Big tech occupiers in Riyadh typically cluster in Diplomatic Quarter, plan ~160 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 ~160 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.

Big tech office space in Riyadh

Big tech occupiers in Riyadh typically cluster in Diplomatic Quarter, plan ~160 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 ~160 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

Big tech 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 big tech 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 160 sqft per seat blended (workstation + circulation + amenity). A 100-headcount big tech office in Riyadh typically targets 16,000 sqft of leasable area.

Talent angle

Engineering campuses gravitate to creative-class submarkets adjacent to public transit, universities, and dense talent housing. 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

cityRiyadh
industryBig tech
naics518210, 541511, 541512
preferredSubmarketDiplomatic Quarter
preferredFitoutSpecHigh-end
fitoutBand$5500–8200/sqft
sqftPerSeat160
classARentLocal2200 SAR/sqft/yr
classARentUsd$55/sqft/yr
vacancyPct4.6%
typicalLeaseYears5
typicalRentFreeMonths4
talentIndex78
corporateTaxPct20%

Frequently asked questions

Where do big tech 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 big tech occupiers run in Riyadh?
Typically high-end at $5500–8200/sqft.
How much office space per seat should a big tech occupier plan in Riyadh?
Plan ~160 sqft per seat blended. A 100-person team typically takes 16,000 sqft.
What NAICS codes describe the big tech vertical?
Representative NAICS 2022 codes: 518210, 541511, 541512.
What is the talent index in Riyadh?
78/100. Use the city profile for full detail.

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Editorial provenance

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

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