Dubai ($39/sqft, 5.8% vacancy) and Singapore ($102/sqft, 5.4% vacancy) compete on different axes: Dubai on rent and tax and Singapore on talent depth.
Dubai ($39/sqft, 5.8% vacancy) and Singapore ($102/sqft, 5.4% vacancy) compete on different axes: Dubai on rent and tax and Singapore on talent depth.
| Metric | Dubai | Singapore |
|---|---|---|
| Region | EMEA | APAC |
| Country | United Arab Emirates | Singapore |
| Class A rent (USD/sqft/yr) | $39 | $102 |
| Class A rent (local) | 145 AED | 138 SGD |
| Vacancy | 5.8% | 5.4% |
| Trend | rising | rising |
| Prime yield | 7.5% | 3.6% |
| Premium flex / seat / month (USD) | $980 | $1,180 |
| Submarkets covered | 6 | 6 |
| Corporate tax | 9% | 17% |
| Metric | Dubai | Singapore |
|---|---|---|
| Typical term | 3 yrs | 4 yrs |
| Typical rent-free | 3 mos | 6 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. | Singapore leases are typically 3-5 years, gross-rent based with the landlord covering most operating expenses inside the rent. Rent-free of 4-9 months on a 5-year term is standard. Rent reviews on renewal are open-market. Bank guarantees of 3-6 months are routine. Reinstatement at lease-end is contractual and usually significant — budget for it. |
| 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 of 17%, with a partial tax exemption for the first SGD 200,000 of chargeable income. A network of double-tax treaties and the Singapore Variable Capital Company (VCC) regime make Singapore particularly attractive for fund managers and family offices. |
| Metric | Dubai | Singapore |
|---|---|---|
| Talent index (0–100) | 78 | 92 |
| Talent note | Deepest cross-border financial-services and consulting talent pool in the Middle East. Average all-in compensation indexes 78. | Premium APAC talent hub. Average all-in compensation indexes 92 vs. New York's 100. |
Dubai: Dubai Metro Red Line connects DIFC, Downtown, Internet City. Etihad Rail commuter network is in development.
Singapore: The MRT network reaches every CBD address. Changi Airport is 20 minutes by MRT or taxi. Jurong Region Line and Cross Island Line expansions are extending the catchment.
Dubai is the cheaper Class A market on a USD basis.
Singapore has the deeper talent index (92/100 vs 78/100).
Dubai has the lower headline corporate tax (9% vs 17%). Local incentives can change the effective rate materially.
Dubai typical term is 3 years with 3 months free; Singapore runs 4 years with 6 months free.
Dubai: Dubai Metro Red Line connects DIFC, Downtown, Internet City. Etihad Rail commuter network is in development. Singapore: The MRT network reaches every CBD address. Changi Airport is 20 minutes by MRT or taxi. Jurong Region Line and Cross Island Line expansions are extending the catchment.
Score Dubai, Singapore 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.