Renting an office in Dubai: a viewing and proposal checklist

Write your requirements before arranging viewings

Start with the number of people expected in the office, how they work, and how frequently clients visit. Describe any requirements for enclosed rooms, meeting areas, storage, or specialist equipment. This helps a property team distinguish suitable options from spaces that merely fall within a broad size range.

Include a preferred start date and the time you can allow for preparation. An office that needs work before occupation should be assessed against your actual programme, rather than the date on which the keys might become available.

Test the location as a working address

Consider the journeys made by staff, visitors, and suppliers. Check access at relevant times and ask how deliveries, visitor entry, and parking are managed. If a transport connection matters to your team, test the route yourself.

Walk through the shared areas and ask about building access hours, reception arrangements, lifts, maintenance reporting, and any rules that could affect your operation. Record the answers so you can compare buildings consistently.

Compare the total proposal, not only the rent

Request a written breakdown of the proposed costs and responsibilities. Ask which charges are included, which are separate, and who is responsible for each service. Commercial terms vary, so take advice on the actual agreement you are considering.

• Rent, deposit, payment schedule, and any separately quoted charges.
• Utilities, connectivity, parking, cleaning, and maintenance responsibilities.
• The handover condition and work needed before occupation.
• Permissions needed for your proposed use or alterations.
• Renewal, notice, and reinstatement matters to review in the agreement.

Clarify tenancy registration and permitted use

Dubai Land Department provides an official service for registering and renewing tenancy contracts through Ejari. Check the current service guidance and ask which registration process applies to the arrangement you are considering. A conventional lease and a managed workspace proposal should not be assumed to involve identical paperwork.

Confirm that the proposed premises are suitable for your intended business activity with the relevant authority. Use the official tenancy guidance for procedural information, and obtain advice on the terms of a specific contract before signing.

Record the condition and prepare for handover

Ask for a clear record of the office’s condition, existing fixtures, outstanding work, and any agreed remedial action. Assign someone to coordinate utilities, furniture, connectivity, and the team’s move. Keep the proposal, correspondence, and handover information together.

ASZ Properties and Affordable Homes Properties are the real estate businesses in the ASZ group. Share your office requirements with our team to discuss which business is relevant to your enquiry. Specific availability, suitability, and commercial terms need to be confirmed for each property.