The commercial real-estate sector in Dubai is sending a strong signal of sales, in Q3 2025, with total sales reaching an impressive AED 30.38 billion ($8.27 billion), by 31% year-on-year increase compared to the same period last year. With core business hubs like Business Bay and Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) leading the charge. Whether you’re an investor, occupier, or service provider, understanding the reasons and how this plays out can help you capitalise on the momentum.

In this article, we’ll break down:

• 31% Growth in Dubai Commercial Property Sales
  
• Why Business Bay & JLT are standout sub-markets
  
• key segments (office, retail, off-plan) and trends
  
• Implications for investors, tenants, and service-providers
  
• actionable takeaways if you’re operating in or entering Dubai’s commercial space

1. 31% Growth in Dubai Commercial Property Sales

What the data shows

• Total commercial property sales in Dubai reached AED 30.38 billion in Q3 2025 — reflecting a 31 % increase compared with the same period last year.
  
• The office segment was strong: sales of AED 3.1 billion across 1,153 units in Q3, an 18% increase from the previous quarter and a remarkable 93% year-on-year growth.
  
• Transaction volumes also rose: e.g., the number of office deals. The number of transactions rose 19% quarter-on-quarter and 45% year-on-year

Why the figure matters

This kind of growth indicates more than a temporary spike — it signals:

• High investor confidence in Dubai’s commercial real estate market.
• Companies and occupiers are willing to buy rather than lease or set up offices in growth districts.
• Limited premium supply in high-demand areas, which pushes values upward. For example, the office market is described as “exceptionally strong” by the area manager of CRC Property in JLT.

2. Business Bay & JLT: Why They Are Leading

Business Bay

• Business Bay recorded 328 office transactions in Q3.
• Its strong performance is driven by strategic location, modern infrastructure & brand-new office stock.
• As vacancies in older districts tighten, occupiers and investors look to Business Bay for newer product, accessibility, and amenities.
  

Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT)

• JLT completed 277 office deals in Q3, placing it second in volume among Dubai’s districts.
• According to the JLT Area Manager at CRC Property, the robust performance in Q3 highlights sustained structural demand rather than a temporary market upswing. He noted that Dubai’s office market maintained exceptional strength throughout Q3 2025, driven primarily by record interest in Grade A and ESG-compliant office towers.

3. Segment Breakdown & Key Trends

Office space

• The sharpest growth: offices hit AED 3.1 billion in Q3.
• Volume & value both up: 45 % increase in number of transactions, 93 % increase in value year-on-year.
• Drivers: demand for Grade-A, ESG-compliant buildings; low vacancy; corporations relocating or expanding.
  

Retail & mixed-use

• The retail segment also rebounded strongly: one report notes a 55 % year-on-year rise in retail transaction value in Q3.
• Off-plan commercial deals: AED 2.4 billion across 1,101 deals in Q3.
  

Supply and rental dynamics

• New supply pipeline: ~680,000 sqm office space expected by 2027.
• Vacancy levels remain low in prime areas; this scarcity supports both rents and capital values.

4. Implications for Stakeholders

Investors

• High-growth district bias: Focus on hubs like Business Bay & JLT for the strong liquidity and value appreciation.
• Off-plan and niche product: The surge in off-plan commercial activity suggests opportunity, but also risk in execution.

Service-Providers (Consultants, Brokers, Fit-out firms)

• Hot district focus: Prioritise Business Bay & JLT in marketing and networking.
• Value-added services: ESG-compliance, modern fit-out, and flexible workspace options will be in demand.
• Monitoring pipeline: Stay informed on upcoming stock (2027 and beyond) so you can advise clients on timing and risk.
  

5. Actionable Takeaways & Checklist

• If you’re considering entering the Dubai commercial market now, align your property search with growth districts (Business Bay, JLT).
• Do your due diligence on premium assets: condition, status (freehold vs leasehold), building grade and certifications.
• Consider timing: With supply coming and values already high, assess the risk of near-term yield compression.
• For occupiers needing new space: Evaluate whether buying now locks you in at a favourable rate vs longer-term leasing risks.
• For service-providers: Craft offerings around ESG, flexible leases, modern workspace, and tenant experience. These are increasingly backed by demand.
  

Conclusion

The jump in sales reflects a real shift in commercial property dynamics in Dubai. Value growth, volume growth, and district-level leadership by Business Bay and JLT all point to a maturing, confident market.

If you’re involved in Dubai’s commercial real estate — whether as investor, occupier or advisor — the window is open now. The key is to move smart: target the high-momentum districts, evaluate product quality, and plan for near-term execution rather than speculative long-term waits.