Dubai ($39/sqft, 5.8% vacancy) and Shanghai ($122/sqft, 19.8% vacancy) compete on different axes: Dubai on talent depth and Shanghai on rent and tax.
Dubai ($39/sqft, 5.8% vacancy) and Shanghai ($122/sqft, 19.8% vacancy) compete on different axes: Dubai on talent depth and Shanghai on rent and tax.
| Metric | Dubai | Shanghai |
|---|---|---|
| Region | EMEA | APAC |
| Country | United Arab Emirates | China |
| Class A rent (USD/sqft/yr) | $39 | $122 |
| Class A rent (local) | 145 AED | 880 CNY |
| Vacancy | 5.8% | 19.8% |
| Trend | rising | softening |
| Prime yield | 7.5% | 4.4% |
| Premium flex / seat / month (USD) | $980 | $740 |
| Submarkets covered | 6 | 5 |
| Corporate tax | 9% | 25% |
| Metric | Dubai | Shanghai |
|---|---|---|
| Typical term | 3 yrs | 3 yrs |
| Typical rent-free | 3 mos | 8 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. | Standard 3-year lease with renewal option. Rent gross of management fees but exclusive of utilities. Bank guarantee or rent deposit of 3-6 months standard. Reinstatement at lease-end is contractual. |
| 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% (15% for High and New Technology Enterprises). Free Trade Zone advantages exist. |
| Metric | Dubai | Shanghai |
|---|---|---|
| Talent index (0–100) | 78 | 76 |
| Talent note | Deepest cross-border financial-services and consulting talent pool in the Middle East. Average all-in compensation indexes 78. | Mainland China's deepest financial-services and tech talent pool. Average all-in compensation indexes 76. |
Dubai: Dubai Metro Red Line connects DIFC, Downtown, Internet City. Etihad Rail commuter network is in development.
Shanghai: Shanghai Metro covers every Class A address. Hongqiao TGV / Maglev connectivity to Beijing and the Yangtze Delta.
Dubai is the cheaper Class A market on a USD basis.
Dubai has the deeper talent index (78/100 vs 76/100).
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; Shanghai runs 3 years with 8 months free.
Dubai: Dubai Metro Red Line connects DIFC, Downtown, Internet City. Etihad Rail commuter network is in development. Shanghai: Shanghai Metro covers every Class A address. Hongqiao TGV / Maglev connectivity to Beijing and the Yangtze Delta.
Score Dubai, Shanghai 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.