middle East. Average all-in compensation indexes 78. | Strong financial-services and luxury-brand talent pool. Average all-in compensation indexes 90 vs. New York's 100. |
Dubai: Dubai Metro Red Line connects DIFC, Downtown, Internet City. Etihad Rail commuter network is in development.
Paris: RER A and the Métro span the entire QCA. The Grand Paris Express network is materially reshaping Greater Paris commute economics through 2030.
Dubai is the cheaper Class A market on a USD basis.
Paris has the deeper talent index (90/100 vs 78/100).
Dubai has the lower headline corporate tax (9% vs 25%). Local incentives can change the effective rate materially.
Dubai typical term is 3 years with 3 months free; Paris runs 9 years with 18 months free.
Dubai: Dubai Metro Red Line connects DIFC, Downtown, Internet City. Etihad Rail commuter network is in development. Paris: RER A and the Métro span the entire QCA. The Grand Paris Express network is materially reshaping Greater Paris commute economics through 2030.
Score Dubai, Paris and up to two more markets side-by-side on Class A rent, vacancy, talent, corporate tax, and premium flex pricing — all in USD.
Reviewed by Samuel Okafor — EMEA contributing editor. Last updated 2026-04-15. See our methodology and editorial standards.