Where do aerospace and defence occupiers lease office space in Riyadh?

Most cluster in Diplomatic Quarter. Rent runs ~2200 SAR/sqft ($55 USD) for trophy and prime stock.

What fit-out spec do aerospace and defence occupiers run in Riyadh?

Typically high-end at $5500–8200/sqft.

How much office space per seat should a aerospace and defence occupier plan in Riyadh?

Plan ~210 sqft per seat blended. A 100-person team typically takes 21,000 sqft.

What NAICS codes describe the aerospace and defence vertical?

Representative NAICS 2022 codes: 3364, 5415.

What is the talent index in Riyadh?

78/100. Use the city profile for full detail.

Aerospace and defence occupiers in Riyadh typically cluster in Diplomatic Quarter, plan ~210 sqft per seat at high-end fit-out ($5500–8200/sqft), and pay around 2200 SAR/sqft ($55 USD) on Class A.

Preferred submarket: Diplomatic Quarter.
Typical fit-out spec: High-end ($5500–8200/sqft).
Plan ~210 sqft per seat for headcount sizing.
Class A rent context: 2200 SAR/sqft ($55 USD).
Typical lease: 5 years with 4 months rent-free.
Talent depth in Riyadh: 78/100.

Aerospace and defence office space in Riyadh

Aerospace and defence occupiers in Riyadh typically cluster in Diplomatic Quarter, plan ~210 sqft per seat at high-end fit-out">fit-out ($5500–8200/sqft), and pay around 2200 SAR/sqft ($55 USD) on Class A.

TL;DR

Preferred submarket: Diplomatic Quarter.
Typical fit-out spec: High-end ($5500–8200/sqft).
Plan ~210 sqft per seat for headcount sizing.
Class A rent context: 2200 SAR/sqft ($55 USD).
Typical lease: 5 years with 4 months rent-free.
Talent depth in Riyadh: 78/100.

Where they cluster

Aerospace and defence occupiers in Riyadh typically anchor in Diplomatic Quarter. Embassies, consulates, diplomatic agencies, international NGOs.

What they pay

Class A rent in Riyadh runs 2200 SAR/sqft ($55 USD) on a 5-year lease with 4 months free. Prime submarkets sit at or modestly above the city index.

Spec and fit-out

Typical aerospace and defence fit-out targets high-end specification at $5500–8200/sqft. Branded reception, full client-facing programming, premium furniture, and specialist AV are standard.

Headcount sizing

Plan around 210 sqft per seat blended (workstation + circulation + amenity). A 100-headcount aero/defence office in Riyadh typically targets 21,000 sqft of leasable area.

Talent angle

Programme leadership and contracting teams concentrate near government anchors; cleared-personnel logistics drive submarket selection. Growing tech, finance, and professional services talent. Strong Saudi national talent pipeline through Vision 2030 education programs. Saudization (Nitaqat) program requires meeting Saudi national employment quotas.

Tax and lease context

Headline corporate tax: 20%. Net leases. 5-year terms with renewal options standard. Free rent of 3-6 months on a 5-year Class A deal.

Key facts

city	Riyadh
industry	Aerospace and defence
naics	3364, 5415
preferredSubmarket	Diplomatic Quarter
preferredFitoutSpec	High-end
fitoutBand	$5500–8200/sqft
sqftPerSeat	210
classARentLocal	2200 SAR/sqft/yr
classARentUsd	$55/sqft/yr
vacancyPct	4.6%
typicalLeaseYears	5
typicalRentFreeMonths	4
talentIndex	78
corporateTaxPct	20%

Frequently asked questions

Where do aerospace and defence occupiers lease office space in Riyadh?: Most cluster in Diplomatic Quarter. Rent runs ~2200 SAR/sqft ($55 USD) for trophy and prime stock.
What fit-out spec do aerospace and defence occupiers run in Riyadh?: Typically high-end at $5500–8200/sqft.
How much office space per seat should a aerospace and defence occupier plan in Riyadh?: Plan ~210 sqft per seat blended. A 100-person team typically takes 21,000 sqft.
What NAICS codes describe the aerospace and defence vertical?: Representative NAICS 2022 codes: 3364, 5415.
What is the talent index in Riyadh?: 78/100. Use the city profile for full detail.

Editorial provenance

Reviewed by Samuel Okafor — EMEA contributing editor. Last updated 2026-04-15. See our methodology and editorial standards.

Primary sources for this page

CBRE Marketview reports — CBRE
JLL Office Insight — JLL
Cushman & Wakefield Marketbeat — Cushman & Wakefield
Savills World Research — Savills
Colliers Global Office Outlook — Colliers

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