Smart Money Shifts to Dubai Offices, Logistics, and Retail as Investors Focus on Long-Term Stability
Tuesday, 27 January 2026
Dubai’s commercial real estate is seeing increased investor interest in offices, logistics hubs, and community retail centres, reflecting a strategic move toward stable income, high-quality assets, and long-term fundamentals for 2026.
Key Highlights:
- Dubai’s total real estate transactions surpassed Dh760 billion in 2025, with commercial and industrial assets contributing Dh90–100 billion
- Off-plan offices, logistics hubs, and community retail centres emerge as top investment priorities
- Prime office rents in DIFC, Business Bay, and other central districts recorded high single-digit growth in 2025
- Logistics demand surges, driven by Dubai’s regional trade hub status, e-commerce growth, and modern warehouse requirements; prime logistics rents rose over 15% year-on-year
- Community retail centres embedded in residential areas gain popularity, offering stable yields supported by daily consumer spending
- Investor focus shifts toward long-term, income-generating assets with tenant quality, lease duration, and sustainability credentials emphasized
- Activity concentrated in established business hubs and emerging residential-commercial corridors, including Business Bay, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Barsha Heights, Jumeirah Village Circle, Arjan, and Dubai South
- Market supported by regulatory transparency, population growth, infrastructure expansion, and trade activity, ensuring resilient demand for 2026
- Selective investment approach reflects a mature, stable, and sustainable commercial real estate market
