Dubai ($39/sqft, 5.8% vacancy) and Riyadh ($587/sqft, 4.6% vacancy) compete on different axes: Dubai on talent depth and Riyadh on talent depth.
Dubai ($39/sqft, 5.8% vacancy) and Riyadh ($587/sqft, 4.6% vacancy) compete on different axes: Dubai on talent depth and Riyadh on talent depth.
| Metric | Dubai | Riyadh |
|---|---|---|
| Region | EMEA | EMEA |
| Country | United Arab Emirates | Saudi Arabia |
| Class A rent (USD/sqft/yr) | $39 | $587 |
| Class A rent (local) | 145 AED | 2200 SAR |
| Vacancy | 5.8% | 4.6% |
| Trend | rising | rising |
| Prime yield | 7.5% | 6.8% |
| Premium flex / seat / month (USD) | $980 | $720 |
| Submarkets covered | 6 | 5 |
| Corporate tax | 9% | 20% |
| Metric | Dubai | Riyadh |
|---|---|---|
| Typical term | 3 yrs | 5 yrs |
| Typical rent-free | 3 mos | 4 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. | Net leases. 5-year terms with renewal options standard. Free rent of 3-6 months on a 5-year Class A deal. |
| 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). | 20% Saudi corporate income tax for non-Saudi/GCC owned entities. Zakat 2.5% on net assets for Saudi/GCC owners. RHQ program offers 30-year tax holiday for qualifying multinational HQs. |
| Metric | Dubai | Riyadh |
|---|---|---|
| Talent index (0–100) | 78 | 78 |
| Talent note | Deepest cross-border financial-services and consulting talent pool in the Middle East. Average all-in compensation indexes 78. | Growing tech, finance, and professional services talent. Strong Saudi national talent pipeline through Vision 2030 education programs. Saudization (Nitaqat) program requires meeting Saudi national employment quotas. |
Dubai: Dubai Metro Red Line connects DIFC, Downtown, Internet City. Etihad Rail commuter network is in development.
Riyadh: Riyadh Metro (six lines, opening progressively from 2024-25). King Khalid International Airport (RUH) bus-served; Metro link planned. Heavy car dependency outside the urban core.
Dubai is the cheaper Class A market on a USD basis.
Talent indices are tied at 78/100.
Dubai has the lower headline corporate tax (9% vs 20%). Local incentives can change the effective rate materially.
Dubai typical term is 3 years with 3 months free; Riyadh runs 5 years with 4 months free.
Dubai: Dubai Metro Red Line connects DIFC, Downtown, Internet City. Etihad Rail commuter network is in development. Riyadh: Riyadh Metro (six lines, opening progressively from 2024-25). King Khalid International Airport (RUH) bus-served; Metro link planned. Heavy car dependency outside the urban core.
Score Dubai, Riyadh 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.