Dubai ($39/sqft, 5.8% vacancy) and Zurich ($105/sqft, 3.8% vacancy) compete on different axes: Dubai on rent and tax and Zurich on talent depth.
Dubai ($39/sqft, 5.8% vacancy) and Zurich ($105/sqft, 3.8% vacancy) compete on different axes: Dubai on rent and tax and Zurich on talent depth.
| Metric | Dubai | Zurich |
|---|---|---|
| Region | EMEA | EMEA |
| Country | United Arab Emirates | Switzerland |
| Class A rent (USD/sqft/yr) | $39 | $105 |
| Class A rent (local) | 145 AED | 95 CHF |
| Vacancy | 5.8% | 3.8% |
| Trend | rising | flat |
| Prime yield | 7.5% | 3.2% |
| Premium flex / seat / month (USD) | $980 | $1,280 |
| Submarkets covered | 6 | 5 |
| Corporate tax | 9% | 19.7% |
| Metric | Dubai | Zurich |
|---|---|---|
| Typical term | 3 yrs | 7 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. | Standard 5-10 year leases. Rent indexed to Swiss CPI annually. Nebenkosten billed separately. Cautio (deposit) of 3-6 months standard. Cantonal stamp duty applies. |
| 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). | Effective combined federal + cantonal + municipal corporate tax in Zurich approximately 19.7%. Switzerland's tax cooperation regimes for multinationals (e.g. Patent Box) are meaningful. |
| Metric | Dubai | Zurich |
|---|---|---|
| Talent index (0–100) | 78 | 96 |
| Talent note | Deepest cross-border financial-services and consulting talent pool in the Middle East. Average all-in compensation indexes 78. | Deepest financial and pharma talent pool in continental Europe per capita. Average all-in compensation indexes 96. |
Dubai: Dubai Metro Red Line connects DIFC, Downtown, Internet City. Etihad Rail commuter network is in development.
Zurich: Zurich Hauptbahnhof anchors SBB and S-Bahn. Tram network covers the central city. Zurich Airport is 12 minutes by S-Bahn.
Dubai is the cheaper Class A market on a USD basis.
Zurich has the deeper talent index (96/100 vs 78/100).
Dubai has the lower headline corporate tax (9% vs 19.7%). Local incentives can change the effective rate materially.
Dubai typical term is 3 years with 3 months free; Zurich runs 7 years with 6 months free.
Dubai: Dubai Metro Red Line connects DIFC, Downtown, Internet City. Etihad Rail commuter network is in development. Zurich: Zurich Hauptbahnhof anchors SBB and S-Bahn. Tram network covers the central city. Zurich Airport is 12 minutes by S-Bahn.
Score Dubai, Zurich 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.